Grand Hotel (A Geek An Angel)

by J. A. JACKSON

  “Of course I have sister,” Catherine’s voice drawled.

  “Is it someone I know?” Delta asked tentatively. She studied her sister’s face. The frown that settled across her face told her a lot.

  Catherine gulped down her drink.

  Delta’s thoughts raced. Then her eyes glazed over in recognition. Her face registered. She frowned. “Say, wasn’t that Clive Jemison I saw you dancing with earlier?”

  Catherine just stared straight ahead. Her thoughts raced. Delta hadn’t seen her with Remington Breaux. If she had she would had mentioned it. Now she was glad she had danced with Clive Jemison. He made a wonderful diversion. She smiled with her thoughts.

  She played with her empty glass and studied the mirrored mural behind the bar. The attractive chic décor could keep the eyes occupied for a long time.

  The bartender came back with their drinks.

  Delta held her tongue until he walked away.

  “Catherine. You haven’t answered my question. Was that Clive I saw you dancing with earlier?”

  Her sister’s eyes shot up at her.

  “Yes, I did dance with Clive.” Catherine said.

  “That weasel has the nerve to show his face. I should find Louis and tell him to kick his ass,” Delta snapped.

  “No!” Catherine said. “Now Delta, get that temper of yours under control.”

  “But sister that first classed prick cheated on you.”

  Catherine shrugged. “No he did not. We were not dating steady at the time,” she shook her head. “I didn’t give him a commitment that we would be exclusive. The man had a right to date whomever he pleased.”

  “Gosh Catherine, you really don’t sound like you were interested in Clive. I can tell by your voice what you’re saying is true.”

  Catherine sipped her drink. She thought about Clive for a moment. She remembered a conversation the two had had about Delta. Her thoughts were purely selfishly motivated. She smiled knowing her scheme would keep Delta occupied for the rest of the evening, if she told her. She cleared her throat. “Sister, what if I told you a secret? About Clive I mean.”

  “What? I’m all ears,” Delta said curiously.

  “Do you want to know the real reason why I was never interested in Clive Jemison?”

  “Yes,” Delta grinned leaning in close.

  “Well Clive and I never hit it off because once when he was drunk I asked him if he was interested in dating my baby sister.

  Delta almost choked on her drink. “But….” her voice was desperate. “I didn’t…I never gave the man any encouragement.”

  “Oh don’t worry about it Delta. I got Clive drunk on purpose. I always thought his eyes roamed toward you every time you entered the room. I got Clive drunk and then asked him to tell me the truth and he did.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Delta asked.

  “Well, I figured Clive Jemison is here tonight alone because he was obviously hoping to see you. And because I figured that since you’re just not into that boring Professor Percy Newhouse, then maybe you ought to spend the rest of the evening maybe getting to know Clive better.”

  Delta giggled. “I love the way that mind of yours works sister. Do you really think I have a chance with Clive?”

  “Oh I think you do,” she said peering over Delta’s shoulder. “In fact don’t look now but Clive Jemison is headed our way.”

  “Hello Catherine and Delta,” Clive said as he walked over. He stood directly in front of Delta.

  Nervously Delta gulped down her drink.

  “Delta you look exquisite in that evening gown. Red is your color,” Clive said nervously. “Would you like to dance with me?” He asked eagerly stretching out his hand.

  Delta giggled. “Yes I would Clive.”

  The man flushed.

  “Have fun you two,” Catherine called out as they walked away.

  Minutes later Pearl checked her hair in the chic mirror behind the bar. Staring into the mirror she had a direct view of the elevators across the foyer. Her eyes caught a man standing in front of the elevator. The sight of him gave her pause. She swallowed hard.

  The man reached out and grabbed the woman’s butt.

  “What the hell,” she muttered under her breath.

  A strange feeling came over her. She watched the man silently in the mirror’s reflection. He was behaving like a horny oversexed ass.

  She tossed back her drink.

  Chapter 13

  Lips Tension Relief

  The man marveled as the woman’s long jet black hair fell over her face as her lips did pleasurable things to him.

