I have always enjoyed overnight business trips but am not quite sure why. For some reason I enjoy spending the night in a hotel, eating dinner in a strange place, having a drink in a bar I do not know, and even using the tiny dwarf-like soaps and shampoo. For some people, being alone in a foreign environment is boring or even terrifying, not me. Thus, there was a bounce in my step as I parked my rental Camaro, pulled out my travel bags, and entered the lobby.
To be honest, this conference was not going to be a terror for anyone. This conference was located at the Disney Conference Center and my room in the beautiful Disneyland Pacific Hotel. It is hard to be gloomy when you see Donald Duck in the wallpaper, Goofy on the valet's tie and Mickey Mouse in the carpet. I quickly registered and found my room on the 9th floor with a window looking towards the funpark.
After surveying the room, I found a radio station, and unpacked for my 2 night stay. I noticed a sushi bar downstairs, a lounge area with a big screen TV and several leather smoking chairs and tables and a California/Italian restaurant. The meetings started tomorrow morning @ 7 am, but tonight is mine...
* * * * *
A shower to wash off the road grime, a fresh pair of Levi's and I am ready to roll. I know what you are thinking, jeans at a nice hotel? Truth is, all I wear is jeans. In my closet hangs nearly 15 pairs of jeans at different levels of wear and color. I feel that I can go nearly everywhere with a nice collared shirt, belt, leather boots or Italian lace-ups, and jeans. It is my suit. Tonight, I chose a snug white ribbed t-shirt, black Doc Martin boots, black belt, and ... yes, faded blue Levis. Although, Southern California is known for it's warmth, tonight was in the low 50's (degree fahrenheit). My suit jacket is a black straight cut, heavy, leather jacket and my scent, Calvin Klein.
The lobby was filled with late arrivals all trying to find their rooms so they can sink down and watch a night of their favorite TV re-runs. I strolled through the lobby to the sushi bar. It was filled with, what appeared to be an entire Japanese conference. The place was loud and much too busy for I. Sushi tomorrow night. Not wanting to get back behind the wheel of my car, I decided to try out the California themed, Italian restaurant. It was bright, but quite large. There were mostly large groups of people dining together. Perhaps they were conference participants from the same area or a group of Mickey supporters. I was directed to a table suited for two and sat solo to watch the abnormal normality that filled the place.
The pasta was a bit overcooked, but the warm bread and bottle of Ruffino Chianti Classico hit the spot. Feeling very content, but unready for sleep, I stop by the lounge. The lounge had no walls to separate it from the lobby. Instead, large rain forest-like plants rose upward blocking most of annoying hustle and bustle of walker-bys. There were a few people sitting around a large TV catching up on the latest headline news and a few others catching up on the latest headline gossip. A chose an aged port and a chair in partial view of the TV and the lobby. I sat in amusement of our society and sipped my drink.
"Excuse me. Is that your paper?"
In my silent gaze I had not even noticed the person standing to the side of me.
"May I read it?"
The voice spoke again. I diverted my eyes from the latest NBA scores which flashed across the distant screen, and focused on the lovely woman dressed in a knee length black skirt and a light colored sweater.
"Please, help yourself. Actually, it is not mine."
Her smile was of sweet innocence. Her hair, the off color of blonde with lighter streaks of highlight. Her lips the softer version of cherry red and her natural length manicured nails matched perfectly.
"Thank you," was all she said as she sat on the couch to my right where the paper lay. She held a glass of what appeared to be white zin and a small leather purse. She placed both of them on the small table in front of us and proceeded to browse the paper. I wanted to start conversation, but did not want to come off as aggressive. Besides, she may be here with family, boyfriend, her children. I decided to act cool and continue to sip my port and stare at the TV.
My eyes, however, could not avert from the bare legs that were crossed ever so discreetly. Her lightly tanned and toned calves ended with a pair black leather strapped heels. I noticed her polished toes were a perfect match of that soft cherry red and her shoes the same color and texture of her handbag. I imagined her panties and bra to be a match set as well. 100 to 1 odds, Victoria's Secret.
