A confident woman should embrace her sexuality.
***
Melinda arrived at the Miami airport and already she looked like a tourist.
She knew the weather was going to be hot, so she dressed fairly light, but not light enough compared to everyone else.
When she pushed her luggage on a cart to the terminal, she saw a woman holding a sign with her name on it. Melinda was aware that the company had sent someone to pick her up at the airport, and she expected a middle aged man in a suit.
Instead, Melinda was greeted by someone with the appearance of a latina bombshell. They spoke for a few moments to confirm their identities, and the woman introduced herself as Carmen. They shook hands and exchanged short pleasantries.
As they walked to the parking lot, Melinda couldn't help but think of how odd they must have looked together. They looked like polar opposites of each other.
Melinda was a plain white woman from Washington state. Carmen was a hispanic goddess, with brown skin that was bathed in the Florida sun. Melinda was dressed in straight laced corporate attire. Carmen was dressed sexy for the warm coast. Melinda had a plain body, which needed a bit more exercise. Carmen had sculpted arms & legs, with fairly large breasts and a perfect butt.
They continued making small talk as they walked through the airport. Melinda learned that Carmen was of Cuban descent and had spent her entire life in the city. She also learned that Carmen was her driver for the week-long stay in Miami.
When they reached the parking lot, Melinda was surprised to see a red sports car. They loaded the luggage in the trunk, and then sat in the seats.
"This isn't what I expected," Melinda said, buckling her seatbelt.
Carmen put her sunglasses on. "What were you expecting then? An old white guy to pick you up in a limo?"
"Something along those lines, I suppose."
"Relax. You're in Miami now."
The engine roared and they left the parking lot. The city view was gorgeous. Carmen drove at a safe speed, but Melinda held on tight, because she had never ridden in a powerful sportscar before.
"So, do you work for the company?" Melinda asked.
"No. I work for an outside agency. I was hired to show you around the city during your stay in Miami. Think of me as your personal tour guide, or as a hired friend. When you're not working, we'll do fun things together."
They continued on the road. The sunroof was down and the air flowed freely.
"Oh, well, that's good to know."
"You
do
like to have fun, don't you?" Carmen asked in a sort of teasing way.
"Sure I do, who doesn't?"
"A lot of corporate women are stiff and pent up. I see it all the time."
"That makes sense," Melinda replied. "Climbing the corporate ladder takes a huge time commitment. You can't have a life. There's no time for it."
"Then why do it?"
Melinda thought for a moment. "I suppose because there's a certain pride in being successful. Or maybe some people are just born to be over-achievers."
"Doesn't sound like a very fulfilling lifestyle."
"Anything better in mind?"
Carmen focused on her driving. "Take a look around. Beautiful beaches. Beautiful people. Nice weather. This is the life that people should be living. Not being stuffed in an office all day."
"You
really
aren't with the company, are you?" Melinda playfully asked.
When they reached a stoplight, Carmen lifted her sunglasses, turned to Melinda, and winked.
"Like I said, I work for an outside agency."
They continued on the road until they reached the hotel. It was a fairly nice hotel in the downtown area, which the company had paid for. Carmen accompanied Melinda to the room, and they spent a little more time together.
"What are your plans for tonight?" Carmen asked.
"Rest. Probably. I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."
"And your plans tomorrow?"
"I'll be busy most of the day," Melinda replied. "Work stuff."
"Do you like to dance?"
"Not really. I'm sure it's fun, but I never really got the hang of it."
Carmen smiled, "Then I'll pick you up at 8. We'll have a light dinner then I'll take you salsa dancing. It's going to be a great time."
"Thanks, but I don't think..."
"8 pm," Carmen smiled again. "Don't be late."
She wasn't taking 'no' for an answer, then she left the hotel room. Melinda wasn't given a choice. After a moment, all Melinda could think about was what to wear.
***
Melinda was never much of a dancer.
The first time she tried to dance was in the senior year of high school prom. She was a book-worm back then. And she somehow managed to get a date with a fairly handsome guy from the football team.
Once her sisters found out, they grabbed a hold of her and worked their magic. They transformed her from a shy little wallflower, to something that's blossomed. Everyone told her how pretty she looked. Her classmates could barely recognize her. It gave her a warm feeling.