  The room was pungent from a strong aphrodisiac. The rich smell of amber, sandalwood and jasmine made the senses reel.

  “Oh God, that feels delicious,” Nate Trent moaned. He moved her hair behind her head. Then let his hand reach down to cup her breast.

  The petite full chested girl performed her ministrations to the fullest detail. She took great care to heighten his sexual pleasure until his body reached its climatic fever. Minutes later sweat beads of ecstasy poured down Nate’s face as his eyes glistened over in happiness.

  Nate Trent opened his eyes just as the girl slithered off of his body, out of the bed, and headed for the door. The door opened before she reached it.

  “Are you pleased Mr. Trent?” a woman said as the girl slipped through the open door.

  “Oh Ms. Lemieux very much so.” Nate rose and climbed off of the bed.

  “Good. I would hate for you to be displeased. A powerful and very rich man such as you should always have his pleasure as he pleases,” Ms. Lemieux said.

  Ms. Lemieux said all the things she knew he wanted to hear as she watched him with an observant eye. It gave her power and control.

  Nate retrieved his clothes. “My only disappointment is that you keep a firm watch on your girls,” he buttoned his shirt.

  Ms. Lemieux smiled softly and came straight to the point. “You got what you paid for Mr. Trent. It was all you asked for. If you desire more I can charge your account.”

  “No, I’m good. Lips do relieve the tension,” he interrupted. “Perhaps next time I will require more,” he nodded, straightening his clothes and heading for the door.

  Ms Lemieux followed him through the door. She walked him down the hall to the main door of the suite.

  Nate stopped abruptly as he reached the main door. He turned and inclined his head. “Ms. Lemieux until next time,” he said closing the door behind him.

  Ms. Lemieux made sure the door was locked securely behind him. “You cheap bastard,” she mumbled under her breath as she closed the door.

  The girl with the long black hair said softly. “Madame Lemieux? Can Tammy Faye and I order from room service now?”

  “Of course you can Duchess. Order whatever you like,” she said.

  Duchess Lanchow brushed her glossy black hair. It caught the light. Her slanted exotic eyes smiled warmly. “Was he our last client?”

  “Yes, in fact after we are all finish eating, you and Tammy Faye can have the rest of the night off.”

  Chapter 14

  The Perceptive Watcher

  Pearl tided up the mess Lacey and Maëlle had left on the bathroom counter. Toothpaste, tooth brushes, and hair ornaments had been thrown all over the countertop.

  Pearl finished her task and breathed a sigh of relief. She stood in front of the mirror adjusting her hair.

  There was a knock on the door. She prayed it wasn’t Mother Kahina Laveau, tired of the girls already. She walked quickly to the door.

  Pearl couldn’t believe her eyes.

  Monty Wildfire’s handsome face stared back at her.

  “Pearl, may I come in?”

  Without waiting for a response, Monty moved smoothly and quickly through the open door.

  Pearl’s throat tightened. “Monty, I beg your pardon. But I was just on my way back down to the ballroom.”

  “There’s no hurry Pearl,” Monty’s voice said with l
aughter. “The competition hasn’t started. Besides, I want to give you something.”

  Pearl’s face was grim. After a moment’s hesitation she closed the door and followed him into the suite.

  “What a lovely room,” Monty said strolling around. “The suites at the San Jose Hotel are rich and elegant,” he said, as his gaze looked curiously around.

  “Yes, they are,” she agreed.

  Monty walked over and sat down on the sofa. “Hmmmmmm, the Penthouse Suite has some great views. Louis always had great taste.”

  Annoyance flashed in her eyes. She thought his stare was done to pass judgment. “You are assuming I didn’t pick this suite. Do you think I lack taste?” Pearl wondered why she was encouraging Monty in conversation.

  Monty smiled back at her and said nothing. It was easy to look at Pearl. She was what they called very easy on the eyes. In fact he found the agitated frown on her face amusing and sexy. He’d bet she had no idea how beautiful she looked right now.

