A Window to Love (Windows) (Volume 1)

by Fifi Flowers

  “I like this Melissa tonight!” Jane answered giving me a high five. “Let's get our dance on, baby girl!” I laughed when she called me that.

  We were still laughing as Charles helped us into the car. He looked quite serious, and I was almost afraid to tell him where to take us. “Charles, we want to go to a nightclub.”

  He responded very matter of fact, “Yes, Ms. Bennette.” However, before he pulled away from the curb, I noticed he texted someone. I wondered if we are ruining his evening. Oh well, I didn't plan to go home and wait for Evan like some subservient pathetic girl. I was just about to tell Charles that we can take a cab when he announced, “I have just the spot for you girls.”

  We pulled up in front of The Standard Hotel. We hurriedly said our goodbyes to Charles then stepped out onto the sidewalk where a long queue to get into The Boom Boom Room, the club on the hotel's eighteenth floor, had already formed. Just as we are about to head to the end of the line, a bouncer walked over and escorted us past the line and into the lobby. With a bit of a slur, Jane said, “This night just keeps getting better!”

  We took the elevator up to the loud crowded club. As I felt the beat of the music, I knew this was exactly what I needed. Jane and I headed right out to the dance floor. The music was wild, and we were shaking our asses all over the floor. After a few songs, we headed over to the ornate bar that curved around a massive art nouveau installation that looks like a massive explosion of gold and glass. A young hot bartender leaned across the bar to us and asked with a wink, “What can I get you pretty girls?”

  Jane gave him a big, sexy smile, and I yelled in her ear, “What do you say another bottle of champagne?”

  She turned her attention away from dreamy bartender and gave me a thumbs-up and yelled, “Bring it on!”

  I laughed and point to the drink menu and selected a bottle to order, “Give us bottle of Cristal champagne and two glasses, please.”

  “Let me get you a table, and I'll have it brought over to you,” he said and then said something into his headset.

  Promptly, another man approached us and showed us to a table with a large couch. There were floor to ceiling windows that gave way to a spectacular view of uptown New York and the East River. The lights of the city were truly breathtaking and once again my heart ached to share this with Evan. Moments later, our champagne was delivered, and the first glasses poured. Jane and I lifted our flutes and laughed as we toast to good friends.

  After a couple glasses of bubbly, I was feeling even more melancholy. Suddenly, Jane grabbed my hand and hoisted me to my feet insisting we dance. Could she see my eyes filling with tears through the strobe lighting that flashed, painting the room a brilliant shade of pink? Whatever the reason, the distraction of music and dancing was a welcome respite. My smile returned once we were back on the dance floor. The club was decorated with enormous round mirrored Christmas ornaments that cascaded from the ceiling. The DJ was spinning techno-Christmas music, and Jane was trying to show me the latest dance moves. All of this made me laugh. She kept me on the dance floor for what felt like hours and finally I begged her to let me rehydrate with some champagne.

  We returned to our table to find our bottle of champagne was empty, so we signal for our person. “Someone drank all the champagne! I think we will require another bottle.” The server looked at me and chuckled. I continued, “Yes, I know I'm going to feel terrible in the morning if I drink more, but who cares. Besides, I'm getting dumped tomorrow so please bring another, please.” Quietly he started speaking in his headset as he walked away.

  Jane tugged on my arm, asking me, “Melissa what do you mean you're ‘getting dumped tomorrow’?”

  Suddenly, I realized I was really drunk. Before I knew it, I was jabbering away although, at one point, I wasn’t sure Jane understood me because she gave me a funny look. After what felt like forever, our waiter came back with two designer bottles of water. He looked intently at us as he again spoke into his headset.

  “What the fuck? We ordered champagne.” I covered my mouth shocked by my own words. I couldn't believe that came out of me. I was usually not so rude.

  He replied politely, “We're working on it, miss. Sit tight.” He hurried away avoiding any further discussion.

  “Jane, I think they're cutting us off. Tell them… tell them we did not drink that last bottle.” I pleaded with her.

