-5-
Alyss stepped off the elevator into BRs followed by the group riding along with her. All the way up, she felt the eyes of every man in there upon her. She even glimpsed the look of disgust one woman gave the man she was with after catching him checking her out.
Before leaving, she took a few minutes to fluff up her flat hair and touch up her face, then don one inch heel pumps. She didn't want to be any taller than him. A small blue purse hung from her shoulder. Within it the bare necessities for the evening. Also before leaving, she decided to stuff in a condom. Two exactly. Just in case, and hoping both would be used.
The only thing no one could see was her heart beating faster than normal and the feelings of anticipation and fear swirling within her.
I need a drink,
she said to herself, stopping at the end of the bar nearest the elevator.
I need to calm down or I'm going to look like some girlish idiot fresh off the farm and never been laid.
"Hey Alyss," the young bartender spouted, drying his hands.
"Hey Chris. Can I get some rum."
Chris nodded. "Neat? On Ice? Soda back?"
"Just ice and... make it a double."
Chris felt a bit surprised. "Okay."
"Make that two."
Alyss turned to see one of the men from the elevator standing next to her. He was young, short dirty blond hair, clean shaven save for a small triangle of hair below his mouth.
"Meant to say hi in the elevator," he said. "But kind'a crowded in there, you know."
Alyss looked up at him and smiled politely. She then turned to see another young man standing slightly behind him.
"So you here with friends maybe?" the first man asked.
Alyss drew in a breath, then thought a moment before speaking.
Didn't even introduce himself first. Just dove right in to see if I was alone.
"Yes. Actually. Invited to a private party," she said. That should blow him off.
The man nodded. "My friend here and I..."
The elevator doors opened up again. Alyss looked over to see if Kayden stepped out, totally ignoring the man no doubt trying to bed her as he went on about why they were here. It was only one of the waitresses stepping out bearing food from the restaurant below.
"That's nice," Alyss said, turning to the bar and her drink.
"So like, if your party starts to suck, just hook up with us if you want."
Alyss took a long pull of her straight, on ice rum before answering. "Thank you for the invite." She looked at him and his friend."I'll keep that in mind."
He smiled back, taking up his own drink, placing some cash on the bar. "I'll get mine and that one for her."
"Thank you," Alyss spouted, giving a goodbye smile.
"No problem." He and his mute friend wandered off.
Alyss turned back to the bar. She took a sip this time, not wanting to get buzzed before seeing Kayden.
Just be calm,
Alyss told herself.
Walk up to him. Let him check you out. Start talking business. Graphics. Find out if he's single. Let him know you are too.
Just knowing he would be there began arousing her as the rum ever so slightly warmed her up. She closed her eyes. There he was, on top of her, staring into her eyes, the warm feel of his skin against her and in her. She imagined the sensation of him slowly moving in and out of her. How good it would feel. Then him going down on her. Kissing her—
"Bet you get a lot of that."
Alyss opened up her eyes and turned. The older man sitting next to her looked twice her age and three times her weight. At least he had the foresight to shave and not keep a scrap of hair on his face that made little sense to her. Of course, she could see him checking out her butt as she looked at him.
Not wanting to get into a conversation with him, she just smiled, then returned to her drink. Sipping slowly, hoping the older man didn't try talking to her again, she thought it was Kayden's reflection in the mirror behind the bar between the bottles of imported scotch.
She turned. Glancing towards the patio stood a man with dark hair and plain white shirt conversing with others. But it wasn't him.
Great,
she told herself, looking back towards the elevator.
I'm I that desperate or just—
Regina stepped off the elevator followed by a few others wanting to enjoy happy hour.
Seeing Alyss standing near the bar, she put on a smile. However, seeing what Alyss had on, she became puzzled as she approached.
"Hey Alyss," Regina said, stopping next to her, taking in her. "Glad you could make it. And... nice outfit. Didn't think you were going home first."
Alyss looked at her and thought of an excuse. "Oh. This. Well," she reached back for her drink, unaware the older man hanging onto her every word, and checking out Regina's short skirt as well. "I grabbed some coffee right after work. Needed my fix you know."
"Okay," Regina said as Alyss took a sip.
"And then, ha ha, stupid me! Spilt the thing all over me. Soaked my shirt, pants. Didn't want to come here looking like I just... you know!"
"I see." Regina summoned the bartender.
"Ran home and threw this on."
"Good choice," the older man added.
Alyss and Regina glanced at him. Their smiles just as fake as their interest in him.
"Well," Regina began. "Everything's square with Mr. James—"
"Is he here?" Alyss cut in, wide eyed in anticipation.
Regina looked at her. "I... I don't know. He said he had something to do before coming as well."
"Oh." Alyss took down some more rum as Regina ordered white wine, her drink of choice.
Calm down woman,
Alyss thought, staring at the floor.
"You ladies looking forward to a few drinks after work?" the man next to them asked.
Alyss didn't want to answer. She let Regina handle this one.
"Private party," Regina said with a smile.
The man nodded.
"And maybe we need to get there, see if they need help setting up," Alyss added.
Regina grabbed her wine. "Yes. Lets."
She led the way. Alyss followed, leaving the man behind without another word.
The two headed away, weaving around and through others enjoying a few after work. The whole time, Alyss felt numerous eyes upon her. But it was not their attention she desired.
"Have to say, the old farts right. Nice choice of outfit," Regina noted as they walked.
"Thanks."
"You should do that more often. You got the legs for it."
Hopefully Kayden will think the same thing! He won't be able not to see me!
Alyss thought, still believing that Regina's were much more toned than her's.
They turned towards the rear of the bar. There a small hallway lead to several rooms people could rent for private parties.
"We're in the first room," Regina said, slowing down.
Halfway there, the two paused, waiting for a few in a small group to make way for them. Among them, Alyss notice the same guy from a month before. He had on a different, but an equally tight shirt. She kept her eyes on the floor. Sipping her drink, she hoped he didn't see her. Unfortunately, they had to stop and wait. Some in the group were oblivious to others wanting to pass by.
"Nice digs," the one, overly buffed man said.
Alyss looked at him and smiled.
Please, not tonight! Not now. If Kayden saw me talking to this guy he might think I'll into guys like that.
No such luck. He stepped toward her.
"I don't know if you remember me," he said, looking over Regina as well.
Alyss finished her drink. She nodded, but refrained from actually talking to him.
"You and your friend," he gave Regina a smile, "are welcomed to join us. We're all just here relaxing."
Regina looked him over. "Thanks. But we have a private office party to go to."
The man took a sip of his beer. "Sounds cool. But if I hear the words 'shots' I might find my way in there!"
Regina spouted out a diminutive, feigned laugh. Alyss said nothing. It might encourage him.
Finally the sea of people parted. With a now empty glass in hand Alyss followed Regina by the group. A low tone whistle sprang out from behind her. At the entrance to the small hallway, Alyss saw a drink tray full of empty glasses sitting in an alcove. She stopped and sat her's upon it.
"Nothing like a room full of desperate men," Regina observed, watching Alyss.
Alyss let out a sigh. "God no."
"Of course, the only thing worse would be a room full of horny women!"
I know the feeling,
