Thanks to Vixen for the edits and time.
Please feel free to comment as long as the comments are constructive.
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The stars shone like tiny white diamonds on a blanket of black satin. The car pulled up to the pillared entry way, glamour reeked in the air. The opulence of it all impressed him. Most invitational black tie events for charity were housed in large halls, skimping on extras where ever possible; but this one was obviously not run of the mill. The Davis mansion was not skimping.
Marcus walked up the steps, admiring the beautifully dressed women and dapper men. He surrendered his black dress coat at the checkroom and took a ticket, then sauntered into the chasm of the great hall.
There was a huge ice sculpture occupying the center of the room which had to be three stories tall. Surrounding it was a circular bar. The liquor that needed to be kept cold was sequestered into the carved crevices of the sculpture.
The waitresses and waiters wore white tuxedos as they circulated amongst the guests with hors devours and champagne. Marcus watched with detached amusement as more guests poured in. He made his way to the bar and ordered a Tullamoore Dew, rocks. He knew it was sacrilege drinking fine Irish whiskey with ice in it, but it was his sin to bear. He took his whiskey and found a seat on the edge of the great room affording him a good view of the comings and goings.
He was half staring through his glass when he saw them. They were a sharp couple. He was tall with graying hair and striking blue eyes, she was petite with a head full of honey blond curls and beautiful brown eyes. She was wearing a spaghetti strapped black sheath dress that was floor length and cut high on her thigh. He watched them as they came in and immediately went to the bar. It looked like they were a couple who had been together a while. Lots of body language; communicating their mood to each other all while he ordered her drink for her without asking. Funny how he chose to order her a margarita, Marcus would have brought the lady a glass of champagne.
His attention drifted from them as the large doors at the end of the great room were thrown open and the wait staff signaled it was time to enter the dining area. Linen cloth and fine china set the tables with tasteful centerpieces placed throughout. Marcus made his way to his table, looking at his ticket to check his seat assignment. He sat down and scanned the area looking to see if he could see the couple from his vantage point.
A bawdy blonde sat to his left, too much make-up, too much perfume, too much alcohol, and too many miles. All of which were obvious as she "accidentally" rubbed her breast on his shoulder when she sat down. She batted her eye-lashes and held her hand out as she introduced herself. Marcus politely took her hand and introduced himself as she leaned in making sure he felt the girls.
The bleach blond with the boob job immediately started telling Marcus her life story, and he was cursing his luck when the couple he noticed sat down on his right. He stood as the demure lady sat between him and her husband (he couldn't help but notice the ring on her finger). She offered him a smile and a warm look, Marcus held his hand out and introduced himself to the ladies husband (Brian) and found her name was Jasmine. As he sat down he noticed that the blond (who ironically enough was named Nikki with two "K's" ) had not missed a beat retelling her autobiography. Marcus sipped at his drink as Nikki droned on.
Jasmine leaned in and said "You don't seem too enamored with your date".
Marcus looked at Jasmine and said "If that were my date I would be at the bar getting soused or jumping off the roof."
Jasmine smiled and Brian leaned in. He held his hand across Jasmine and Marcus to Nikki.
"Hi Nikki" he said.
Marcus noticed that Brian was more or less introducing himself to Nikki's saline creations rather than the face at the top of her neck.
Marcus excused himself, "Jasmine can I get you a drink?" he asked, as Brian and Nikki bantered.
Apparently Nikki liked guys that ogled her saline creations.
"I would love a glass of champagne" she said to Marcus as he gave her a knowing smile.
He knew a class act when he saw it. He went to the bar and got himself a second and final whiskey and a glass of the bubbly for Jasmine. He turned around and almost spilled the drinks into his fascination as she stood right behind him.
"Ah, you found me" he said.
"I followed you" Jasmine said.
"What about Brian?" He asked.
"He hasn't missed a beat with Nikki with two "k's" She said.
"Hmm" Marcus said because at that moment his brain went limp, he just didn't think of anything smarter to say.
"He doesn't mind if I talk to amusing guys, we have an agreement" Jasmine said.
"Here's to agreements" Marcus said as he raised his glass to hers.
"So you're okay with Brian's amusing himself with Nikki with two "k's?" Marcus asked.
"He can talk to her and flirt with her all he wants, but that's about it." She said.
"Oh, I see" said Marcus.
"No apparently you don't" Said Jasmine. "What's good for the goose isn't good for the gander" she continued as she winked at him.
Marcus raised his glass to hers once more. "Well here's to geese" He said as he smiled like the Cheshire cat.
Jasmine and Marcus wove their way back to the table and sat down. Brian had moved over into Marcus's chair while he was gone and was cracking up at something Nikki said. Marcus sat down on Brian's left, and Jasmine sat next to Marcus.
"So, what's a good looking guy like you doing here stag?" she asked.
"Well, my date happens to not be in the state" he said "My luck " she said
"She would rather I fend for myself, all alone in this big cruel world" Marcus continued sarcastically.
"Perhaps you need someone to look after you Marcus?" Jasmine said half joking.
He inadvertently dropped his eyes, something not lost on Jasmine.
"Perhaps I do" he said quietly.
She smiled inwardly, perfect she thought. Not only was she playing cat and mouse but she had indeed found a mouse.
Their conversation was interrupted by waiters as a fine mixed green salad was set on the table. The tinkling of glasses and silverware in the huge hall made the muted conversations almost imperceptible.
Jasmine leaned in and said "don't worry, I know just the person to look after you and make sure you don't get yourself in any trouble."
Marcus smiled and leaned back into Jasmine "but trouble is my middle name" he said as he winked at her.
He noticed how attractive she was in an understated way. Honey blond curls cascaded over her shoulders to mid back. Her deep brown eyes smiled when she did, revealing pretty straight teeth. Her mouth was beautiful with full pretty lips and her skin looked like a light shade of cinnamon.
