Buried beneath the thick-down comforter , in an deep mahogany antique bed I slept, and somewhere, faraway, a piercing sound grew louder and louder. Groaning I flung the cloaking blanket aside, reaching over, eyes closed, hand waving franticly in the air, making contact with the little malicious box that contained the horrendous screams. With a sigh, I crawled out of bed. Pulling on a terry cloth robe over my long, white chemise.
Feet padding down the stairs to get a fresh cup of coffee. Standing before the brewing pot, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Silently praying for the magic-java to finish its job in line. Images flashed into my head like a movie seen pressed on fast-forwarding - faces, voices, the scents of days gone by flooded my mind. "Oh my god!" Eyes flying open. Laughing out loud. Reflections of the previous nights dreams crashed into my mind. I hadn't thought her in years.
I was 22 then, living in Oregon. Chuckling. I bartended nights at a local gentlemen's club. The hours were long, but at that age, the money, was indescribable. Dark liquid splashed into my mug, adding a little vanilla cream, I watched as the two fused into one. Walking outside onto my wrap around porch, I curled up on the sea tattered wicker couch , sinking deep into the cushions as I gazed out at the bay. The morning mist kissed the still waters. Coating the paint on the rails of the deck. I can remember that night like it was yesterday.
Running a fingernail over my lips, I thought of Natasha. I remember her. Closing my eyes now, calling to the images in my mind of her. I can still see the sharp features of her face. Her smooth dark olive skin. The prominent firm jaw. Full, ripe dark currant stained lips that always held a slight wicked sinister grin. Her eyes heavy, as if she had just awoken, doe eyed, smoky even. Her long straight blond hair pulled up loosely on her head. Sipping at my coffee, I let myself reminisce about her a little more. She stood a little over my 5"4, I remember she was curvy and voluptuous in a way that made both men and women stop to admire her when she past by you. Her full round high breasts, dark protruding nipples, swaying when she danced. The seductive alluring curve of her hips, down to her tiny waist. And those long, long leg.
I was running late that day. I pulled my jeep behind the building , grabbed my bag and ran through the back. "Damn it Morgaine- it's 7:45!" A scratchy, smokers voice barked - that could only belong to the club owner, James. Tossing my bag and keys into my locker, I leaned over to place a gentle kiss on the villains cheek, "Hi James." Slamming the locker door shut I spun the lock, and made my way through the kitchen and into the bar.
Pouring a cup of stale coffee, I gave myself a few moments to let my eyes adjust to the darkness of the dimly lit room. "Well, Sweet Jesus, look at you." My space behind the bar stood almost three feet above the club landing, I looked down at Natasha. "Hi honey, what can I get for you?" She answered by coming up the stairs and walking behind the bar to me. Holding my hand in hers, she held me at arms length, taking me in. She started at my black harness boots, her eyes traveling up the snug black leather pants that appeared to be painted on, she moved one hand to my bare waist, her eyes straining over the swell of my breasts, where the sheer top crisscrossed. Her finger trailed over my collarbone. She reached up, to tuck loose dark curl of hair behind my ear.
She leaned closer. Her warm breath on my neck, "Mmm " she moaned, "Calyx, your wearing the perfume I gave you."
"Yeah....thanks, again." My chest constricted, I could barley get my words out.
"I like it," she smiled as she pulled away, "on you."
I let a throaty laugh pass through my lips, swatting her away. Watching her as she sauntered towards the main stage.