Sarah looked at the baggy BDU pants that were once tight on her, rolled her eyes at her own foolishness and stepped down. As she stepped away from the scale, she wondered what size jeans she could fit into and grinned with her own silent excitement.
After Tracey weighed in, Shawn had some great news for them. “Okay, you’ve both got twenty-four hours of liberty. A bunch of us are going into Vegas for some R&R. We’re not allowed to fraternize with campers, but we can give you a ride in, if you like.”
“Sounds great to me. When do we leave?”
Tracey wasn’t as enthusiastic as Sarah. “Thanks, but I think I’m gonna hang out here and catch up on some sleep.”
“Are you nuts, Trace? As much as I could use some sleep, I’m ready to try this new bod in an old dress.”
“Sarah, we’ll be leaving from the command hut at sixteen-hundred hours. See you then.” Shawn turned to leave the weigh-in room. “Enjoy your sleep, Tracey.”
Sarah and Tracey followed Shawn out of the room and strolled to their hut.
Tracey elbowed Sarah. “What’s this old dress you’re talking about?”
“My little black dress.” Sarah smiled. “I never thought I’d wear it again but I packed it for motivation.”
Tracey held the hut door open for Sarah. “Okay, let’s see this dress of yours.”
Sarah darted to her locker and pulled out a pair of black, patent leather, stiletto pumps, a black mini skirt and a black, low-cut, thong leotard. Altogether, these items made up the little black dress she’d dreamed of being able to wear and feel good in once again. An outing in the city would be the perfect place to give the outfit a try. “After weighing two-twenty-five and feeling practically invisible in public, I’m ready to see if my seventy-five pound weight loss changes anything.”
Tracey settled in to her bunk for a nap. “If it doesn’t, you’re doing somethin’ really wrong.”
Several hours later after Sarah dressed, she looked into the mirror and gasped.
Hello gorgeous!
She could barely believe her eyes. She looked spectacular from top to bottom. Her light brown hair fell over her shoulders long, lush and wavy. She ran her hands down her waist and hips, smiling with satisfaction at the hourglass shape. When she turned to the side, eyes still fixed on the mirror, she marveled at the perfectly flat stomach she’d never seen before. Her skirt hugged her hips and stopped mid-thigh.
Good God, look at those legs! This is beyond my wildest dreams.
Sarah tried to contain her giddiness while still hoping for a reaction as she walked to the command hut to meet Shawn for the ride to town. Two scouts were waiting with him, leaning against the black Suburban.
A long, low whistle sounded from one of the two scouts.
Oh my God, that’s for me. Yes!
Sarah smiled at the whistler. He stood about the same height as Sarah and had short, light brown hair. He was cute in a devilish sort of way.
The second scout tipped his head toward Shawn but spoke loud enough so Sarah could hear. “Nice job, dude.” He was a long, lean six-foot-five and had brown hair just long enough to run your fingers through.
Yeah, nice job yourself, stud. Thank your Mama for me.
The whistler looked wide-eyed at Shawn. “You’ve been training this one?”
Shawn smirked. “Yeah, but remember, she’s been doing all the work.” He smiled and nodded his approval to Sarah. “The boys seem to agree. You’re looking’ good, kid.” He opened the rear passenger door for Sarah and then walked around to hop in on the driver’s side and start the Suburban.
Sarah smiled and her cheeks warmed. “Thank you very much. Compliments are always welcome.” Sarah took a deep breath and sat back in the seat.
So, this is what fabulous smells like.
The man with the devilish smile climbed into the back seat. “Well, if that’s the case, I’ve got a few more for you.”
The tall hottie sat in the front seat. “Heel, Jason!”
Sarah looked out the window and couldn’t stop smiling. Having her accomplishments acknowledged by a truck full of hotties drove home the idea that she really could be anyone she wanted to be. Her blood bubbled like champagne.
Yeah, this is good.
Shawn drove the shiny, black Suburban while Sarah and the two scouts rode in silence. Shawn was very careful to ensure Sarah wore a blindfold from the camp to the highway.
