She was sitting alone, quietly observing. Her long, straight flaxen hair was pulled back and twisted up into a barrette. The black leather halter and tight jeans she wore were accented by a bright silk scarf tied around her waist like a belt. The party was supposed to be over, the invitation she had received said it was to be held from 8 P.M. until Midnight. Her date, a doctor, had been called away by an emergency, he had offered to take her home on the way to the hospital, but she had been enjoying visiting with some new friends, and said she would find another way home. It was nearly 12:30, and most of the guests had left. She had been so caught up in listening to the stories being told, that she did not realize that she and a few others were the only ones left.
As she sat there, she watched the host of the party begin clearing the tables, and picking up the odd glass and plate. Some others were helping him, working quickly. Deciding she needed to either help clean up, or call a taxi, she started to pick up the table near where she was sitting. Taking the dishes to the kitchen, she overheard a couple of the other guests speaking about the entertainment for later. Unable to understand exactly what they meant, she shrugged it off, thinking they must have plans to go somewhere later.
She set the dishes down and looked around for the phone and a phone book. Her host came in at that moment, and asked her if she was staying for the "after-party". He came up closer to her and leaned in a bit, his hand brushing down the length of her bare arm, telling her that his after-parties were much more enjoyable than the social gathering beforehand. As she looked up at him, she started to reply the she wanted to borrow his phone, but the look in his eyes made her stop. Not knowing why, she replied that she would be honored to remain for his after-party.
"You won't regret it, Leila...it will be an experience you won't soon forget." her host, Michael, replied. "Now, help me finish cleaning up the den and then we can get started."
Glancing at Michael with a puzzled look, Leila finished helping him and the others clean up. After the den was picked up and the tables cleared, Michael gathered everyone and welcomed them to his after-party. The people in the room all seemed pleased to be there. He then introduced Leila as a new guest, and that her partner would soon be returning. At this Leila gave him a quizzical look, wondering who he could be talking about. Michael then began going around the room and closing the blinds that covered the multitude of windows that overlooked the beautiful garden that was now cast in dark shadow.
Leila was beginning to feel a little tension, and went up to him, asking "What did you mean by my 'partner'?
He looked at her, rather amused." Why, I was speaking of Geoff, the man who brought you here this evening, did he not tell you about the after-party?"
Leila shook her head 'no' and gave Michael a worried look. Seeing her confusion, Michael was about to tell her that perhaps he should call her a taxi, when the doctor came into the den.
Geoff, seeing Leila, went to her and gave her a hug, "I hope you didn't worry too much about me, I took care of business so I could come back before you decided to leave."
She replied, "Well, I was thinking about it, but, I am glad you are back." and leaning up she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
At this, Michael cleared his throat, gaining the couple's attention. "Geoff, I believe that this lovely lady has not been apprised of the nature of my after-parties...why have you not spoken to her about this? You know I don't want any problems."
