His Town

by Ellie Danes

  I grabbed my phone and called Melissa, my voice trembled with excitement. “Hey, I'm here!”

  “Oh thank you! The girls were driving me crazy, wondering when you'd get here.”

  “Well, I’m here and do I have a story...”

  “Well get your ass to the room. It's room two-twenty-one. Get settled in and then give me a call and we'll come get you. Some of us have started drinking already.” I heard the giggles of the other girls in the background and I was a bit jealous. I knew I needed to knock out some work before I could even consider starting my weekend.

  I checked in at the front desk to get another key to the room and had the bellman help me with my bags. It was an awkward trip to the second floor. These were obviously the lower cost rooms, but still very nice. He wheeled my overstuffed bag into the room and smiled, waiting for a tip. I reached down into my purse and fumbled for some cash, what little I had with me. I grabbed the five and handed it to him smiling. I’m sure he had gotten better tips and I’m sure he had gotten worse.

  The room was fairly decent for the swanky hotel it was in. Obviously the more luxurious rooms where on the higher floors with better views and amenities. Two double beds, still unmade, filled the medium sized rooms. Makeup and clothes were strewn about with a few empty wine bottles and plates from an obvious late night room service binge littering the tables and floor.

  I imagined the room would have smelled of a flowers or fresh linen, had the girls not spent the evening partying in the room and left half eaten burgers and fries sitting around. I opened the drapes and stared out of the window admiring the view. At least it was a partial view of the strip. I doubted I would spend much time actually looking out of the windows over the weekend. I noticed the note on the Viridian notepad beside the bed and laughed. It was obviously Melissa that had written it. She still used hearts for her exclamation marks and apostrophe’s like we were back in high school.

  Call Melissa's cell as soon as you get here. We'll come up. Party time!

  Short and to the point. I knew they couldn’t wait. I was already a step ahead of them and decided to unpack before I made the call. No sooner had I dropped my last pair of heels in the closet, the door busted open.

  Courtney stumbled into the room and gave me a huge hug as she bumped into the picture on the wall. After hugs with everyone I stood and stared. “Oh my god, are you guys drunk already?”

  “Some of us! Wait until you see this place! The men are damn hot Becca!” Katie giggled as she plopped onto the bed.

  Melissa smiled and seemed to be the only one still somewhat sober. “Girl I'm so glad you made it. They are driving me nuts!”

  “That's bullshit Lissa! You were just talking about setting her up with the blonde guy.”

  “True! He was hot as hell.” She whispered as if trying to keep the fact she was eyeing guys a secret.

  “That’s ok. You all have done enough damage to my love life. Listen, Can I get settled in first? And then give me some time to catch up with you.” I giggled as I watched them goofing off like schoolgirls.

  I bit my lip as I thought about my flight in and how I wanted to share it with them. “You wouldn't believe the guy I met on the plane.”

  “Oh yea? And you did what? Watched him from your seat?”

  I smirked at her and rolled my eyes. “Actually he sat right next to me and was hot as hell.”

  “…and did I mention I got upgraded Flew first class. Come to find out, he gave me the seat.”

  “What? Are you serious?”

  “Melissa, you wouldn’t believe this guy. I guess he didn't want to waste his extra ticket or something. Brought me here in a limo too.”

  “Let me get this straight. He bought your plane ticket and gave you a ride here in a limo, and you didn't have sex with him?”

  “Katie, not all of us are that quick.” I snapped at her and then added, “But I did have a dream about him on the plane. Holy shit was it hot and then I woke up and he was talking to me. I prayed I wasn’t talking in my sleep.”

  Courtney leaned towards me and smiled. “And… did you get his number? Is he staying here?”

  All I could do was smile. “He said he worked out here, something about the family business. He gave me his card.” I pulled out the card and waved it around and then quickly tucked it back into my purse. I knew good and well I’d likely never get the nerve to call him.

