by Susan Irene
“I’ll walk with you, Mrs. Gilab. Of course, if you’d like?” He returned her smile.
“Yes, I think I’d like that, thank you. And please, call me Louise.” She was blushing. “Calling me Mrs. Gilab is making me feel old.” The memories of long ago made her feel young and she wanted to hold onto that feeling for a while. She was also starting to enjoy Scott’s presence.
“Very well then, Louise it is.” As they walked, he talked about the history of the resort. It was a prison camp in the late 1800’s. They had hidden tunnels and passageways, he explained. “Most have been uncovered and converted into open hallways to adjoining buildings. But it’s believed that there are many that have not been uncovered.”
“How exciting; when I was younger I always wanted a place that had hidden rooms and passageways. It was the mysterious air about it that intrigued me so much.” She almost skipped along with him as the excitement of this information bubbled over inside her.
“But I’m surprised to hear that there are more buildings. All I saw when driving up was trees and almost missed the entrance if it wasn’t for John stepping out and waving at me to pull over.”
“Oh!” He stammered. “Well I guess you can say there’s only one building now.” He continued to stammer searching his brain quickly for a plausible explanation. “You know that’s why it’s so big inside but looks small outside.”
The explanation did not sit right with Louise but before she could question it, they had reached the massage room. Scott excused himself after handing her over to Katy who assured to take really good care of her.
“Since you were a little late we swapped your appointment with the next client. So there will be a slight wait.” Katy said in her very apologetic voice.
“That’s fine, I don’t mind waiting.” Louise tried to reassure her that it was okay.
With the exception of the fountains, the reception area here was decorated the same as the reception area of the hotel. The soft music playing set the mood for relaxation. “I’ll just sit over there until you are ready for me.” She pointed over to a corner with a fountain and a bouquet of mountain laurels she had spotted almost immediately upon walking in.
As she sat in one of the lounge chairs Katy walked over with a tray of crackers, cheese and wine. “Please accept these as an apology for moving your appointment.”
“Oh that’s not necessary. It was my fault.”
“Well we’re sorry for any inconvenience and hope you accept this gift.” She leaned in a little closer and whispered. “Definitely try all the wine, each one is to die for.”
Louise’s stomach growled in encouragement so how could she refuse. “I will; thank you.”
She ate the variety of cheeses and crackers and sipped on the wine. The scent of the mountain laurels took her back to her past again and how she came to be where she was today. After leaving home, she headed west, working odd jobs in the many towns she stopped in along the way. She did not have a plan or a place she wanted to go, she would know when she got there. Upon arriving in yet another small town, her car was on its last leg and she knew she would have to hang around for a while to save enough money to buy a good used one to replace it. She found a cheap motel, grabbed a paper from the machine and started the routine she had grown accustomed to when in a new town. She had plenty of experience but no education past high school. She found a temp agency that looked promising and submitted her application the next day. It was at the first company they placed her with that she met Arlin. They were married two years later and six years after that they had their family completed with the birth of their third son.
Katy walked over and tapped her on the arm. “Excuse me ma’am, we’re ready for you now.” She led her to a room and instructed her to lay face down on the massage table and to drape the towel over her.
“Your masseur will be in momentarily. Relax and enjoy”. Katy left the room as the masseur entered. He was more than what Louise was expecting and everything she had to hope to have.
“Hello, Mrs. Gilab, my name is Marco.” His voice was deep and sent shockwaves through her body. The accent was from South or Central America. His accent and name more than fit his look of black hair, dark complexion and a smile that would light up the world. She wondered how on earth she was to relax when just seeing and hearing him made her body shake with fever. She could not imagine him touching her.
Control yourself you are a married woman. She scolded herself and hoped he had not noticed her reaction to him. Though she was sure, if he had, he was used to it. She moaned as his hand touched her body and he began to massage her back and work his way down to her legs. He got a little too close to her inner thigh and she wished he would keep going and please her in a way she knew only he could.
Stop that. Think of Arlin. She thought to herself hoping that will put an end to the lustful thoughts of hers. The thought of Arlin only made her tense up even more and as Marco told her to relax she decided it might be best to not think at all. The wine helped with that. She had tried five of the seven varieties they had given her and she was suddenly sleepy. She had not fallen asleep completely and as he finished, she sat up and thanked him for a wonderful experience. It had been wonderful and better than she had ever expected. She put her robe back on and staggered out of the room, running into Scott.
“You must have had Marco”, he said.
“I did”, Louise giggled. “That was the best massage I ever had.”
“Well we do aim to please.” His smile was so pleasant she could stand there and look at him all day. Louise wondered where these feelings were coming from as they continued to walk. She had a good life, husband and kids. Why was she suddenly lusting over everyone she met here, wishing Scott would put is arms around her again. Was she not as happy in her life as she would like to believe; pretending to everyone else, including herself that she was. Of course she was happy, her three boys were her life and she could not imagine being without them. She pushed this thought out of her mind of being unhappy and carried on small talk with Scott trying to get more information on the hidden tunnels but Scott quickly changed the subject to the solarium.