  “I’m sorry Pearl, I didn’t mean to say you didn’t have good taste,” he said as his eyes rested tenderly on her face. His eyes charmed her. His voice held a seductive, gentle, kind, commanding tone, which was very effective on the opposite sex. “In fact, I’m sure your taste is just as classy and sophisticated as you are.”

  Pearl listened to Monty’s low sexy seductive voice. He was a charmer. He had the kind of voice that could lead a woman into a world of distress.

  “Damn”, she said in her thoughts. It was hard not to like Monty. He was the king of flattery. His considerate and kind nature, not to mention his smooth words and good manners, could take a woman’s breath away.

  “You said you wanted to show me something Monty.”

  Monty smiled back at her with a disguised admiration. He’d spent weeks thinking of a project that would excite Pearl. He rose from his seat pulled the envelope from his breast pocket and walked over and handed it to her.

  He stood close and folded his arms. He could smell her perfume. It was intoxicating. He breathed deeply, savoring her.

  Pearl took the letter and read it in silence. After the first paragraph she turned and gazed at Monty in shock. The voice inside her head started laughing. She turned and continued reading the letter as a smile slowly crept across her face. The proposal listed the Silicon Valley Blanket Food Foundation specifically as the recipient of all donations. It was the foundation Pearl had founded.

  She cleared her throat. “Monty you do realize this proposal gives me authority to conduct our joint partnership? And it lists me as Director and Chairman President?” She read further. The letter also stated the foundation would receive a fifty thousand dollar starter amount to get things going. Before she knew it she giggled out loud. “And it puts me in charge of the budget?”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “It’s a fine foundation that has long been overdue on being noticed.

  Pearl could not believe her eyes. Her breath caught in her throat. As she continued and finished reading the letter.

  Suddenly she threw her arms around Monty. “Thank you Monty!”

  Monty held Pearl tight.

  Pearl swallowed hard when she realized he wasn’t letting her go. She stiffened in his grip and pushed back to look up at him. “What do you want Monty?” she asked gazing back at him.

  Monty didn’t answer. He seemed to have trouble breathing. He stared back at Pearl with a glassy gaze. His mouth opened.

  Suddenly without seeming to move he grabbed Pearl’s arm and pulled her close to him. His lips sought hers.

  Pearl struggled. “Let me go Monty!”

  “Monty Wildfire get your hands off of Pearl!” Grand mere Catherine’s voice sliced the air. Her icy gray stare held Monty Wildfire’s gaze.

  The moment was awkward.

  “Evening Grand mere Catherine,” Monty said innocently. “Pearl and I were just talking. Weren’t we Pearl?”

  “I am not your grandmother Monty,” Catherine declared.

  Monty looked at her and shook his head.

  Grand mere Catherine stared curiously at Pearl. Her steel gray eyes took in the situation.

  Pearl didn’t reply. She felt embarrassed.

  “Look Catherine, I don’t know what you think you saw,” Monty said before being abruptly interrupted.

  “That’s Mrs. Catherine Marie Rousseau-Andries La Cour to you Monty!” She bellowed without taking her eyes off of him. And if that’s lost on you, then call me Mrs La Cour!”

  Monty shot a cold stare at her.

  “I am not a fool Monty, that didn’t look like talking to me. It looked like you thought you could do more than talking,” her lips tightened.

  Monty frowned and lowered his gaze.

  Grand mere Catherine didn’t flinch. “You can’t even look me in the eye when I’m talking to you.” Her hostile gaze stared back at him. “Your good looks and smooth words may help you whore around with any woman that you choose Monty. But my daughter-in-law has good taste. She would never stoop low and have an affair with a man like you Monty. You aren’t good enough for a La Cour woman,” she uttered abruptly.

  Monty raised his gaze and nodded knowing he’d met his match. He swallowed hard. “Look, I’m sorry Mrs. La Cour.”

  Grand mere Catherine tilted her head. “Now Monty I have one other thing to correct you on. You are standing too close to my daughter-in-law, and I would feel better if you would move away slowly.” She said opening her purse as if intending to take something out. “In fact don’t you have some place you need to be? And if that is lost on you, just know that you need to leave now!”

