Rog felt relieved telling her the truth. It was a load off of his mind. He shook his head. Now was the moment of truth.
“Oh yeah Celica, there’s one more thing. Tell Monty I would have slept with you for free. You deserve more than being the object of some guy’s stupid joke. Anyway, too bad I didn’t get a chance to really take you out and give you the full Rog treatment. You know, wining and dining you like I was paid to,” he shrugged. “I would have really loved to get to know you better.”
Celica’s mouth dropped open as if she’d been hit by a bolt of lightning. “I don’t believe it. You’re lying.”
“Sorry Celica, but it’s true. Monty paid me to pick you up tonight. I was supposed to see you for a couple of weeks before I broke things off with you. That was the deal with Monty. But considering I’m being arrested, there has to be a change in plans,” he said with a sly grin.
Celica breathed out. The moment was awkward.
Rog shrugged. “You know, now that I think about it. This thing with my being arrested, it all reeks of one of Monty’s games,” he said dryly. “I beat he called the MPs and told them I was here tonight with you. Good thing I made him pay me in advance.”
Instantly, she knew Rog was telling the truth. She’d seen Monty use people and play games with them before. But he’d never subjected her to one of his games. She was furious.
Celica looked back at Rog with a distressed expression for a long moment before she cleared her throat and said.
“Hey, you MPs, please get him out of my room.”
Chapter 25
For old times’ sake show some love ….
Pearl ran down the corridor and took the elevator. She rode it down several floors and then pushed the button and got off. I can’t believe the nerve of that man!”
“Is there something wrong Pearl?”
“Christ!” She jumped and turned to stare. There towering above her was Monty Wildhorse.
“Monty, what are you doing here?”
“Taking the elevator.”
Pearl tried to avert her eyes. Her emotions from the episode earlier with Horace Garrison were fresh. She fought the rush of tears, aware now that her friendship as well as love for Horace were well out of her grasp. “This is my floor Monty,” she sobbed out feeling the crush of the weight of her lost love and friendship with Horace.
“I was just on my way down to the main ballroom,” he hesitated, noticing her make-up was smeared. “But I’m willing to postpone it. You look like you could use a friend Pearl.”
Pearl felt helpless and friendless. She let her hand touch her face. She didn’t want anyone to see her like this.
She tried to smile. “Oh…..I… I’d hate for anyone to see me like this.”
“Come Pearl,” he said reaching for her hand. “Let’s clean you up and have a drink together. It will clear your thoughts. You need a friend. Let me be your friend.”
Gently Monty’s fingers took her hand. His touch was warm. Slowly his hand clasped over hers. He didn’t want to frighten her. She looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Pearl felt like she was in a fog.
Monty pulled her into an embrace. “I love you Pearl. Can’t you see I’ve done everything I can to be with you tonight?” his head moved in to kiss her.
Enthusiastically Monty kissed her.
“Get your hands off of my wife Monty,” Louis’ voice coldly ripped the air.
A fit of jealous rage consumed Monty as he spun around. Instantly he released Pearl from his embraced.
“Louis!” Pearl exclaimed, trying to tear her eyes away from the pain she saw in his eyes.
Louis was only a step away from them.
“Damn, I’m getting a little tired of you men thinking my wife is up for grabs. I protect mine, and I don’t appreciate men I thought were my friends trying to pick up my lady.”
She stepped away. “Louis I… was just so confused. I’m so sorry….”
“Shhhhh. Pearl,” Louis said softly. He caringly stared back at Pearl. His eyes told her he knew she wasn’t romantically interested in Monty.
Quickly he closed the distance between them and got in Monty’s face. ”Right now Monty, all I feel like doing is kicking that flea ridden arse of yours for kissing my wife. But doing so would only keep me from telling my wife how much I love her and how much I know I’ve been neglecting her and how much I wish I could do the thing I want to do most,” Louis hesitated. “And that is taking my wife back to our suite and making love to her.”