“Okay, I’ll wear the silly blindfold, but I don’t get all this secrecy. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen a mailman at this camp and even the business card I received from my Commander didn’t have an address. You know, even the phone calls I had with a rep didn’t last long enough to be traced.” Sarah laughed. “You’d think it was a training camp for spooks or something.”
Sarah’s joke was met with tense silence.
Can it be?
Chapter Nine
Sarah noticed a different glow about the lights of Las Vegas. Instead of the place she never fit in, she now marveled at a city offering bright opportunities.
Shawn pulled the Suburban up to Caesar’s Palace and stopped in front of the main door.
“Do whatever you like here in town but rendezvous right here at noon tomorrow. If you miss the ride, you won’t be allowed back at the camp. Got it?”
“Pretty harsh, isn’t it, Shawn? What if I’m a few minutes late?”
Shawn glared at Sarah in the rear view mirror. “Don’t be.”
Sarah nodded and took one last look at the guy in the back seat. The devilish grin shone back at her.
Who the hell are these guys?
Sarah stepped carefully out of the black Suburban, and strolled across the portico toward the main entrance of the casino. A small group of guys leaving the casino stopped and stared admiringly at her while the doorman grinned and held the door open.
Sarah glowed with pride, gave a saucy smile to the men and thanked the doorman.
I feel like Cinderella. I could get used to this.
Sarah strode through the lobby of Caesar’s Palace and took a seat at the first bar she found. The bar was quiet which suited her just fine. She was looking forward to a nice cold Margarita and a cigarette.
The bartender smiled at her expectantly. “What’ll it be, beautiful?”
“Cuervo Margarita on the rocks, no salt.” Sarah opened a fresh pack of cigarettes, tapped out a Marlboro Light and took a deep drag as she lit it.
She reveled in the ego boost she received with each appreciative glance from men walking by. Each admiring stare made her feel more sure of herself.
“It’s on me.” The bartender flashed her a smile as he returned with the drink.
He must assume I’m playing one of these slots on the bar.
“Thanks, but I’m not gambling.”
“That’s not for gambling, lady. It’s for sitting at my bar.” He winked.
What the heck?
“Thank you, but what’s the deal? Is it happy hour for chicks or something?”
The bartender leaned toward Sarah and whispered, “I don’t buy them for every woman, only the gorgeous ones.”
Oh, this is too good to be true. Cinderella finally arrived at the ball after all these years.
Sarah tingled with excitement. “Thanks for the compliment and the Cuervo.” She lifted her glass and took a drink of the tangy goodness she so loved.
Vegas is good to beautiful people and it looks like I’m finally one of them. Excellent.
“No. Thank you. Guys like to frequent bars where there are beautiful women. Those same guys also like to appear important, so they tip big to impress the ladies.” The bartender leaned across the bar and whispered, “I figure if I can get you to sit at my bar for a half-hour or so during the slow part of the evening, it ought to be good for at least an extra fifty in tips.”
“Oh, I see.” Sarah smiled and raised an eyebrow conspiratorially. “You’re baiting the trap.”
“You got it, babe.” He reached across the bar to shake her hand. “I’
m Mike.”
“Sarah.” She returned his firm handshake.
Mike turned and began restocking and polishing his bar while Sarah continued to sip her Margarita and puff thoughtfully on her cigarette.
I’m not invisible anymore. People see me now and I’m liking it! The free drinks are a nice bonus, too.
Only minutes after she and Mike finished their introductions, two men walked into the bar and sat on the stools to her right.
“Jameson on the rocks and whatever the lady is drinking,” the man next to her said.
She turned to thank him and noticed he laid a hundred dollar bill on the bar.
Mike knew what he was talking about because the man made a point of loudly saying, “Keep the change, buddy.”
Mike gave Sarah a knowing wink as he brought her another Margarita.
Sarah had no sooner pulled out another cigarette when the big spender had a lighter lit and waiting for her convenience.
