A Cyber Affair

by Lonz Cook

  Heading to the ground floor of the hotel, they didn’t break their bond, the connection joining their spirits, embracing the friendship’s transition to love interest. When the doors opened, they stepped forward in unison. Their walking together gave Manny a positive gesture, it was a sign of a natural connection. And Tiffany didn’t want to let his hand go, realizing she like what she sees after many nights imagining being by his side. Her acknowledgement and his proof, gave both an internal vote of confidence their decision to chance.

  They arrived on the hotel’s ground floor and walked towards the casino. Manny directed her towards the right, passing the dance club, and a small restaurant. They walked on the main fairway to a shopping hallway, with restaurants and stores. Tiffany grabbed his hand as she looked at the surroundings, window shopping, and glanced at their reflection in the glass. Tiffany slowed her step and Manny quickly responded. They stopped in front of a clothing store and she took a step forward. Manny didn’t hesitate to follow and didn’t let her hand break from his. He stepped lively, shadowing the full bodied, curvaceous woman he’d gotten to know. Manny tapped her with his free hand and suggested a top he’d hoped fit her style. Tiffany was surprised, when she saw his taste in clothes, and nodded her head in agreement. She released his hand and held the garment for a full view. Manny stepped back, looking at another and selected one that he believed would best suit her. “Here, try this one.”

  “Okay,” Tiffany took the top and walked to the dressing room. “I’ll be right out.”

  Manny nodded in response and stood in the aisle near a garment rack. He kept his eye on the dressing room door, glancing around the store and quickly checking back on the door. When Tiffany appeared, she didn’t have on either top he handed her. “What happened?”

  “They didn’t suit me,” Tiffany shook her head, “I can shop later.”

  “Yeah, okay….but I don’t mind if you want to.”

  Tiffany looked at Manny and gave him a soft smile, one where her message was of appreciation. “Thank you for that but we need to see Vegas.”

  “I have something I’d like to show you.” Manny looked at his watch and estimated how long their walk would take them to get to his planned destination. “Let’s go out here.” Manny led the way into the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas strip.

  Tiffany noticed the heat of the afternoon. It was much different than San Francisco. She’d heard how hot Vegas was during summer, but she had no idea how the heat persisted in the early fall. Though the heat touched her skin and made her perspire, she walked beside Manny, keeping stride as he led the way.

  “Look over here, watch this,” as he pointed to pirate ship replicas, complete with crews, moving back and forth in a shallow pool of water. Boom! Boom! Smoke billowed as cannon balls were shot between a Galleon and a Schooner; beautiful reproductions of 17th century ships. A narrator’s voice identified the scene and onlookers enjoyed the acrobatic dives and jumps the crew performed from the sinking ship.

  Manny noticed Tiffany’s eyes, luminous in the evening light. He had seen this show the last time he visited Las Vegas so his attention was on Tiffany. He watched her reactions to the reenactment, and deliberately touched her shoulder with his. It was a gesture of confidence how she responded. She moved closer, without a second thought or hesitation, and waited for him to move his arm around her.

  At the end of the show, Manny gently grabbed her hand. “Let’s go this way.”

  “Okay,” Tiffany tightened her grip as the crowd dispersed. They moved safely onto the sidewalk and headed south on the strip. They walked into the shopping forum of Caesar’s Palace, escaping the heat of the street. They window-shopped, stopping in at interesting stores and unique boutiques. In one specialty store, Tiffany grabbed a purse, and walked to the mirror. She waited for a comment from Manny to press her into leaving the store.

  It wasn’t his first dance; he knew exactly what to do. Having been married to a fashion driven woman and with a young, adult daughter, it was second nature to allow women to shop and dream. “Nice,” he smiled.

  “You think so?” Tiffany turned to her side for a full view with the purse on her shoulder. She nodded her head in agreement, “It looks very good.” She pulled the purse off of her shoulder and opened it to see the price tag. “No wonder it looks good,” she laughed. “Not right now, maybe later.”

  “If we hit a jackpot, we’ll come and get it.”