A knot of cold hearted jealousy took hold of Monty deep in his gut at the sound of Louis’ words. He’d had his heart set on making love to Pearl tonight. Louis had cheated him. No one cheated Monty out of anything. With a laugh Monty shook his head. At that moment he hated Louis. Pretending to not notice him he let his hand swing out toward Louis.
“Louis, watch out,” Pearl screamed.
Louis anticipated his move. He ducked and landed a punch so powerful to the side of Monty’s face. He crumpled to the floor.
The moment was tense.
Monty cupped his jaw in agony. “You can have that bitch Louis,” he viciously croaked out.
Louis took a step toward him poised to attack. “Don’t insult my wife!”
“Louis don’t. Monty looks hurt,” Pearl said as she cautiously put her hand on Louis’ shoulder.
Monty threw his hand up surrendering.
“Hold on a minute Louis. I’m sorry about that little remark,” he said swaying a little trying to stand. “Damn, I didn’t think you were willing to fight for your wife’s honor.”
Monty checked his teeth making sure they were all there. Louis had hit him hard. He leaned against the wall to steady himself. He hated the way Pearl had looked at him when he fell. Now he hated the tender way she was looking at Louis. He wiped his mouth. He’d make her pay. “Oh, and Louis, if I were you I’d ask Pearl why she keeps running behind your back trying to see that guy Horace Garrison,” he shrugged. “Personally I don’t think Pearl wants either one of us.”
Aghast, Pearl sucked in a deep breath.
Monty smiled indignantly. By the look of the expression on Pearl’s face, she knew she was in trouble with Louis.
He gave her a wicked sinister smile. “Good night Pearl. I hope you have to do a hell of a lot of explaining to convenience Louis you weren’t cheating on him with Horace,” he swayed on his feet. “I’m betting you let Horace have a taste,” his sinister laugh sounded behind him as he made his exit.
Pearl let out an anguished gasp. Nervously she looked up at Louis.
Louis flashed Pearl a cold stare.
She took a step back. A knot of apprehension seized her as tears filled her eyes. “Oh Louis, I can explain, everything that’s been happening,” she said nervously, not waiting for his response.
Her feelings were waging a war inside of her. She rubbed her brow.
“I’ve been so stupid. Maybe I’ve experienced some sort of huge moral lapse. I don’t know. But I’ve never cheated on you Louis, I swear,” she said as her lips quivered. “All I know is that you are always so busy every year taking care of putting together the Grand Ball. You never have time for me. You never talked to me. Or…..” Tears slowly rolled down her face. “Louis I’m so sorry, so sorry.”
“Pearl,” he breathed out in anguish. He shuddered at the thought of her ever leaving him. “You don’t have to apologize. It is I who should apologize for neglecting you and always leaving you at home with children, waiting for me.”
Louis pulled her close and brushed a kiss on her forehead. “God, I love you Pearl, more than you can ever know. There’s so much I want to say to you. So much I want to do,” he leaned his head and looked at her. “Like spending time making love to you,” he said kissing her hard.
Abruptly he pulled apart. “I can’t imagine my life without you. Promise me you’ll never leave me,” he hoarsely murmured.
His lips kissed hers again.
Pearl leaned into his
kiss, content. Finally Louis was saying things she wanted to hear. He loved her. “Of course I’ll never leave you Louis,” she murmured between kisses. “Why would you say something like that?”
Abruptly Louis ended the kiss and glanced back at her. “Because, right now I’ve got to get back to taking care of my duties for this ball,” his eyes met hers. “Which means that I’ve got to abandon you again,” he said in a soft tone.
Stunned by his truthfulness, Pearl’s body gave a jolt. She stood there with her mouth open. All at once she threw back her head and laughed.
Louis watched her laugh. He was enthralled. It was good to see his Pearl laughing again. “What?” he asked bashfully amused. “You know I love only you Pearl. I promise I’ll make it up to you, tonight after this blasted event is over with.”
“You are one of a kind Louis. At least you told me you loved me Louis. Promise me you won’t change Louis,” she hesitated. “Oh, and Louis, you will make this up to me tonight.”
Immediately Louis reached out and grabbed her hand. “Come along wife. The Pageant’s about to start, I’ll walk you back. You can sit with Grand mere Catherine and keep her company,” he said.