  Her threatening gaze wasn’t lost on Monty. He shrugged his shoulders as he watched her keep her hand in her purse. “As a matter of fact Mrs. La Cour, I was just leaving.”

  Grand mere Catherine, gazed back at him. “Oh Monty just one more thing before you go. There’s an old saying. You should beware of the watcher. For the Watcher is very perceptive and she always sees.”

  Monty wrenched his eyes from Grand mere Catherine’s gaze. “Well Mrs. La Cour, I would say it has been nice meeting you. But that would be a lie.”

  Before she could say anything else, he quickly made his way to the door.

  He glanced up. “Pearl it’s been good to see you as always,” he said before slamming the door as he left.

  “Grand mere Catherine I don’t know what to say,” Pearl said.

  “Hush child,” Grand mere Catherine exhaled slowly. “I don’t want to talk about this. I know you love my son Louis.”

  “But….”

  “Shhhhh, notice the time. Come on Pearl we need to get back to the ballroom, they should have started the junior pageant march by now.”

  Pearl realized she was still griping the letter from Monty. Slowly she flashed a smile. “I hope you don’t mind, but I need to freshen-up. I’ll make it quick okay Grand mere Catherine?

  “Oh no child, I don’t mind.”

  Chapter 15

  Junior Royal Court

  “Shut up Mimi!” Lucy whined. “And stop laughing at me. Yuck! Your breathe stinks.”

  “Well, you wouldn’t know that if you didn’t stand right up in my face, now would you yuck face?” Mimi fiercely laughed making a mean face.

  “Mimi looks stupid,” Lucy chanted laughing uncontrollably.

  “Stop laughing at me Lucy!” Mimi yelled fretfully.

  “If you want me to stop laughing at you then stop looking so funny. Funny girl, stupid funny girl,” Lucy chanted between giggles.

  Mimi glanced at her mother Ming to make sure she wasn’t paying attention. All at once she reached over and pinched Lucy’s arm.

  “Ouch,” Mother Mimi pinched me.

  Mimi played with her hands. “Uh ah, no I didn’t,” she shrugged. “And besides you pinched me first.”

  Ming Mondragon turned around, squared her shoulders and faced her daughters. “Look, I don’t care who pinched whom. Stop it both of you,” she cried. Sometimes she fe
lt all she did was play referee to her two daughters. Her affection for her daughters was as genuine as any mother’s could be. But her patience was wearing thin. Like any mother, she often craved a break from her kids.

  “Lacey and Mimi Mondragon, I have been patient with the two of you all day. Mommy needs a break,” Ming sighed. “Your antics are starting to get on my nerve. Why can’t the two of you be more like your cousin Jade?”

  Jade Mondragon was Ming’s niece. She was two years older than Mimi her eldest. But unlike Mimi and Lucy, Jade was always a well-behaved and respectful child. “If the two of you don’t stop. I’ll tell Jade you were both acting like two-year olds,” she added.

  Ming always held Jade’s prefect behavior up as an example to her daughters. She held out hope they would both, one day, follow Jade’s example of how she expected them to behave.

  The two sisters glanced between each other with remorse expressions covering their face.

  Ming smiled. Her idol threat had produced the effect she’d hoped it would.

  The only other person she could threaten her daughters with to make them behave was Mother Kahina Laveau. She thought with a smile. Tonight, after the ball was over, Mother Kahina Laveau will provide a slumber party for the children. It made her glad.

  Ming smiled. Her threat had worked. “Come along girl’s Mother Kahina Laveau is waiting.”

  The two girls were instantly silent.

  “Ahhhhhh,” they moaned grudgingly in unison.

  They stared at each other simultaneously.

  “No!” Lucy whined, her eyes pleading. “You’re going to make us spend the night with the warden aren’t you?”

  Mimi stared back quietly. She opened her mouth and then closed it quickly. It was obvious she didn’t want to try her mother’s patience any further.

  “Well girls, I guess you’ll just have to wonder. Come along now. Mother Laveau is head of the Junior Royal Court this year. We don’t want to keep her waiting.”