  “Maybe my jackpot isn’t about money.” She responded, raising her eyes to glance at Manny.

  Chapter 37

  They exited the store and walked further into the forum. Tiffany stopped at Poseidon’s fountain. They really didn’t hold back on designing this place, falling for the decor of old Rome. Thunder rolled and water rushed into the fountain and actors rose on columns, lifting them towards the high ceiling. Echoes of verse told in old, beckoning the God of the Sea to bequeath his power unto his children. Flames shot into the air, choreographed to perfection and the act continued to its end. Water rushed to the surface and the statue was back to the original position. “They really entertain at every opportunity,” Tiffany smiled, “Good show.”

  “You’ll see more before we leave.”

  “I heard there was more gambling here than anything else.”

  “That was the old Las Vegas. Now it’s more shows for entertainment. I guess you can’t gamble all day and night anymore.”

  “I heard it was entertainment but I didn’t expect a mall to have anything but stores.”

  “Different, no doubt it’s different.” Manny walked close to her as they proceeded to another court of the Forum.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I think it’s time I should eat something,” Tiffany looked for a restaurant ahead.

  Manny guided them to Trevi Italian Restaurant he remembered, not far from their position in the forum. “I hope you don’t mind Italian.”

  “It’s one of my favorite,” she smiled and held his hand with a tighter grip. This man listens.

  The hostess showed them to a table and handed each of them a menu. Within minutes their server arrived and asked for their orders.

  Tiffany and Manny ordered wine, mozzarella sticks and calamari, and then conversed as if they were spending hours on Skype. “You never told me about your flight,” Manny inquired.

  “It was nerve wrecking, I don’t know how to say this...,” Tiffany paused, “I debated all the way here, if this was the right thing to do or if I would get a return flight once I landed.”

  He straightened, unconsciously tightening his muscles before responding. “I, ah, hope you’re happy you came.”

  “So far. It’s like we’ve known each other for years…I’m comfortable.”

  Comfortable –What the hell does that mean? Manny looked at Tiffany with a raised eyebrow, “I don’t follow.”

  “Let me say, you’re the same man I talk to on Skype. You haven’t shown me anything different so far and I’m comfortable.”

  “Does so far mean you’re not quite settled on your assessment?”

  “A girl has to be ready for any change. Don’t you think?”

  “I guess I’m watching for the same thing. You could flip into a monster when you hear slot machine bells.” He laughed. “Haven’t you noticed I’ve been keeping you away from them? … Just in case.”

  “You’re joking right?”

  “Of course I am,” Manny slid his chair further away from Tiffany.

  “You’ve got jokes,” she laughed

  Manny pushed the chair to its original position. The waitress returned with wine, water, and a small basket of bread. “Thank you,” Manny nodded to the waitress. “Here’s to you Tiffany,” he raised his wineglass and waited.

  “And here’s to you Manny,” Tiffany smiled while softly tapping Manny’s wine glass. They took a sip and went back to the conversation.

  “I wasn’t skeptical at all on my flight. Actually, I was kind of
anxious.”

  “Anxious, really?”

  “Yes, anxious because we talked for so long and I’m more than comfortable – as you said.”

  “Comfort is important,” Tiffany’s eyes glanced at Manny and she turned to scan the surroundings. She faced Manny, “And are you that comfortable?”

  He blushed before responding, “Quite comfortable.”

  “Oh, you’re so cute,” Tiffany giggled, “You’re blushing.”

  “It happens when I like someone so beautiful.”

  “I see, it’s all part of winning my heart.”

  “I swore I had a piece of that before you got on the plane.”

  “Well…”

  The waitress returned with their appetizers. After Manny thanked the waitress, he took her hand and in his, placing both on the table. “It’s good to give thanks before eating.”

  “I agree,” Tiffany nodded her head and listened to Manny.

  Manny spoke softly, giving thanks, but to Tiffany’s surprise, she heard something she never expected. “…and thank you for Tiffany’s safe arrival to meet me and Father, give me the strength to continue making her comfortable. Amen.”