Chapter 26
I’ve been looking for her…..
Loud, boisterous clapping and cheering erupted from the ballroom as Grand mere Catherine and Pearl stood in the entrance of the massive framed doors. Spotlights directed the eyes to the performance on stage.
Pearl’s eyes searched the stage looking for the two familiar faces. Finally she saw them. The both stood poised and ready for the grand march.
She smiled and watched as her daughter Lacey nervously played with the ribbon on her dress. She gripped the basket of rose petals, ready to make her descent before the Junior Royal Court’s final march down the center aisle.
Pearl shifted her glance and saw her son Nicholas standing proud with his arm linked with Jade Mondragon. Standing behind Nicholas was his best friend Quinn Rolandis and Lucy Mondragon.
The Junior Royal marched off of the stage.
“Pearl and Grand mere Catherine, I saved your seats,” Mrs. Milady Egan said. “You’ve just made it in time to see the finale march of the Junior Royal Court.”
“We saw the whole performance from the wings of the main door,” Pearl assured her.
Grand mere Catherine nodded. “Milady you look stunning.”
Milady Egan was dressed elegantly. She wore a silk Hermes scarf tied fashionably around her head. It was pinned with a beautiful diamond and pearl cluster that gave it a crowning touch.
“Yes and your children too, if they need them,” Milady nodded.
Pearl laughed softly. “Thanks, but I asked because, well, I think your son is headed this way,” she said waiving her hand. “I wouldn’t want that tall son of yours mad at me for taking his seat. The boy has to be six feet tall now. Why, I believe he will be taller than his father.”
“He is almost there now and he’s only twelve and a half,” Milady giggled softly.
At the mention of his name, twelve year old Kienan Egan headed toward them. His mesmerizing, piercing silver gray eyes gleamed with youthful happiness.
“Hello everyone, I’m so excited about this night,” his voice bubbled over and changed octaves several times.
Grand mere Catherine looked up and tried not to laugh at the young boys changing voice. “Well…Well now look who’s here.”
“Grand mere Catherine and Mother Pearl,” Kienan greeted them cheerfully. “It’s so good to see you both.”
Grand mere Catherine’s hand rose tenderly and cupped his chin. “My goodness you’re growing into a powerfully handsome young man Kienan. Give me a hug.”
He did as he was told and put his arm around her.
“Hey Mrs. La Cour, don’t forget my hug.”
Pearl smiled. “You know Kienan; I think I love it best when you call me Mother Pearl.”
Milady Egan beamed proudly at her son. He shared her slanted, hooded, almond-shaped, piercing, silver-gray eyes.
“Kienan is helping with the Jr Royal Court program. They asked him to be the announcer and introduce each entry,” Milady proudly said.
A young man’s changing voice sliced the air. “Kienan, dude did you save me a seat? Mr. Louis is about to crown the queen. I hope it’s the girl with the big hooters.”
Kienan frowned. “Hawke, watch your language. There are ladies present. By the way, your voice, man, is changing again.”
Hawke swallowed hard. “I’m sorry ladies,” he said as he nervously turned and stared at the three pairs of eyes looking back at him. Shyly he ran his fingers through his curly brown hair.
Milady, Pearl and Grand mere Catherine glanced between each other, as the young man took his seat. They all knew Hawke wasn’t yet aware of how handsome he was. The boy had charisma. That star quality that Hollywood sought after. The kind that made you stand out and get noticed.
Hawke Deville flashed his most ravishing, charismatic, smile. “Hello Grand mere Catherine, Mrs. Egan and Mrs. La Cour,” he murmured in greeting them.
Pearl went to open her mouth in greeting. Instantly a young girl walked past giggling.
“Hi Hawke, you and Kienan were impressive on stage tonight,” she giggled. “My friend Orchid said to tell you she has a crush on you,” the girl said quickly before making a hasty exit.
Grand mere Catherine nodded. “Hawke, you’re growing into a handsome young man. I bet those green eyes of yours will break the hearts of many a young lady some day.”
