"Tom's boss said he has to stay in LA for at least another week to finish their project. His boss knows I'm pissed so he told Tom that I could take a friend and he gave us $500 towards a dress and shoes." Linda was never one to miss a party. That had gotten Rose in trouble before. "It won't cost you a dime, and the Auto Show Black Tie Ball is like the industry's prom night!"
It wasn't like Rose's calendar was filled up with social events. She'd been to dinner a few times with some guys but no electricity.
"Come on! Shopping for a new dress, shoes AND a mani/pedi? What more do you need girl? Plus the entire place is an open bar!"'
Shopping with Linda was always an adventure. She'd met Tom in college and he was brilliant and well paid, so Linda went shopping, often. In three hours and what felt like a hundred dresses, they found a perfect dress. Ankle length, silver with a liberal amount of cleavage.
"Honey, we gotta advertise all your charms. And those boobs of yours get all the attention. Maybe Mr Right will be there and you just draw him into your web."
The black heels were cute and comfortable. The mani/pedi was a lot of fun, and it included mamosas. By the time she was getting ready, she was feeling good enough to skip the bra. It would have been tough to wear a bra under this dress anyway. She did slip on her lacy black panties.
The limo showed at the planned time. The driver took a long lustful look at her and Rose had just an inkling of worry about her choices. As she climbed in the back of the limo she heard more voices. Linda handed her a red cup. "Nothing fancy here just Rum, Jack and coke. These are some clients and some of Tom's coworkers."
Rose never heard one name. As she settled in the seat next to Linda, she saw him sitting near the front of the limo. What? How? Holy shit. What is HE doing here? She was staring at him went Linda introduced Rose to the whole group. "Y'all - this is Rose. Rose meet everyone."
Linda was born in Ohio. But she turned southern belle when she was drunk.
He stared right into her eyes from six feet away. He recognized her too. It had to have been ten years ago. In Dallas. Or Phoenix. Yes Phoenix.
They had been at a conference together, had drinks on Thursday night. By early Friday morning, they changed their home bound flights, extended his room reservation and spent the weekend in bed. It was one of the most splendid weekends she ever had. The sex was really good. She was a few years out of college. Bill had to be twenty years older than her. She chalked it up to an experienced older man seducing a younger girl.
He was from LA or San Francisco why was he here?
She'd finished her drink by the time their limo made it up to the entrance. They piled out into a gaggle. But Bill was right at her side.
"Have you been to Phoenix?" He asked.
"Yes Bill. And I remember you well."
"I was afraid that you'd long forgotten that weekend." He took her arm and help guide her through the door and around the crowd forming at the entrance door.
She could never forget that weekend. While some details were blurry from alcohol or exhaustion. There were some great things did remember. He'd help achieve a few firsts. He was the first man that she had been with who spent his time focusing on her sexual needs. Bill had introduced her to a few 'firsts' that weekend
"Not at all Bill, I have many fond memories of that time. Right up until I never heard from you again." Where did that anger come from? There were no promises made, just a great time. Maybe the booze, maybe she just hadn't thought about him in a long time.
He apologized. He was married, wasn't looking for a long distance affair. Then he asked if he could make it up to her. Maybe buy her a drink?
"I thought the drinks were free?" She smiled. He was teasing her. The anger was instantly gone. "Sure."