  “Oh Melissa, don’t worry about it,” Jane slurred slightly. “Let’s go dance, and if it's not here when we come back, fuck them. We'll find another place. Come on, girlfriend,” she said pulling me to the dance floor once more.

  We were dancing wildly and laughing as I tried to match her moves. The next thing I knew, Jane's latest hot model was wrapped around her. Not wanting to be a third wheel, I started to walk off the dance floor, but Jane hung onto me until her man locked her into a hot and sexy kiss. Her grasp on me lessened, and I was being pushed through the crowd by the other dancers. As I was trying to get back to our table strong hands gripped my hips. I attempted to slap them away, but they had a firm hold on me. My breathing became erratic, and I was starting to panic when I heard a familiar voice in my ear. “I've got you, bébé. Dance with me.”

  I turned around to see Evan looking gorgeous in a pair of black slack, a crisp dress shirt and waistcoat. He was so dapper and I was so happy to see him. Throwing my arms around his neck, I pulled his lips to mine. He pulled me tighter to him and I pushed my hips into his hard cock. He danced with me, swaying me to the music, grinding against me. I melt into him, loving the meshing of our bodies. After a few songs, he maneuvered me in front of him and guided us off the dance floor toward our table. “Let's go home bébé,” Evan growled as he runs his hands up and down my hips. I could feel his hard cock pressing against my ass.

  At our table, we found Jane and her hot model draped over the couch engaged in another lip lock. I disrupted them long enough to tell her I was leaving. As we headed for the exit, I remembered I didn't pay for the champagne and didn't want to stick Jane with the bill. “Evan I need to close our tab.”

  He didn't stop but guided me into the elevator, “Don't worry, it was already taken care of, bébé. Do you think I would let you go to a club where I didn’t have contacts?”

  Surprised, I tensed up. “You had people watching me? The two men that were constantly speaking into their headsets?”

  “Of course. You’re important to me, bébé,” he said before giving me a chaste kiss.

  As we headed outside, the cold winter air hit me in the face, and I realized how drunk I was. Thankfully, Evan had a firm grip on me and helped me into the car.

  “Hello, Charles,” I slurred. “Thank you for bringing us here; we had so much fun, even if you were babysitting me!”

  “My pleasure, Ms. Bennette,” Charles laughed softly.

  Arriving at Evan’s apartment, he gently shook me awake and then scooped me up into his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face in his chest and he carried me directly to his bedroom. He helped me remove my clothes then tucked me into bed before handing me a bottle of water and some aspirin. Quietly, I thanked him, “Merci.” I choked back the tears that wanted to flow.

  My heart broke in two when I heard him say, “This wasn't the way I planned to end our time together.” The tears came. I rolled away from him. I didn't want him to see my face.

  Evan didn't say another word. He just took off his clothes and climbed in behind me. A sense of relief overcame me when he molded his body against mine and hugged me tight.

  OOOOH. I FELT like shit when I woke up. I drank way too much last night, and today I was going to pay for it. The throbbing in my head almost drowned out the pain in my heart, knowing I would be saying goodbye to Evan this morning.

  I moved as fast as I could into the bathroom to get ready for work. I found that Evan had set out more aspirin and a bottle of water on the counter for me. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair into a ponytail, applied a little make up
and packed up all of my toiletries into my bag. I had one last sexy, fun outfit for my workday, but it didn't matter. No clothing could make up for my drunken escapade last night. Unexcited, I got dressed, gathered my clothes and packed them up.

  Rolling my suitcase into the living room, I heard Evan call out, “There's some coffee and baguette for you in the kitchen.”

  “Merci. I mean thank you,” I said quietly as I walk to get my breakfast. I passed on the baguette, not sure that I could swallow past the lump in my throat and poured a cup of coffee. From the kitchen, I could see Evan. I watched him in silence for a few minutes as I gathered myself. Summoning up all my courage, I walked over and sat down across from him. Reluctantly I asked, “Will you be riding to work this morning with me? If you're too busy, I understand.”

  Without taking his eyes off his tablet, he answered in a distracted tone, “Actually I have a meeting this morning so we'll drop you on the way.”

