This is part 3 of the story that is told in „First Night: The dominant stranger" and „Second night: The firework". Thanks to SimplySilver for overseeing the English translation of my German story „Drittes Treffen: Kräftemessen". This English version has some small changes and additions compared to the German version.
The hotel bar was almost empty. He looked at his watch. It was shortly before half past nine. He let his eyes wander around the bar room. He couldn't see her anywhere. He didn't like it when people were late. It was to be their third meeting. He had met her in this bar some time ago. She had noticed that he was reading the "History of O", a book she was familiar with. When he left the bar room that evening some weeks ago, she had followed him. He had taken her up to the room. One thing led to the other and she kinda submitted to him. However, there was some irritation between him and her: she was a masochist who loved the belt, he was more into domination and control.
He sat down at a table near a corner and waved the waiter over. It was now exactly half past nine. He ordered a whiskey with ice. While the bartender poured the drink he said something to the waiter and both of them looked over at the guest.
The waiter placed the glass in front of him and then asked with a smile: "Is the gentleman expecting a lady -- a particular lady? Here at half past nine?" He looked at the waiter in surprise and nodded, wondering what might come next. "Then this envelope is for you." Were they making fun of him? He hesitated for a moment, then took the envelope without a word and opened it. Her message consisted of four short sentences: "You can use me, but I will not submit to you. Take the taxi that is waiting in the parking place. The driver knows where to bring you to. Don't make him wait too long or he'll be gone."
He drained the glass in one gulp. The whiskey was good. At his signal, the waiter brought him another drink. He paid the bill immediately and gave the waiter a generous tip. The bar slowly filled with guests. He watched the ice melt in the glass, then got up and left. There was indeed a taxi in the parking place. The taxi driver stood next to his vehicle and smoked a cigarette. The car radio played jazz music from the fifties.
"You the one who is supposed to pick me up?"
The taxi driver grinned and said: "Yes, man, thats me" and opened the door for him.
There were a lot of people walking in the streets, laughing and cheering, some of them already drunk. A typical Saturday evening. The colorful lights of the restaurants and clubs made life seem happier than it really was, if one thought about it.