When it was time to dance, the heel in her left shoe broke and she fell. It was the most humiliating moment of her life. And it was also the moment which she decided that the party lifestyle wasn't for her. That she was better suited focusing on academics.
*
Carmen arrived at the hotel lobby at 7:55.
She looked like a true goddess. She wore a sleek dress which perfectly showcased her hips and breasts. High heels which accentuated her long legs. And red lipstick which provided a nice contrast to her brown skin.
Melinda wondered how that woman was able to walk so sensually in those heels.
They greeted each other with a hug this time.
"You look stunning," Melinda complimented. "I feel so under-prepared."
Carmen smiled. "Thanks sweetheart. And don't worry about your appearance. I like your classy & sophisticated look."
The rest of the night felt like a movie. They went to an exotic looking Cuban restaurant and Melinda ate things which amazed her. She wasn't used to spicy foods, but it was a very nice thing to try. Afterwards, they talked for an hour over drinks.
Melinda revealed that she was born & raised in New Hampshire. She later moved to California to pursue her high academic goals. Then she later moved to Washington state for a job offer that she received. Melinda also revealed that she was once close to getting married to a former colleague. It didn't work out because of their hectic work schedules.
She explained that she didn't have many hobbies. It rained a lot in Washington so she mainly stayed indoors during her free time. On rainy days, she enjoyed cooking, binge watching tv shows, reading books, and playing with her cat.
Carmen revealed that her parents came to America as refugees from Cuba. Living in Florida was the only life she had ever known. And she was grateful for it. She fondly expressed her love of life and all things passionate. She lived for passion. And the pursuit of passion.
She professed her love for swimming and sunbathing on the beach. It was how she maintained her sexy figure. She also loved dancing and the Miami nightlife.
"Speaking of dancing," Carmen said. "I think we've been here long enough. My butt is getting sore from this seat. Come on. I'll show you a good time."
After paying the bill, Carmen pulled a reluctant Melinda out of the seat and they went to a nearby salsa dance studio. It was a small place where a man (who was also Carmen's friend) taught people the art of salsa dancing. Most of the other guests were also white tourists, so Melinda didn't feel so out of place.
Carmen removed her high heels, and Melinda removed her shoes. When the music played, they danced. It was awkward for Melinda at first, but with Carmen's encouragement and infectious smile, she began to loosen up.
Soon, all inhibitions were gone. Melinda was in Miami, in a small studio where everyone was dancing to salsa music, and she was dancing with a beautiful goddess in front of her. It was a moment she never expected. And she enjoyed the night.
***
They didn't meet again until the day after.
They met at a local cafe. Melinda expressed her love for the previous evening.
"I loved the dancing," Melinda said over coffee. "They don't have anything like that we're I'm from. So it was definitely very enjoyable. Thank you."
"Maybe we'll do it again sometime. But today, I have something else in mind."
She raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure it must be good."
"We'll go to the beach. Then we go shopping. All expenses paid."
Melinda briefly flashed a skeptical look. "You know, I asked about you during yesterday's meeting. The men didn't know anything about you. The women just seemed to blushed. Keep in mind, these corporate women don't blush easily. So, do you mind telling me who you really are? I'm not an idiot."
After a quick sip of coffee, Carmen reached in her small black purse and handed Melinda a plain looking business card.
High Heels, Red Lipstick:
Servicing women for over 20 years
No names. No address. No contact information. Just a name and a logo. It was as simple as that.
"I've never heard of this," Melinda said.
"Of course not. We don't advertise. But the executives in the Miami branch of your company know who we are. That's why I was hired for you."
"I'm confused."
"Don't be," Carmen shrugged. "I've been hired to provide a service. And I'm great at my job. We're having fun, aren't we? I love corporate women. I love peeling back the layers and exposing what's there. You'll see."
The words left Melinda slightly bewildered, and she gave a forced smile. When the check came, Carmen paid with the same credit card she's used all along. Then they left the cafe.
***
It felt like a mystery.
As they got in Carmen's sports car and drove around the city, Melinda wondered about
High Heels, Red Lipstick
, and the cryptic remarks which Carmen had made during breakfast. The words were filled with innuendo.