  Tiffany didn’t move her head to look in his eyes, nor did she release his hand from holding hers. The place went silent to Tiffany, she heard herself breathe and that was the extent of noise in her surroundings. The last time she heard someone specifically call her name in prayer, was at her wedding. His action, his consideration and thanking God for her, touched her and released a tear from the corner of her eye. “That was sweet Manny,”

  “I meant every word.” He took his napkin and gently touched the wet spot on her cheek. “No worries. So let’s dig in as we have lots to do.”

  “We do?”

  “Yes,” He looked at his watch, “we do.”

  He waived for the server and handed her his credit card. “Can you settle this please? We’re in a bit of a hurry.”

  “Certainly sir. I’ll be back in a moment.” The server scurried to ring up the check and returned for Manny’s signature. Manny completed the transaction and pulled Tiffany out of the booth. “We have to go.”

  “Okay, I’m moving.” Tiffany smiled, as she responded to Manny’s quick pace.

  They went to the boulevard and hailed a cab. “The heliport, please,” he requested as they entered the cab.

  “Sure,” the cabbie said.

  Tiffany and Manny held hands while they rode to the heliport.

  “You’re going to love this. Have you been on a helicopter before?” Manny inquired.

  “I’ve never been on a helicopter in my life.”

  “You’ll love the experience. Trust me, it’s going to be fun.”

  They arrived at the heliport and arranged for the tour. She walked to the helicopter and, as directed by the pilot, climbed into the backseat. Manny did the same from the other side and helped Tiffany put on the headset. The pilot pointed to his earphones and asked, “Can you hear me?” Tiffany didn’t respond because she hadn’t heard anything. She looked at Manny after she saw the pilot point at his ear phones.

  Manny answered the pilot’s quest for communication check, “Yes,” and gave a thumb up. He looked at Tiffany’s earphones and turned a knob. The pilot saw Manny’s act and asked, “Can you hear me now?”

  “Yes, I can,” Tiffany said.

  Manny grabbed her seat belt and pulled it across her waist and snapped it to the one closest to him. “There, you’re ready,” Manny confirmed to the pilot of Tiffany’s status. He snapped his seatbelt and grabbed her hand and held it as they took off into the sky. The helicopter moved forward with a bank, as it rose past the boulevard and strip. The pilot said, “Hold on and look left, you’ll see the strip down to the needle.”

  “I’ve never knew it could be so exhilarating,” Tiffany confessed.

  The pilot spoke again on the ride to Grand Canyon West. He pointed to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and explained some of its history. He also pointed out the rocky mountain range that looked like anthills from their elevation. The pilot flew the copter into the canyon, while Manny held Tiffany hand and said, “Isn’t it breathtaking?” Tiffany shook her head “yes” and smiled. When the helicopter reached its turnaround point, the sunset was in full glory. She touched her chest with one hand, released Manny’s grasp and covered her mouth. The sight took her breath away.

  “Manny, I‘ll never forget this day. Thank you for sharing this with me”, Tiffany covered her mouth, hiding the overly impressive smile she had ever shown.

  An hour plus later, the helicopter returned to the heliport. Manny and Tiffany disembarked, got into a cab, and headed for Treasure Island. They laughed as they recalled the experience of flying to the Grand Canyon and talked as if it might be the beginning of an annual event. I hope to share the excitement again with him, Tiffany gazed at him. Manny took Tiffany’s arm and whispered, “If there is a reason to repeat the tour, it would be in celebration of us.” Tiffany couldn’t believe her ears, but smiled at him; it was as if he’d read her mind.

  Yes,” Tiffany said, “a very good reason.”

  Chapter 38

  She hadn’t smiled this much since college. Tiffany couldn’t contain her excitement, especially since Manny seemed to do all the right things. Her time with him in Las Vegas, was having a positive effect on her outlook. After a short shuttle from the hotel, they stood in the showroom waiting area.