Now this is more like it!
He was a middle-aged man with short, well-groomed, gray hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a stunning royal blue tie. He had either left his wife at home or sent her off to a show so he could play man-about-town for an evening.
I’ve got nothing better to do. I can play along.
The big spender introduced himself and his friend. “I’m Dean. This is Matt.”
Sarah turned to face Dean. “Sarah. Nice to meet you Dean, Matt. So, are you here on vacation?”
“We’re in for a convention this week. Financial planners from Boston.” Dean tapped his knuckles against the hardwood bar. “So, who manages your portfolio, Sarah?”
Sarah laughed. “I’m a long way from having a portfolio, but I’ll look you up when its time.”
Halfway through their drinks, Dean asked, “You play cards, Sarah?”
“No, that’s a rich man’s sport.” Sarah took another sip of her Margarita.
”Well, how’s about you be my lucky charm at the tables for a while?”
Sarah chuckled. “I’m not so sure I’d bring you much luck.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sure you must have plans.” Dean motioned to the bartender for more drinks.
“Actually, I don’t have plans and it could be interesting to watch a game or two.” Sarah slid her pack of cigarettes into the small purse slung over her shoulder.
Dean’s face brightened with a smile. “That’s great. See I just lost a bundle, but I’ve got a feeling you might change my luck.”
“This is Vegas. Anything can and does happen.” Sarah took a healthy pull of the new Margarita Mike set in front of her. The tequila began to warm her from the inside out and she was beginning to believe Vegas really could be a magical place.
“Shall we?” Dean’s blue eyes sparkled as he stepped off his stool and motioned toward the card tables with his left hand.
Okay, but if you don’t offer me a seat and a drink at the gaming table, you can buy yourself a rabbit’s foot for a lucky charm!
Dean behaved like a perfect gentleman. He ushered Sarah into a rather quiet room clearly for the more serious gamblers. There were no cargo shorts and Hawaiian shirts in here. The people inside this room were dressed a bit better than the average Las Vegas tourist. The gamblers at the tables were quiet and every one appeared serious and focused on the game they played.
Dean held a seat out for her and then ordered drinks for both of them. When she pulled out a cigarette, he lit it. She watched carefully, and tried to hide her admiration as Dean played with hundred dollar chips then moved up to thousand dollar chips.
~~~
It’s only been an hour and a half and this guy is up by eight, nine, ten grand. Yikes! Maybe I am lucky.
As the clock approached ten pm, Dean finished his drink. He turned to her with his bright blue eyes full of merriment. “Sarah, my dear, you’ve been a fine lucky charm. I’ve got to go meet my wife for dinner and drinks, but I have thoroughly enjoyed your company. Thank you.”
He slid a thousand dollar chip across the table to her and smiled.
A thrill jolted her as she looked at the chip in front of her.
“There’s a little something for you.” He stood up and touched her shoulder. “Have some fun at the tables. You’re definitely lucky tonight.”
Lucky? Are you kidding me? This is the luckiest night of my life.
Stunned by his kindness and with all the charm she could muster, Sarah patted Dean’s hand gently resting on her shoulder. “It was my pleasure, Dean. Good night.”
Dean left the room and Sarah stared at the chip in front of her. One chip represented about a month’s worth of her Air Force salary.
The dealer cocked his eyebrow at Sarah, obviously waiting to see if she would play.
Sarah grinned at him before she picked up her chip. “Good night.”
With a lighter step, Sarah strolled to the cashier’s cage and cashed in her chip.
I’m cashing out while I’m still ahead of the game.
Chapter Ten
Energized by her newfound powers of attraction, Sarah decided to see how she’d fare at a nightclubif she even made it past the door.
She stepped into the nearest ladies room to check her hair and lipstick before going to Pure. She still didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror but smiled and threw her a wink before straightening her shoulders a little more and turning to strut out of the ladies room.
Pure was the club at Caesar’s Palace. Sarah expected a long wait since this was one of the best nightclubs in the country.