  I gazed out at the view as I sipped my coffee and wondered how I could have let myself get in so deep with this man. Even the hot coffee was not enough to chase away the chill that had come between us this morning. I whispered softly into my cup, “Stupid stupid stupid.”

  “What did you say?” I heard Evan ask, and I realized I said those last words louder than I thought.

  I quickly responded, “Oh nothing. Just thinking of what I needed to do today.”

  I finished my coffee, got up to take our empty dishes to the kitchen and set them in the sink.

  As I walked back, Evan was closing his tablet and standing up, “Ready to go?”

  “Yes.” I walked to my bag and started to roll it, but Evan grabbed it for me. “We can stop at your building and have the doorman take your bag up.”

  I didn't say a word as I was concentrating on not crying.

  As usual, Charles was waiting for us. I climbed in, and Evan followed. No pat on the ass, no caress. It was over as quickly as it began.

  After a quick stop at my building to drop off my bag, too soon the McDimel-Sanders building came into view. Evan exited first and extended his hand to help me. The touch of his hand left me devastated. I reached up and brushed his gorgeous face with my fingertips. I kissed him softly on the lips. Willing myself not to cry, softly I said, “Thank you for everything. I'm truly sorry about last night.” Before he could respond, I turned and walked quickly to the building. Behind me, I could hear Evan saying something, but I didn't stop to listen.

  By the time I reached the door, tears were pouring down my face. I rode the elevator up, keeping my head down and my tears shielded from prying eyes. As soon as the doors opened onto the thirty-third floor, I went straight into the bathroom to splash water on my face and apply some lipstick.

  I walked into the art department and saw Jane with her head down on her desk. “I see you feel as I do.”

  “Melissa you are no longer my friend. You are a bad, bad, bad influence” she said laughing, grabbing her head. “Oh! No laughing today.”

  “The last time I saw you, you were tangling tongues your hot model.”

  Jane’s head popped up, and she reprimanded me, “Why do you call him that? He does have a name.”

  “Sorry,” I apologized. Then inquired with his proper name, “Did you go home with Ryan?”

  “No, but this weekend we’re going away. He's picking me up from work this afternoon so let's take an early lunch, grab something quick and spicy to eat and go shopping. I need some lingerie and sexy clothes. And you could get some to entice your hot model dude.”

  I start laughing when she called Evan the model dude. Better to laugh than to cry. “Shopping sounds good,” I said with no emotion.

  Jane and I worked part of the morning finishing up our last project of the year, getting ready for our two-week holiday furlough for Christmas and New Years. By mid-morning, we had a staff meeting to discuss the photo shoot we worked on this week. We compiled all the artwork together that needed to be sent to the client along with the photos and videos. This busy work was a nice distraction, making the morning fly by and before I knew it we were heading out for lunch. We had sushi rolls with lots of ginger and wasabi. Nothing like a bit of spiciness to right a hangover. With our bellies satisfied, we indulged in some retail therapy.

  Returning to work, we each carried several shopping bags. Jane’s date was going to be thrilled with her purchases or maybe titillated was a better word. My treasures would be for no one but me. To my surprise the shopping was enjoyable thanks to Jane; she made everything fun.

  The rest of the day I worked on some sketches, occasionally looked at my phone, hoping for a sexy text from Evan but no such luck. I was surprised that he ended our time together like this. I know that I did not leave a good impression with my drunken behavior last night, but I couldn't believe that that would make him turn away from me so abruptly. Then I remembered his conversation with “Isabelle” and mentioning a weekend getaway. Maybe he was already out of town…

  “Earth to Melissa.” Jane tapped me on the shoulder. “I'm taking off.” I stood up to hug her, and we placed air kisses on each other’s cheeks. Pulling away, walking out the door she added, “Have a good weekend. See you Monday.”

  I nodded and waved at her, “You have a good weekend too.”

