During a business trip to Vancouver, I had returned to the Shaughnessy late one night. It had been a particularly long and frustrating day. It was bitter cold that night, during a record-breaking winter for snowfall. I needed a hot shower and a drink. Entering the lobby, I glanced at the posted hours for the lounge and snuck a quick peek inside. It was pleasantly empty except for an older couple seated at a corner table. The soft lights and music were pleasantly inviting and with anticipation, I spun in my heels and proceeded to the elevators. Once inside and having pressed the button for the 10th floor, I leaned back resting my head and shoulders against the wall and watched as it climbed the floors. When the elevator stopped, I stepped forward; ready to exit when the doors drew open with a shock. I was greeted face to face with a gentleman. I felt heat rise in my cheeks. "Oh, pardon me." I said with a soft laugh, stepping to the side and then out. "No problem." He replied as I continued down the hall.
Reaching the room, I dug through my purse and removed the key card, slid it through the slit and pushed the door forward. Entering the studio, the glow of city lights dimly lit the room. The view of the ocean was beautiful with the moon's reflection shimmering on its surface. I kicked off my heels and stood, gazing out the window in awe of it for a few moments before drawing the curtains and flipping on the lights. I slipped out of my coat and tossed it across the bed and immediately prepared my shower, stripping out of my clothing as a steamy mist fogged the room. I twisted my hair into a loose knot and secured it, then stepped into the hot stream standing with the massage beating on my back and shoulders for some time, thoroughly enjoying the relaxation. Once showered, I left my hair in the knot with a few damp tresses hanging loosely at the sides. I pulled on a sweater and a favorite knee length skirt, and then headed down to the lounge.
I approached the bar and slid up onto the leather stool when greeted by the bartender. "What can I get for you this evening?"
"I'd like a white zin, please." Returning a smile as he poured the glass and slid it to me. "Thank you."
He nodded in acknowledgement, "You're welcome, Miss. Please let me know if there is anything else I can get for you." He smiled and returned to a book at the other end of the bar.
I lifted the glass and took a small sip, the taste lingering on my tongue as I swirled the sweet nectar gently in the glass, gazing in admiration of it's color. Thinking to myself this was exactly what I needed. The day's stress began to melt away as I leaned back against the stool.
"Hello." A voice speaks from behind. I turn to see the gentleman I had met in the elevator standing above me. "May I?" He gestures to the seat beside me.