My secret gaze was interrupted by the waitress who questioned our thirst. I ordered another port and a short double espresso.
"Would you care for anything else?" My question aimed at the beautiful stranger.
"Yes, please. Another of the same please."
Polite, I thought. Too polite. She is not interested in my jeans nor any other pants tonight, I thought. A few minutes later our drinks arrived and as I assumed I would pay for hers too, she reached in her purse and pulled out her own cash. Silent, classy, polite, and pays her own. I am done for the night. Well at least I have my TV.
"I do not know how you are going to sleep tonight after that double espresso. A single shot with milk keeps me going all day long."
She spoke. I looked over to see her briefly set down her paper and reach for her glass.
"Well, I think I have built up a resistance. Plus this port will help even the score." I smiled. She smiled. "My name is Ryan."
"Nice to meet you Ryan. I'm Genie. Thank you for the use of your paper. If you excuse me, I believe it is time for me to get some sleep. Perhaps, I will see tomorrow."
"Yes. Goodnight." I could take my eyes off of her as she walked away. I knew she would be in my dreams tonight. In fact, those dream fantasies were already starting to build right then. Just for the hell of it, I got up and looked around the corner to the elevator. She got in and the doors closed. The digital number above the doors rose. 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8. Eighth floor. She was sleeping just below me. I just wish she was right under me! I went back, downed my now cool coffee, dropped a tip, and left with my port. My mind was filled with erotic images of the sexy stranger. My pants became a bit tighter as the thoughts became more vivid. Hiding my erection with my jacket, I retired to my room.
* * * * *
Perhaps she was right. I did not feel the least bit tired. I tossed my jacket on the bed, turned on the radio and sat in the chair that looked out the window. The night was silent from inside these walls. The radio played a song from several years prior. The Cranberries, I think. The sultry vocals gave way to erotic visions of the woman who slept just one floor down. I saw her undressing. Her creme cotton sweater swept up over her head revealing a similar colored lace bra. Her breasts filled the bra and spilled out a bit over the top of the sexy lace. She reaches around the back of her tightly fitted skirt and with a slow zip and an even slower time, the skirt falls to the floor. She steps out of the circle of fabric and stands clad only in her lace string thong, matching bra and sexy black heels. She looks up to me, opens her lips and... "Hey this Auto Al here and I must get rid of all these cars!" I hate commercials.
Restless, I decide to go out and find the soda machine. I am not much of a soda drinker, but sometimes they also stock the machines with bottled water. I grabbed my jacket and keys and strolled down the hall. I found the machine next to the stairs and yes they had water. I pulled out a dollar bill and a thought went through my mind. 'I wonder if Genie is thirsty too?' I looked to the stairs and quickly found myself walking down one flight.
OK, so the plan was that if I see her, I am just looking for the soda machine because mine is out of water. Good plan. I walked slowly down the hallway, past dirty room service dishes, do not disturb signs, and various sounds of TV entertainment. When I had reached the end, I sighed and thought to myself what a silly scheme. A grown man playing spy games and looking for a damsel in distress. I turned to make my way back and heard a rustle near the stairs. Next to the soda machine was the ice maker and bending forward, reaching down into the pit of ice was a woman dressed in a slinky silk robe that ended just below the curve of her rear. As she reached in deeper with her ice bucket, the robe rose up revealing a round firm bare bun. I stopped. Should I pretend I did not see? Should I look away? Should I speak? Before I could reach any decision, she stood up and turned around with her bounty of ice. It was her.
"Are you mining for ice in there?" An attempt of an 'ice breaker' if you will.
"It seems as if everyone knew I needed ice, and all came down to empty the machine before I could. And you? I told you espresso will keep you up."
"Well maybe a little. I was just looking for some water. The machine upstairs was out, so..."