“So what were you thinking about? You seemed pretty upset. Nothing here I hope upset you.” They stopped walking and he reached out to her tenderly. She pulled back afraid of the feelings and thoughts his touch brought.
“No, no. One of the flowers had reminded me of someone who was very dear to me.”
“Was very dear to you?”
“Yes. He passed away many years ago. I’m sorry I don’t feel like talking about it.”
“I’m sorry I brought it up then.”
“Thanks for your concern though.” She smiled at him and as they continued to walk her thoughts went again to how pleasantly different he was from everyone else in her life. How she enjoyed his touch a little too much.
“So”, he attempted to lighten the mood, “Are you enjoying your stay here?”
“Absolutely I’m so glad I came even if it was alone. From what I’ve seen this is a very exquisite resort. But I haven’t seen many people.”
“We just like to try to meet each guest unique needs.” He stopped now and turned to look at her.
“And what would be my unique needs?” She was flirting with him now. It had been a long time since she had allowed herself to be so open. It felt good even though deep down she knew how wrong it was.
“What would you like your needs to be?” His smile sent warm feelings through her body. She just stood there enjoying his smile maybe afraid if she opened her mouth what would come out. The wine from earlier sure made her adventurous and she did not want to have to make excuses later for her behavior. Had it been that long since her and Arlin shared feelings like this?
When she did not respond Scott continued, “I’ve been meaning to ask. Since you’re here by yourself would mind if I escorted you to dinner tonight.”
She did not think she could do it. She had not dined with another man since meetin
g Arlin; but it felt good to be made to feel special; to be made to feel wanted. Besides, it was only dinner. “I would love to have you escort me to dinner.” She responded.
“Great.” They continued to walk again and much to Louise’s disappointment, they arrived at the salon for Louise’s next appointment. Scott wished her farewell and left.
The manicure and pedicure were long overdue but the girls did not seem to notice or even scold her that she should take better care of herself. They worked meticulously on her hands and feet as they brought her snacks and more wine of course and after having a few more of the samples, as they called them, she loosened up some more. The only thing that would have made the experience better was if they had brought in some god to feed her the grapes that they had laid out for her. She thought that they had read her mind when he walked in the room. No, he did not walk in; he glided, floated.
He must have wings underneath that shirt because he surely is a piece of work sent straight down from heaven. She thought. His muscles rippled under his form fitted dark blue t-shirt. He had an ass that was perfect and round and if she had been allowed a feel, she bet it was rock hard. In her opinion, the sexiest thing about him was his bald head. He was whispering to one of the girls when Louise moaned, in response to her body aching to be near him and the thought of what she would like to do with him, causing him to look up.
Her face turned forty shades of red as she realized why he had stopped talking. He politely smiled and then quickly lowered his eyes to the floor. He was bashful and that made her want him even more. As she continued to watch him, she could not help but wonder what his story was. His behavior was shy and reserved but his body was rough and strong. He finished his conversation with the girl and turned leaving the room but before doing so, he glanced back at her. The look he had was one of recognition and sorrow that intrigued her even more. What was he sorry for, but more importantly did she know him. He seemed to know her.
They finished her nails and sent her off to makeup and hair. She did not remember this being on her schedule but did not make a fuss. It might take her mind off the dark stranger that now filled her thoughts. Besides, she had always wanted to be treated like a movie star and she sure was here. The girls in this department were just as friendly and proficient at their tasks. She may have gained weight but she still had good facial features and ivory blemish free skin. She had not worn makeup in years; with the kids and work, she was just too busy to bother with it. When they finished with her, she was amazed at how well makeup really pulled out her best feature, her eyes.
She had cut her hair to just above her shoulders the previous week. She had been looking for an easy style but found she just did not know what to do with it. The stylist had cut a few more layers into it and highlighted the dull dishwater blonde it had been with some golden highlights. He dried it using a big round brush that added volume. He finished by touching it up with a flat iron. Her hair lay shorter than she was used to, but she loved it and it seemed so easy. They added some last minute touches, a spray here and a dab there, and sent her back to her room to get dressed. The makeover, along with the wine she drank, made her feel beautiful and flirtatious.
“Wow.” He whistled his appreciation. “Mrs. Gilab. You look stunning.” Scott was checking her out but with the sound of her name, she suddenly felt ashamed she had let so loose.
“Thank you, you’re too kind.” She smiled cordially at Scott. He sensed the change in attitude and realized his mistake.
“Hmm, sorry I mean Louise, you look great.” He grabbed her hand and held it as he walked her back to her room. “I’ll be back to pick you up at seven.”
“Thank you Scott, see you at seven.” She turned entering her room. Closing the door, she leaned against it. “I need to stop drinking that wine and I need to remember I’m married and have responsibilities back home.”
She went to the closet for her dress. It was not her choice but Arlin bought it for her to take. She was surprised since he had never once bought her any piece of clothing, in their ten years of marriage. She did not want to disappoint him so she brought it with her. It was a sleeveless royal blue. If her eyes alone were not mesmerizing enough, the color of the dress made them more so and the v-neck enhanced her second best feature, her breasts. It had a tight fit just below the breast and then flowed out to just above the knee. She slipped on a pair of matching royal blue pumps. It really was not anything fancy but with her makeup and hair done, she even had to admit that she looked stunning. She wished more and more that Arlin had been here with her. He was missing out that was for sure. She stepped out into the hallway and Scott let out a sharp whistle.
