Judged By You (Judge Me Series)

by Patricia Voois

  We drank our coffees and headed to the fashion shops to get me a dress. I didn’t own many dresses as I was a skirt or shorts kind of girl with a blouse or singlet. I only wore dresses on momentous occasions, and still I would take the first opportunity to be rid of it.

  I quickly texted Derek to inform him of our plans;

  Heading to Fire and Ice Bar tonight, should be there about 6pm. Hope you can make it still. Sav

  It took no time at all before Derek text back;

  I am very much looking forward to it. See you there.

  The first shop we went to was highly formal. Nicole had told me that a cocktail dress was the best way to go. I couldn’t help think she was hoping I would be put out of my misery and get laid. “You wouldn’t happen to be trying to get me laid now would you?” I said with a grin.

  “You did say today was going to be different, and it’s been ages. Do you even know what sex is Sav?” Nicole couldn’t help but laugh.

  Truthfully, I sometimes I couldn’t remember what sex was, or what it felt like……okay I lied, I remembered what sex felt like with him, always hot and heavy. I hoped that one day soon I would find out again. Sex was never the first thing on my mind but was never the last. I guess when you go without it for so long you get accustomed to forgetting what it feels like to be intimate with someone, to be whole and not just two different people. I had never in fact been in that situation where I felt like one person during sex. Maybe one day I would find out. Cameron never made me feel like we were one person, he was too demanding for that. The thought of sex somehow brought me back to the gentleman that I had seen at the florist stall. When I thought about him, I could still feel his brawny hands and burning muscles as I touched him. I shook that thought and picked up a pale yellow dress made of silk.

  “You scare me with your thoughts sometimes Savannah.”

  “What do you mean? I didn’t say anything.” I said confused.

  “Exactly, you never said anything. You just had this day dream look on your face like you always do.”

  “I was just thinking about this guy I ran into today, literally. He was smoking hot, and I kind of stumbled, he grabbed me and told me I smelt lovely, and that’s all.” I explained putting the dress back and reaching for the same dress but in black.

  “That’s all?” Nicole yelled, with the look of shock on her face. I think everyone in the shop turned to look at us in shock as well.

  “Keep your voice down, and yes that is all. He was enjoyable to look at but buying flowers for a woman obviously. No one is that good looking and gets away with it.” I explained looking around to make sure no one was within ear shot.

  “Oh my god, you never thought to mention this earlier. Why didn’t you stalk him?”

  “Nicole, What kind of person do you take me for?” I asked, ashamed that I was actually having this conversation with her in a busy shop.

  “Obviously one who doesn’t make the first move. Well tonight is going to be great. I want you to throw yourself at some random and make a night of it Savannah. You have to let your hair down and have some fun while you still can. And if you’re lucky take him home and think of that hot guy you saw today, and if you ever see him again get his bloody number for god’s sake.” She exclaimed.

  I tried on five dresses before I went with a black and red corset style dress that was to the knee. I hated having to get someone to do it up for me though. It was laced at the back and held everything in place perfectly. I thought it was a bit stripper looking at first but learned that it looked super cute on. The skirt part of the dress started just below the navel, and just flowed. In was layered and the whole dress was light and fitting. I remembered I had a pair of black boots that came to just below the knee which Nicole thought would go perfectly with the dress.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  By the time, we got home it was three thirty. I thought I could get a hours sleep before I had to start getting ready for the immense night out. Every time I closed my eyes I thought of Mr mysterious at the flower stand. I could still smell him, and feel him. Maybe it was time to have some fun, and see where the night took me. Time passed, and before I knew it, it was time to get ready. I showered and went in search of Nicole. I entered the living room Stan was waiting at the table. I was only dressed in a towel and could feel my cheeks heating when he saw me.

  “I’m so sorry, I was looking for Nic.” I explained before anything else got weird.

  “I’m here.” Nicole came from down the hall dressed in her silver floor length dress.

  “Could you help me do my dress up when you have the chance, please?”

  “Of course, I will be a few minutes. I hope you have some sexy lingerie to go with that sexy as hell dress?” Nicole said with a wolfish grin.

  “I’m sure I could find something.” Was my immediate response. Stan was in ear shot. Talk about embarrassing moments.

  Stan was the perfect guy. He loved Nicole, spoilt her with flowers and chocolates, Treated her like a princess. They had been together for 4 years, but Nicole refused to move into his apartment as she always told me “It becomes way too real when you move in with them,” I never quite understood what she meant by that as she was in love with him too. I think Stan and Nicole will end up married in the future.

  I searched through my draws for the newest sexiest lingerie set I could find. I found a black lace strapless bra and lace boy legs to go with it. I remember buying this set when I went for my interview to get into a college program. If there was one thing I liked about my body, it was my breasts. I had the kind of breasts that people always thought are fake. They sat perfectly in a bra and were not too large and not too small. Nicole knocked on the door and saw me eying my body in the mirror.

  “You have a beautiful body Savannah. I wish you would show it off more instead of always covering it up and hiding it from everyone.” Nicole stated with all seriousness.

  “This is not the conversation I wish to be having when I’m practically naked in front of you.” I feel my cheeks heating.