  “Family business huh? He’s probably a limo driver Becca.” They all giggled at my expense, but little did they know just how hot he was, limo driver or not.

  We chatted a bit longer as the girls primped some more and debated where they wanted to head to next.

  “Becca, you ready? Let’s get you caught up. You’re about five drinks behind.”

  “You guys go ahead. I'll be down in a few. I've got some work I have to do.” I shook my head as I pulled out my laptop from my carryon. “I should have it wrapped up in an hour or so, promise.”

  “If you aren’t done in an hour, we’re coming to get you, done or not.” Melissa demanded as she made her way to the door.

  “I promise. I just have to give him a call, check in and then send the rest of this presentation to him. Go on.” They hurried out the door, slamming it behind them.

  “Matthew, I’m just wrapping up the details in the presentation. You’ll have it within the hour.” I listened as he grumbled about it being the last minute and how he expected more from me. It was more than frustrating. I had put in well over sixty hours this week and had spent the first part of my trip working, on my vacation time. “Listen, you’ll have it shortly…talk to you soon.” I hung up the phone, not waiting for any additional instructions and finished typing away.

  Forty-five minutes later I had wrapped up what I believed was the perfect pitch and presentation to land the Fletcher account. I knew Matthew could handle the presentation without an issue. I had laid everything out so perfectly that even a middle school kid couldn’t screw it up. I decided to just email everything to him and avoid the conversation. Matthew was the last person I needed to mess up the rest of my day at this point.

  I closed my laptop, fixed my hair and decided to head downstairs to meet the girls and finally begin my weekend.

  Chapter Three

  Chance

  It felt good to finally settle in to my office. The days I traveled always seemed to be the longest. Between the flight, the trip to the hotel and then finally getting settled in to work, I was already exhausted. My eyes glazed over as I stared at the projections for the next month of the Casino. Things seemed to be picking up and running smoother than ever. Unfortunately, my father would never give me the credit I deserved for the work I put in.

  I sank into the leather seat at my desk and rubbed my temples, attempting to will away the headache that was forming.

  “Welcome back handsome!”

  “Hey Mary, just the face I needed to see.”

  Mary was radiant and sexier than ever for a woman in her sixties. I used to think that my dad and her would eventually hook up, but it didn’t take too long to realize why that would never happen. Mary Willington had a way with my dad. She didn't take anything from him, but she could also charm the pants off him as well. I think Mary knew him better than anyone, and hooking up with my dad wasn't anything she wanted or needed. Dad ended up replacing Mary with a younger and perkier assistance and I was more than willing to have Mary helping me run things as my assistant.

  Mary gripped my shoulders and spun me around in the chair. “I swear you look more like your father every time I see you.”

  “Please don’t tell me that. He's not real happy right now.”

  “So … where’s Sara?”

  “I broke it off with her. I just couldn’t deal with her anymore. She isn’t happy unless she's running my life. Her and dad both.”

  “It's about time!” Mary smirked and tilted her head at me. “…but your father is going to be so pissed.”

  “Tell me about it. He wasn't hap
py.”

  “You already told him? Bet that didn’t go well.”

  “I don't care. I stood my ground.”

  “I'm proud of you. Now you can move on to better things. Speaking of better things, have you been downstairs to the pool bar? The remodel has been completed and it looks amazing. Great job on that. It’s been even more packed than usual.”

  I shook my head and laughed. “Thanks, but yet another thing dad will overlook. I need to get out of this office, so I’ll go check it out now.”

  I slipped out of the office leaving Mary to tend to her business and looked forward to clearing my head and admiring the results of my hard work. The new pool deck was located on the roof of the smaller tower of the hotel. It was now one of the hottest pool clubs in Vegas and on weekends people were fighting to get in to the area.

  Thursday’s weren’t normally as busy as the weekends, especially during the late afternoon, but many of the tables and bar area were already filled. Small groups of people were seated at the bar, gambling on the touchscreens and chatting among themselves.