She took her place at the end of the twenty-person deep line. She peered toward the door to see which fabulous people were being admitted to the club tonight. That’s when the doorman stared in her direction and motioned for someone to move up to the door.
Unaccustomed to special treatment, Sarah instinctively turned around to see who he had signaled to behind her.
No one is behind me.
A tingle ran through her from her feet to the top of her head.
Can it be this easy?
When she turned back toward the doorman, he pointed at her and waved her up.
Sarah’s palms grew sweaty. She smoothed her skirt in an effort to wipe her palms without seeming too obvious.
Stay cool, girl. This is it. You’re about to see how the sexy half lives.
Every man in line looked her over. The women either smiled or turned their backs as she walked by them.
She took a deep breath and tried to control her racing heartbeat.
Calm down, loser. It’s just a club for Pete’s sake!
Sarah never had this kind of attention before, but now that she did, she craved more.
The doorman unclipped the velvet rope as she approached. He reached gently around her waist to reattach the rope and whispered in her ear. “Don’t ever go to the end of the line again.”
Sarah caught her breath and then exhaled with a light giggle. She mustered all of her confidence and smiled at the doorman. “I’ll remember that.”
No more second fiddle for me. It all seems so surreal since only a few months ago I was rejected for my looks. Now I’m a frigging goddess. I could so get used to this.
Free drinks, compliments, high rollers, lucky charms, skipping lines into exclusive clubs… Sarah drank it all in and grew giddy.
Act confident even if you don’t feel it yet. Own it.
As Sarah stepped through the entrance to Pure, she stepped into a bold and luxurious new world. Old insecurities nipped at her newfound confidence. She considered turning around and walking out, but her desire to explore this exciting new world was too strong.
If I can get into a joint like this, then I’m going to stay long enough to see what all the fuss is about.
She strode straight toward the bar for more liquid courage. The air was electric as Sarah passed through the white room. She surveyed the area slowly, half expecting to see her old comrades from Nellis partying there.
It isn’t likely military
cops would ever make it through the door, and even if they did, they’d never recognize me. All the better.
Sarah sipped her Margarita and drank in the beauty of the club. To her right, a woman’s voice cut across the crowd, a bit louder than appropriate.
Sarah glanced over to see what the fuss was about. A large man wearing a blue silk suit had his back to Sarah and a very attractive blond stood nearly toe-to-toe with him.
Well, aren’t you the stereotypical Vegas bimbo? Strappy sandals, surgically enhanced figure, bleached blond hair and a sugar daddy by the look of those diamond earrings.
Sarah wondered if the woman had been beautiful all her life. It was a simple enough question. Women who have been beautiful all their lives learn to take everything for granted. These dolls assume they’re due more of everything and better than the rest. Better treatment becomes expected simply because it is always given. Of course nobody bothers to correct these beautiful girls. Resentment rose in Sarah as she studied the woman's body language.
Oh, yeah. Clearly you’ve never known an ugly day in your life. You probably don’t even get premenstrual bloat.
The woman continued to make a scene. “Look, I don’t care! After all those nights of wondering where you are, I deserve the house, the car and some alimony. You can afford it and it’s the least you can do for me after not even being there during our marriage.”
Sarah stifled a chuckle in her drink. The blond pointed her fingers and made large gestures with her hands, but the hair stayed perfect.
Okay, sounds like she has a good case. I might as well have another cigarette and enjoy the rest of the show.
Then the man spoke. He had a deep, baritone voice that caught Sarah completely off guard. His voice was so smooth and warm she had difficulty remembering where she was. “The least I can do? You knew what it was going to be like going in.” He didn’t have to raise his voice. It carried like a warm breeze.
Isn’t that just like a man? You’re probably the kind of guy that likes to have a wife at home while you’re out with your girlfriend. Silk suit, buff body, smooth voiceyou’ve got “bastard” written all over you.
The Path to Freedom (Task Force 125) Page 5