  Tiffany went to the ladies room, stopped at a pamphlet stand and grabbed a few. She went inside holding the pamphlets in her hand and found herself reading while sitting on the toilet. She walked to the sink after closing the stall door. Tiffany looked into the mirror, washed her hands, retrieved her lipstick from her purse, and touched up her lips as she’d noticed how dry they’d become. She pulled her hair back, expecting a drive in the convertible she’d seen in the parking lot. It was her smile that seemed not to fade, even though she hadn’t made an effort to show her excitement. It was as if it was a permanent gesture for the day. Tiffany left the ladies room and walked into the waiting area. “Did I miss anything?”

  “Not really but you have to sign this waiver.”

  “Waiver?”

  “Yes, they don’t want to be held liable if we damage a car.”

  “Okay, I get it.

  “But no worries, it’s going to be fun.”

  “I know, I’m with you and everything has been fun so far.”

  Manny grinned as he nodded his head. “I’m glad you’re still having a good time.”

  “I am, I really am. Now do I drive first or do you?”

  There was six cars, 2015 Lamborghini, a 2014 Audi R8, a 2015 Ferrari, a 2015 Jaguar XKR, and a 2014 Ford 500. The last was a 2015 Mustang GT, each car was over 500 brake horse power.

  Manny and Tiffany selected to drive the Lamborghini first and follow through the list. They flipped a coin to see who’d drive first. Tiffany rarely drove, but wasn’t afraid to get behind the wheel of these fast movers. “Is there a helmet?” Manny looked at the clerk.

  “If you want one,” she laughed.

  “I think I may need one only while she’s driving.”

  “Funny Manny, real funny.” Tiffany elbowed him.

  The lead driver gathered everyone there for driving the exotic cars and briefed them on safety, the two-way radio operation, and the trail they would be taking. Tiffany got into the Lamborghini and buckled in, she adjusted the mirrors and seat, then looked at Manny, “Hold on.”

  Manny nodded his head and waited.

  The lead took off and spoke on the two-way. “Remember, keep a safe distance, and don’t push up on the bumper of the car in front of you. No passing! I’m sure you’ll not need to pass. I will keep a good pace so you get the feel of the car. Make sure you don’t let others in our tail of cars.”

  “I got this,” she smiled.

  Manny smiled back, “I trust you know how to drive.”

  “It’
s kind of late asking me now.”

  They took off on the trail, driving down the street to the interstate entry. The lead car drove up to 80 miles per hour and pushed his way through traffic. Tiffany followed and cut in and out of traffic like a professional cab driver. She pushed the car, or the car pushed her. Manny held on and secretly breathed to relax himself as he watched her cut in and out of traffic.

  “You can handle this car pretty good. Do you have one at home you didn’t tell me about?”

  “No Manny, why would I own a sports car like this?”

  “I said you secretly have one.”

  Tiffany laughed as they turned into a parking lot, near the national park they were driving through. The two-way sparked and the leader’s voice came over the airway. “Okay, this is the beginning, we’ll drive a few miles and stop for a driver and car change. Remember, no passing and keep up, no lagging behind to push it to catch up.” The leader pulled out and off they went down the stretch. The lead car pushed to 100 mph and Tiffany followed him without effort. She became one with the car and Manny was thoroughly impressed. “Wow! You aren’t afraid of speed.”

  “What speed?” Tiffany said as she pushed a pedal shifter. The car pushed them both into the seat and jolted forward. “I love this response.”

  “I can imagine.”

  They arrived at the change point and Tiffany and Manny walked to the next car behind them. Manny jumped into the driver’s seat. “Okay don’t let me scare you.”

  “You’re joking right?”

  “Yeah, I’m joking.” Manny adjusted the mirrors, seat, and the radio. “Music must set the mood. I’m driving.”

  “You’re driving.” Tiffany smirked and tightened her seat belt.

  The lead driver came on the air again, gave instructions and took off. Manny followed the Lamborghini in the Audi R8 and pressed the gas. He wasn’t surprised at the response but was really excited as the car pushed forward and without effort caught the car ahead of them. “Wow! Did you feel the power?”