  “Hey Jase, how about a round of shooters for us?” The brunette at the corner of the bar smiled as Jase, the bartender, passed by them delivering drinks to a group at the other end of the bar.

  I watched as the brunette made an attempt to climb on top of one of the stools as the thumping of the music got louder. I quickly made my way over to the trio as Jase tended to the growing onlookers and crowd.

  “You girls seem to be having a really good time.” I extended my hand to the girl as she teetered on the stool. “Why don’t I help you down from there.”

  “I thought we were supposed to have a good time here?”

  “Having a good time is great, but I think it would be best to not get hurt while doing it.” I smiled as she slowly lowered herself from the stool and smiled at me. Jase made his way over with another round of shots and I gave him a subtle stare. “You know, if you don’t pace yourself you’ll never make it until the real action starts around here.”

  “Yeah!” The brunette snapped to her friend. “This is the city that doesn’t sleep. She spun around and looked at me and gave a quirky smile. “Right?”

  “Actually, that’s New York, but I believe it could likely fit for Vegas too. You girls have fun, and stay out of trouble, ok?” I didn’t wait for their answer as I turned and made my way toward the pool deck area, knowing that none of them would likely make it another hour before passing out. I heard their gossipy whispers as I left them and I could feel myself blushing at the things they had said.

  Chapter Four

  Becca

  It wasn’t difficult to find the girls in the bar. Melissa had sent me a text just before I had finished working and told me they were headed to the pool club. The moment I walked into the area I could hear Courtney’s laugh and immediately found them tossing back shooters. “Is there any alcohol left in the bar?” I giggled as I stood behind the three of them.

  “Becca! It’s about damn time.” Giggled Melissa. “We had almost given up…and you missed the show”

  “What show?”

  “Courtney. Who else? Dancing on the bar...or at least attempting too, before she was pulled down by this freaking hunk of a man.”

  Katie nodded in agreement. “You missed him. You always miss the good ones. You should have seen him.”

  “You mean him?” I motioned toward the bartender with an arm full of tattoos. “No thanks. Exactly how much did you have to drink already?”

  Melissa’s giggled along with me. “I’ve only had a drink and that nasty shooter. Those two are a different story.” Melissa’s eyes looked over my shoulder and grew bigger. “Shit, there he is…don’t turn around or it will look obvious…damn he’s fine.”

  “Melissa, you shouldn’t be looking, you’re getting married.” I joked.

  Katie chimed in and smiled as she stared at him. “Yeah, but not until next month. She can still look, and me too.”

  I casually turned to see the silhouette of their perfect man in the distance as he moved in our direction. His body looked to be perfectly sculpted in his suit, but I couldn’t yet make out his facial features. Slowly my eyes adjusted to the bright glare and he came into focus. I felt my stomach sink and then immediately get taken over by the butterflies inside. I felt my face begin to redden as I fell speechless.

  “Becs, isn’t he hot as hell? Holy shit, he’s staring at you and coming this way.” Melissa whispered as she watched the man move in our direction.

  “How are you girls doing?” He took a long pause, and then smiled at me. “Hello, Becca. Looks like you’re finally getting a start to that weekend, huh?”

  I attempted to move my mouth but nothing came out. Deep breath Becca. I could feel the girls watching me as I fumbled for something to say as I stared at Chance. He was just as stunning as I remember from hours earlier. “Um, Yes. Finally. Although they are way ahead of me…So, I guess you're working?”

  “I am.” Chance smiled.

  “I hear you've met my friends? I told you that they were a bit wild.”

  “We didn’t formally meet, I just pulled her to safety before she dove off of the bar.” Chance laughed as he looked at Courtney. “So, how’s the room?”

  I looked into Chance’s eyes and was immediately captured. I hadn’t really had the opportunity to look at him directly while we were seated side by side on the plane or during our walk through the terminal. “It’s great, gorgeous. This place is really amazing.”

  “Crowded!” Courtney chimed in.