“Stop that, you’re being silly.” She laughed letting herself feel like a schoolgirl again, appreciating the attention and forgetting about the scolding she gave herself earlier. Why not enjoy the attention; it was because of the attention she was getting now that she knew things would need to change when she got home. She knew that change would not come easily and her mind wandered back to something John had said to her when she first arrived. Did he have a feeling about her or was this the expected result of a weekend at this secluded resort?
“You’re going to be the hottest chick at dinner tonight.” He was definitely appreciating the view.
“Stop that.” She said again and laughed. “You look very nice as well.” He was wearing a pair of black slacks with a white buttoned down dress shirt. The shirt was opened at the chest giving anyone, who would take it, peek at his rock hard chest. “So I guess we’ll be the hottest couple at dinner then.”
“Shall we?” He asked and she smiled and grabbed his hand and they headed down the hallway to the dining room.
Louise was surprised to see so many people. The whole day she had only seen a few staff members. Here at dinner, though, there were five other tables with three or four couples at each. They were greeted and shown to their table where they were seated with three other couples. After some quick introductions, they all turned their attention to the menu.
“May I make a suggestion,” Scott was sitting uncomfortably close to her. She shook off the feeling and enjoyed the closeness of his body to hers and the scent of his cologne. His breath, soft on her bare arm, gave her goose bumps.
“Yes, please what do you recommend?” She perused the menu as he leaned in closer to point out his recommendation.
“I’d recommend the lemon herb crusted halibut with steamed broccoli and carrots. I caught the fish myself.” He laughed his full throat hearty laugh.
“Well then I’m sure it’ll be good.” She was enjoying the good mood that was quickly making its way around the table as the server came over and took their orders. While waiting for their meals they all took the opportunity to talk with the other guest. Mr. and Mrs. Brans were celebrating their first wedding anniversary. Miss Tyche won a trip on a radio show and brought her boyfriend, Fred. Louise now turned her attention to the last couple.
“Hi, my name’s Louise,” she extended her hand to the young girl.
“Hi I’m Abby.” She shook Louise’s hand and smiled.
“This is Scott.” He was deep in conversation with Fred and did not acknowledge her. “Who’s your date?” Louise inquired of the very handsome young man beside Abby.
“Oh,” she said and the embarrassment showed in her reddening cheeks. “This is Pete, he works here. I’m here by myself and he was kind enough to escort me to dinner.
Seeing her embarrassment, Louise spoke up quickly. “Scott works here too. My husband, Arlin, bought this trip for me for my birthday. I thought he was going to come with me but that didn’t work out.”
“Why didn’t you change your reservation?” She asked. She raised her glass and took a sip on her wine while waiting for Louise’s response.
“They said they’re always full and couldn’t accommodate any changes. They even made Arlin sign a form acknowledging no refunds if we couldn’t make the scheduled date nor, under no circumstances, will a change be
allowed. Arlin doesn’t like money wasted so I had to come alone.”
Abby fiddled with her glass of wine, “My husband, Bill, and I had plans to come for Christmas and were told the same thing when Bill had some work come up that he had to do.” She continued to sip on her wine. Louise leaned in to listen to what she was saying. From the slurring of her words, Louise suspected they had been feeding her wine all day as well. “He tried to change the reservations, and believe me when Bill wants something he usually gets it. I was so disappointed that I was going to have to come by myself but at the last minute Bill’s boss told him to take the time off and go with me.”
“So why are you here by yourself now?” Louise now intrigued by Abby’s story.
“The night before we were to leave Bill received a call saying they were able to accommodate our request after all.” She finished her wine and now looked for the server for a refill. Not finding one she continued with her story. “You see what I mean, what Bill wants, Bill gets. Of course, now Bill is out of town for two weeks on a big project that is already behind schedule. So here I am, by myself.” The server now came and filled Abby’s glass.
“Well I’m having a wonderful time and don’t regret being here by myself.” Louise held her glass up to toast.
Dinner was served so the chatter came to an end. The halibut melted in her mouth and was as flavorful as Scott had promised. It was followed by their choice of dessert and more wine. Louise tried the banana rum cake and after the last bite was devoured, she wished she could have asked for seconds. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day. They got up to leave, wishing the other guests farewell. As Scott escorted her back to her room, Louise was thinking how glad she was that she came by herself. She was sure Arlin would have found something to complain about and ruin the whole trip but Scott had been so kind and attentive.
“Well I have to say that was a very lovely evening and thank you so much for escorting me to dinner tonight.” She was tipsy from all the wine at dinner and throughout the day and was glad Scott was with her now, arm in arm as they walked down the hall to her room. They reached her room and she thanked him again for a wonderful evening, extending her hand for him to shake but instead he leaned in to kiss her. She felt the urge to respond, to allow him to, but in the back of her mind she could hear her kids calling for her. She pulled her head back too fast and hit it hard against the door.