  “There are some things you need to learn Savannah Marie James. One is you do not wear a bra with a corset, and since your dress is essentially that you need to take it off.” Nicole said, I could tell she was laughing at my stupidity.

  “And before you say anything else, you do have a beautiful body, and I think a lot of people would agree. So stop being all innocent and try and have a good time tonight, If you know what I mean.” Nicole said, as she tightened the laces too tight on the corset and I could feel the wind being sucked from my lungs.

  “Thanks for the compliment Nicole, and thanks for the fashion advice. If we may, let’s stop talking before you give me advice on sexual positions or safe sex shall we.” I tried to hide the bitterness in my voice.

  Nicole was such a good friend to me, but I wasn’t as open and upfront with everything as she was. I knew her well enough to know that she had no boundaries in her personal life. I have heard everything from sex stories to annoying points in her relationship. I was all too happy to hear them as everyone needs someone to vent to.

  Nicole and I stood in the bathroom and applied makeup and did our hair. I went for the classic pony tail twisted into a bun. I hated my hair in my face, and this way I could add red flower clips I had gotten months ago and never knew what it would go with.

  We decided the best look for my eyes was a Smokey look. I had such dark eyes and the grey and silver made them stand out. I applied a little blush, even though I did enough of that naturally, and added some gloss to my lips. It was almost six by the time we were leaving the house. I was more relaxed about the situation than I thought I would be, and was very much looking forward to friend’s company and a little down time.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  Fire and Ice was a bar that was only a few years old. The owner was in the headlines when it opened as she was twenty one years old who had married a sixty year old. He died two weeks after they got married, and of course his
money went to her instead of his kids. She opened up this elaborate bar which she named after his estate. It was brick on the outside and two stories high. The bar and dancing area was made of wood and oak. I could smell beer in an instant. The local tradesman would come here for “after work beers,” every day I was told. The pretty blonde who owed the bar was always there, watching the men come and go. And I’m not sure that’s all she was watching according to the stories.

  Upstairs there was a business lounge and private dining areas. I had been here once before with Nicole for a meeting with the lawyers handling my brother’s case. It was upper class upstairs, so for tonight, I wouldn’t venture into that part of the bar. Not in what I was wearing anyway. We all met in the corner of the main bar and Derek got the first round of drinks. He had bought his on again off again girlfriend who I thought always looked like a hooker. Red lips, fishnet stocking, short skirts and midriff tops with the boots. I thought she was when I first saw her. I remember telling Derek that I’d pay him to get rid of her as I was not having a hooker in my house. Derek just laughed and introduced me to her. Her name was Angel. Yep, a hooker name. Derek did say that she was an office assistant or something for a banking business.

  “Sorry about today.” Angel said, shaking her hair out.

  “Oh thanks.”

  “I was told that you are studying to be a lawyer Sav, and thought you might like to know we have a job going for an office assistant. Would get your foot in the door at least.” Angel spoke to me like we had been best friends for years.

  “That’s sweet of you to tell me, but it's ok.” I said listening to Nicole’s conversation so I could join in with hers; I didn’t have to continue with Angel’s.

  Derek arrived with the round of drinks and I drank the entire contents without thinking twice. The refreshing beverage was vodka and orange. It hit the spot right away, and I was somehow now in the mood for more. I was determined to enjoy myself tonight, drunk or sober. Conversations flowed, and we all were having a good time. Hours passed, and before I knew it, it was nine thirty and the bar was getting busy. Derek and Angel had taken to the dance floor, and I was sitting admiring Angel’s confidence. Nicole and Angel had that in common. She was clearly at ease with her body and the way it moved, and by the look on Derek’s face he was enjoying the scene in front of him.

  Nicole went to get around seven or eight from the bar, and I excused myself from Stan and staggered my way to the bathroom. The queue was so long, but I stood there leaning against the wall wondering why they didn’t have more toilets for such a busy bar. I stood in line for what seemed like forever, and it barely moved. I heard Nicole call from behind me,

  “Come up to the function bar toilets Sav. I’m not waiting in line when there are toilets up there, the queue won’t be as long.” Nicole stated as she dragged me by the hand up the stairs.

  We came to toilets and quickly retreated into the cubical. I had to sit and gather my baring’s as the room was spinning. Either the alcohol had just kicked into overdrive, or I had run up the stairs way too quickly.

  “I hope you’re not drowning in there.” Nicole shouted, laughing.

  “I need a moment, everything’s moving so fast.” I called back also laughing like a teenage girl.

  “Don’t be too long, I will head down. Are you going to be okay on your own?” Nicole said trying to bend down to stick her head under the door as I could see her blonde hair.

  “It’s okay, seriously just go.” I shouted back.

  I heard the door open and close. I stood up and readjusted my dress. I hoped that my drink was still cold when I returned as I was thirsty. I hurried to wash my hands and check myself in the mirror. I didn’t look too bad if I must say so. My make-up was still intact, and my dress certainly did compliment my body shape. I smiled at myself and hurried out the door.