Hawke cocked his head to the side. “You think so?” he asked nudging Kienan and looking in the direction the girl went. “Kienan man, we should take advantage of intermission and make a run.”
Kienan frowned and cleared his throat. “Alright, alright Ladies, we’ve got to make a quick run…..Ah to the bathroom.”
Hawke smiled a little and took the hint. “Yeah….Ah bathroom,” he said hesitantly.
Kienan turned and winked at Grand mere Catherine.”We’ll be right back Grand mere Kat?”
Grand mere Catherine chuckled and nodded. Her face broke into a genuine smile. “Well Milady, maybe you and I should make a run for the ladies room, since it is intermission.”
Milady nodded. “Yes, now is the time before the show starts,” she said following after her.
At that moment from a short distance away, Pauline Baptiste waived her hand and slowly strode over. She glanced about nervously. “Pearl,” she said urgently, as her eyes glanced at the empty seats in the row beside her.
Pearl feverously eyed the empty seats at the end of the row. “I’m saving those seats for my family and Milady and her son Kienan and his friend,” she blurted out. “They all just went to the bathroom,” she said feeling the need to explain.
Pauline faintly smiled. “I’m not checking for seats Pearl. Have you seen Ming? I’ve been looking for her everywhere. I can’t find her anywhere.”
Pearl shook her head decisively. “No, I haven’t seen her and the Junior Court is already over. Maybe she’s backstage seeing to her girls Lucy and Mimi,” she suggested.
“No, I’ve checked,” Pauline said waiving her hand helplessly.
Pearl looked back at Pauline strangely. “Is everything alright Pauline? You know I’ve had a bad feeling something might happen. I saw a bad moon rising.”
Pauline arched a brow and snapped. “My goodness Pearl, you hang on to every old wives tale of that Louisiana mumbo jumbo, don’t you?”
“Excuse me Pauline,” Pearl hissed. “I didn’t mean to upset you with my old wives tales,” she said, staring intently at her. She could tell Pauline was upset about something. Still she wasn’t going to be bullied by anyone.
A deep flustered expression crossed Pauline’s brow. “I’m sorry for snapping at you like that Pearl. I hope I didn’t offend you. I just have so much on my mind and I can’t understand where Ming has disappeared to.”
“It’s okay Pauline, I’m fine,” she said. She realized Pauline ne
eded something to take her mind off of Ming.
The moments lingered between them.
After a long moment of silence Pearl felt the need to break the ice. “Are you and Jean sitting together to watch Katrina compete in the Royal Queen’s pageant?”
“Huh?” Pauline’s thoughts were completely elsewhere as she glanced around the ballroom one more time. “At the moment, I’m more concerned about what happened to Ming. My daughter Katrina could care less about any advice I had to offer to her on winning the competition, or losing it. As a matter of fact, she could care less if I was present,” she said stiffly.
A shocked expression registered on Pearl’s face.
Pauline breathed out a laugh. “Pearl, why do you look so surprised? I told you earlier I had daughter trouble.”
There was a long silence between them.
“I won’t keep you any longer Pearl. I must get going.”
Pearl watched Pauline walk down the aisle toward the exit.
™™™
A short time later, Pauline looked around the lobby. For a moment she stood next to the empty bell hop desk. After a moment she strolled and made her way through to the main lobby door. It was dark outside, and it was late. But the fresh air felt good. She hoped it would help her clear her thoughts.
She walked down the sidewalk a few paces past the valet station. Cars were parked side by side under the huge grand portico. Gilded gold ornate columns gleamed under the overhead lighting. Mercedes Benzes, new Cadillac’s, Jaguars and other expensive cars made the huge open space resemble a luxury car lot.
Out of the corner of her eyes she caught sight of two people talking behind the Valet Box. She had thought that the area was deserted. She stepped back behind one of the massive columns to get her bearing. She needed to be alone.
She looked around for a place to go. All at once she overheard the young men talking.
“That Katrina Baptiste is such a whore. I saw her going into that old fart Nate Trent’s suite earlier today.”
Grand Hotel (A Geek An Angel) Page 10