  ONCE JANE WALKED out, I quickly cleaned up my area, gathered all my purchases and headed for the elevator. I was hoping Evan was standing in the lobby with a wicked smile on his face, but he wasn't. The vision of him standing and waiting for me was another thing I would miss. That gorgeous man made this lobby a treat every time I stepped out of the elevator. From now on, it would be dull and lifeless. I sighed and walked out of the building. Heading to the curb, I hailed a cab and gave him my address as he pulled away from the curb. As we were getting closer to my apartment, I changed my mind. “Change of plans. Take me to JFK.”

  “No problem, miss,” he said. He made a quick few turns, and we made our way to the airport.

  I had no idea where to go, but I just couldn't go back to my apartment. It was now filled with memories of Evan and all of our intimate time together. I knew his taste, his smell; his essence would now permeate from every wall and surface of my home. Once in the terminal, I looked at the list of flights set to leave this afternoon and decided on Los Angeles because there was a flight scheduled to leave in an hour. I was hoping maybe a little sunshine would brighten my spirits. The last thing I wanted was to be reminded of how much this holiday sucks! How was it that it just kept getting worse? Sunshine didn't equal Christmas in my book and California would be a perfect distraction for me. I purchased a ticket, headed toward the shops to purchase a carry-on bag for all my new clothes then arrived at my gate with just minutes to spare.

  With still no word from Evan, I turned my phone off and boarded the plane for California. Five hours and several in-flight beverages later I landed at LAX then made my way to my hotel. While waiting for my flight, I went online and secured a room with an ocean view at the spectacular Shutters on the Beach, one of the finest hotels on the Santa Monica boardwalk. I may have selected the wrong hotel for my escape. The pale grey wood-slatted hotel with its white wooden balconies and plantation shutters was definitely a place for lovers.

  My heart was heavy. I was tense. I could smell Evan’s scent on my clothing, and I was reminded of the last time he was inside of me, loving me. I could see the look in his face when our eyes locked in the bathroom mirror. I was wishing I could feel him now. I wanted his body wrapped around me. His lips on mine. Tears slid down my cheeks as I looked out the cab window at the beautiful surroundings. I decided this is not paradise, I was in sunny hell.

  I checked into the hotel and went to my room. Striping off my clothes, I took a quick shower, put on a plush hotel robe and ordered room service. Sitting on the balcony, I looked out at the pier filled with fun and laughter, I would imagine. The amusement park situated on the pier was all lit up. I could see a roller coaster whizzing along the rails with faint screams of ex
hilaration. The Ferris wheel looked like a jewel twirling around slowly, so romantique, I imagined riding it with Evan.

  The thought of not sharing all of this with him sent tears down my face, and my throat felt as if it was closing, like I was suffocating. Any hopes I had of eating the gourmet grill cheese sandwich and tomato bisque I ordered were dashed. Closing my eyes, using my yoga techniques, taking several deep breaths and meditating, I tried to relax. Managing to gain control of my breathing, I reached a level of calm, but my emotional state was dim. Though I was not able to choke down the food that smelled and looked divine, I did manage to slosh back a bottle of champagne. Bubbly flowed into me straight from the bottle, and tears flowed down my face. Once the bottle was empty I dragged myself to the bed, I didn't bother to pull the covers back, I just curled up in a ball and cried myself to sleep.

  Before the sun came up, I heard the incessant ringing of a phone. In the dark, I searched out my purse and dug for my phone. Let it be Evan! Let it be Evan! It wasn't.

  It was Jane yelling into the phone, “Melissa, where the hell are you?”

  I was stammering, “I... I... I didn't want to tell you that Evan dumped me. I couldn't bear to go back to my apartment and be alone with memories of Evan.”

  Her voice elevated, “Where are you?”

  Rambling on I told her, “I had to leave. I should've known better. He told me he's not a relationship guy.”

  “Where the fuck are you?” Jane demanded to know.

  I wasn't listening to her as I continued on, “I love him. He doesn't love me.”

  She was trying to speak calmly, “I know you do, baby girl.” She paused and then continued in a softer voice, “Listen Melissa, you need to tell me where you are.”

  I didn't want to answer her question. “You shouldn't worry about me. I'm used to being alone. Enjoy your weekend with Ryan.”