  As I stepped out in a hurry, I tripped and landed on my arse in the hall. I immediately went red and started to rise when I was offered a hand up. I grabbed the hand before fully looking up; when I did…… my heart stopped. The heat from his hand was familiar. I slowly looked up to see his face. That smile, that feeling. “Oh my god” was all I could say.

  Chapter 2

  After I opened my mouth, I realised that I said those words out loud. His expression said it all. That cheeky grin on his face made flush.

  “Are you ok?” He asked.

  “I’m OK. Thank you.” Was my response as I manage as I struggled to my feet.

  Once on my feet I managed to let his hand go and straighten the layers of my dress. “Twice in one day. How lucky am I to have a beautiful girl like you in my presence?”

  “Oh thank you, I guess.” I went to open my mouth to say something else, but words failed me.

  I just looked at this god amongst men. He was dressed in an immaculate suit. The kind that serious business men wear. Navy blue trousers, white dress shirt and navy jacket with a black tie. I could feel the warmth in my cheeks as I just stared at him. I needed to get out of this situation before I embarrassed myself more.

  “Well thank you once again, enjoy your night.” I turned to leave and felt his hands snake around my waist. His mouth was close to my ear, I could feel his breath on me. I stood frozen on the spot, unable to move.

  “At least tell me your name.” He whispered.

  “Savannah James.” I responded in a voice that even I didn’t know.

  “Such a lovely name for a beautiful girl, how about I buy you a drink, and we can talk?”

  “I’m sorry, but I’m out with friends, I need to get back. They will begin to worry.” I said as a group of business men walked past, nodding at us taking up half the hall way space.

  “Go tell your friends, you are having a drink with me, and join me in the private room at the end of the hall. Just one drink and then I will let you get back to your friends.”

  He let me go, and I turned to look at him. He had the smile of the devil, but it was tempting. “Just one quick drink, then I’m going back to my friends.” The words came out before I could stop them.

  “Good, I will see you in a few minutes then. I will come and find you if you are not back in ten minutes.”

  I walked double time down the stairs, and to the back corner where Derek, Nicole and Stan were sitting. Nicole stood straight away and questioned me with her eyes. I grabbed her hand, heading for the front door. She was yelling for me to stop, and let her go, but I needed fresh air….. And her advice.

  “What the hell is going on?” Nicole shouted at me once we were outside.

  “He’s here.” I choked out in a rush.

  “Who’s here? Oh, Mr Mysterious?” Nicole lowered her voice.

  “YES, Him.” I shouted not knowing where my head was at.

  “He wants me to go back upstairs and have a drink with him. And I agreed. What was I thinking?” I was bouncing from foot to foot.

  “Go up and have a drink with him. See where tonight heads Sav. Come on, you deserve to have a good time. We are all excellent down here. And I will wait for you.” I could see Nicole was close to dragging me up there herself.

  “Ok, one drink then I will be back. I am going to the private suite at the end of the hall.” I hoped that Nicole would recognize my worry about the situation.

  “Don’t panic, I know where you are and if you’re worried message me, and I will save you,” Nicole grabbed my hand and starting dragging me through the door. We were heading for the stair case. “You’re on your own now.” Nicole said as she straightened my dress.

  I walked up the stairs and headed down the hall way towards the suite. My heart was racing, and I could hear my heart beating in my ears. I can’t remember the last time I had been this nervous. I approached the door and stopped. Reaching out for the handle, I gathered my wits and took in a deep breath.

  “It’s only one drink, it's only one drink.” I repeated to myself. I decided to save the embarrassment and knocked, hoping he had changed his mind or just in case he was busy
with someone else. Within moments, the door was opened, and there he stood. “Come in. I thought I was going to have to come looking for you.” He said with a smile.

  “I said one drink.” I held up my finger and gestured one.

  “Yes, one drink. You’ve made that clear. So come in and have that one drink.” He opened the door, and I walked inside, it was stunning. It was large and smelt of fresh polish and leather. There was a bar with stools in front and a large rectangular table with several seats. On the table, I noticed a lot of paperwork piled high.

  “Busy?” I asked as I walked towards the bar where he was getting our drinks.

  “A business meeting.” He said as he handed me what seemed to be my drink of choice.

  “How did you know what I drank?” I couldn’t help but ask.

  “Ah. One never tells his secrets Savannah.”

  “So Stanger, I never got your name. My parents always told me not to talk to strangers, and yet here I am.”

  “Damon O’Connor. And I’m glad you agreed to our drink in private.” He now sat beside me on the bar stool.

  I picked up my drink, and it was so refreshing on my lips. I could see out the corner of my eye his eyes searching my face. I put the drink down and turned to face him once more. The beauty in this man was evil. I wanted to pinch myself, my head was telling me this is not real, he is not real.

  “So Savannah, what do you do for work?” He asked as he placed his hands on his knees, which were so close to touching mine. I adjusted myself and responded.

  “I’m in college, studying to be a lawyer. What do you do?”

  “Well I am a lawyer.” He said with a smile

  “Really? You don’t look to be the type.” The words were out of my mouth before I had the chance to rephrase them.

  “And what does a lawyer look like Savannah? Please tell me.”