  “Courtney!” I gave her my evil stare through squinted eyes and furrowed brow and then brushed it off looking at Chance again. “Our room is fine. Maybe a bit tight for four messy girls, but it works for us.”

  Chance leaned over close to me and whispered in my ear. “I've got some connections. Let me see what I can do about that.” His hot breath on my neck drove me wild and immediately brought me back to our flight together. “Really? You don’t have to do that, we’re really good where we are.”

  “We'll see.” He chuckled as he turned toward Melissa. “Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.” I watched as Melissa beamed back at him. The rest of the girls stood in amazement as we continued our conversation. “Becca, What room number are you girls in?”

  “Two-twenty-one!” Courtney blurted out without hesitation.

  Chance smiled and was then approached by another man in a dark suit. He quickly whispered something into Chance’s ear and then left. “Girls, I need to get going, but it was a pleasure meeting you. Becca, I hope you remember our deal.”

  He winked and then spun, leaving all of us speechless. I was immediately met with a sharp pain in my side as Katie’s elbow jammed into my ribs. “What the hell are you not telling us?” Katie looked jealous as hell.

  “Nothing. I rode on the plane next to him.”

  “So was it a dream or did you really have sex with him,” Courtney asked.

  “It was a dream! Who'd do it on a plane?”

  “I would! She would and she would too! We all would. He sure acts like you did.”

  “No he doesn’t. He's just being nice.”

  “Nice huh? Oh I don't know. What do you think Melissa? Do you think he was just being nice? Paying for her ticket and driving her here in a limo? That's just nice?”

  “Believe it or not Courtney, that's my story.” I could feel my face reddening as the girls continued to joke with me about the tall, dark and handsome man that seemed to always appear and rescue me when I need it.

  After an hour of gambling at the slots, and having a few more rounds of drinks, the man that had been speaking with Chance earlier approached us. He was older, very polished and extremely professional looking. His stern looked almost frightened me and my initial thought had me wondering whether Courtney had gotten us all into some sort of trouble.

  “Excuse me ladies, Can you please come with me for a moment?”

  “Um, ok.” Courtney quickly glanced
around the table at the rest of us. “What did we do?”

  “Nothing at all, I just need you to come with me and so we can get you settled into your room. We have upgraded your accommodations. “ He turned, quickly moving in the direction of the lobby.

  “Upgraded?” Melissa shot me a look with her eyes wide open. “This weekend is getting better by the moment, huh Becs?” Before I could even answer Courtney was on her way following him closely.

  We left our drinks and caught up with Courtney, following the man into the elevator. I watched as he hit one of the higher number floors and I quickly pushed the two and smiled. “We’re on two.”

  “We’ve already taken the liberty of moving your items to your new room.” His look didn’t change as the stern look and dark, hollow eyes stared forward. I wondered how he ever made it in the business of working with people with such a terrible outward personality.

  The ride seemed to take forever and we finally arrived on one of the top floors and were escorted to the end of the hall. We stood in front of two enormous mahogany doors as the gentleman swiped his keycard and then opened the doors. Light from the outside immediately blasted through the open doorway from the enormous wall of windows on the opposite end of the gigantic room. We stepped in, hearing the echoes of our shoes and voices as if we had just entered a huge cavern. The suite opened to a formal living room decorated with a shiny, black baby grand piano adorned with a flower arrangement that must have cost as much as the room we were staying in.

  I looked back at the gentleman still standing in the foyer. “Are you sure you have us in the right room? There’s no way that…”

  “Yes ma’am. In fact, those are for you.” He pointed towards the large arrangement of flowers. Katie quickly ran over and grabbed the card. “Have a great stay, Chance” She giggled and stared at me after reading the card.

  “Oh like nothing is going on. Who are you trying to fool?” Melissa laughed as she gave me a sly smile.

  I rolled my eyes and turned my attention towards the gentleman still standing in the doorway. “Thank you for everything. I reached into my purse, fumbling for a tip.