Grand Hotel (A Geek An Angel)

by J. A. JACKSON

“She’s the head of it every year,” Mimi mumbled under her breath, as she followed behind her mother.

  Children chatted in small excited groups as Ming entered the backstage area set up for the Junior Royal Court.

  “Look, there’s Ann and Elizabeth Songbird,” Lucy yelled.

  “Mom can we go visit with them,” Mimi’s voice rang out like a song.

  “I have to check you both in with Mother Kahina Laveau,” Ming said clearing her throat.

  Mother Kahina Laveau’s voice sliced the air. “Ming don’t worry. I can see them both. I have them accounted for,” she said.

  “If you are in a hurry you can just leave.”

  Ming nodded. “If you are sure you don’t need me to stay.”

  Mother Kahina Laveau gave Ming a stern gaze. “I’ve been doing this for years. Plus, it’s time we ran through a quick rehearsal.”

  At that moment Mary Mackey, Mother Kahina Laveau’s daughter entered with Lacey La Cour and Maëlle Mallard in tow.

  Ming nodded her greeting as she nudged her daughters into the room and quickly made her escape. “Thanks Mother Kahina Laveau and its good to see you Mary,” she said.

  Mary Mackey nodded and returned her greeting. She cleared her throat and turned and gazed up. “Mother Laveau, here are two more participants in the Junior Court.”

  Lacey and Maëlle acknowledged Mother Laveau respectfully.

  “Okay girls go on and play with your friends. Take Mimi and Lucy with you,” she commanded cheerfully.

  The children squealed with delight.

  “Oh, Mimi and Lucy, your cousin Jade Mondragon is already here,” she hastened to add. “We will start lining up with escorts for the Junior Royal court shortly and run through a quick rehearsal.”

  Mother Laveau waited a moment until the girls were out of earshot. She turned and stared at her daughter. “Mary, did you get Pearl’s permission for the girls to attend the slumber party?”

  “Yes,” Mary said. “Pearl said it was okay. In fact the girls were asking if we’d hired the same Magician as last year.”

  Mother Laveau shook her head. “No, thank goodness. That fellow couldn’t find his rabbit. We still don’t know what happened to that poor animal,” she sighed. “The fellow I hired this year does the family cruise ship to Atlantis each year. He’s good. Really good,” she laughed. “There won’t be any lost rabbits this year.”

  Chapter 16

  The Crush

  Twenty minutes later, Ming dashed for the elevator and made her way to her suite. She opened the door and stepped across the threshold.

  She heard soft music playing. “Sweet, sweet sticky thing. Sweet, sweet sticky thing….”

  "Conrad, I'm here!" she hollered as she entered. Quickly she dashed down the hallway into the master bedroom. Seconds later Conrad emerged from the bathroom.

  "Ming, I’ve been waiting for you darling" he smiled seductively dropping his towel.

  He walked naked over to the bureau and picked up a drink.

  Ming stood staring openly, transfixed at how sexy he looked. She thought she was the luckiest woman in the world. This sexy Adonis God was her husband, she said in her mind. She was aroused just staring at him.

  “You look tense, Ming. I know how demanding the girls can be. I’m sorry I didn’t help you with them earlier,” he said. “Here, I made your favorite drink.”

  “A Toasted Almond, just like I like it. Apology accepted,” Ming said, smiling and taking the drink. Conrad is always doing things to make me happy. He loves me so much, she thought.

  “Thank you Conrad.”

  “You know you are the most important person in my life. I’ve got to keep my woman happy,” he added. “Now drink up,” he said clinking glasses.

  He downed his drink then watched as Ming’s throat rippled, as she swallowed.

  She shivered and then smiled. “Whew! That went down smoothly.”

  Instantly Ming thought she saw a flash of light. She listened attentively. The lyrics of the song that was playing intensified.

  Sweet, sweet sticky thing….Sweet, sweet sticky thing. Filled the room.

  “Damn Conrad, you look so good standing naked before me. Just like a dream,” Ming murmured, her head felt like she had entered a dreamlike haze.

  Conrad reached out and pulled her into a close embrace. His lips twitched as he stared back at her. He leaned closer and kissed her and felt her mouth open in response to him.

  Abruptly he pulled away pushed Ming out of his embrace. His fingers quickly embraced the zipper of her dress and slid it down.

  Ming stepped out of her dress. She stood before him in her black bustier. She still wore her high heels.

  Ming watched Conrad’s hawk slanted eyes gaze back at her like a predator owning its prey.

  He kissed her eagerly this time. It unleashed a groan from Ming’s throat.

  “Keep the heels on. You look so sexy in them,” he murmured and let his lips capture hers. Then his tongue snaked out and eased to her ear. “You are my woman. You do as I say.”

  Ming groaned at the softness of his voice. It created a delirium of seductive sensual longing. It sent her senses reeling. She relaxed against him astonished at the frantic need to feel him closer.

  The kiss went on and on. Then Conrad’s mouth wandered to her neck and her shoulders. He thrust his hand inside her bustier and squeezed her breast.

  Ming moaned again unable to control her feelings of pleasure. “Oh…..I feel warm all over. Damn, I want you Conrad.”

  “You’re feeling your passion. That’s good, I love to see a woman enjoying her passion,” he said pushing her down on the bed. “You’re so beautiful Ming.”

  Ming felt like her mind was leaving her body. A moment of surprise registered. Her voice was a soft whisper, as her words tumbled out. “Conrad did you put something in my drink? Why? You know I’d do anything for you.”

  He kissed her softly. “Yes, I know you’d do anything for me Ming, because you love me,” he murmured.

  “Yes, I love you,” she moaned.

  Ming, you said you had the courage to do anything. Anything I asked you to do. Don’t you remember?”

  Ming’s eyes grew wide. She knew what Conrad meant. She’d seen that look before. Conrad was bored with her sexually. It didn’t matter how many times she went down on him. He’d always felt that maybe he’d missed out on something by marrying Ming so young.

  She stared terrified back at him. “Don’t….Don’t you still…?”

  “Don’t even say that Ming. You know I still love you. I just want us to spice things up a bit,” he smiled.

  She felt the drug relax her more. She felt like she didn’t want to ask any more questions. She thought she felt a soft set of hands caressing her body. She looked back.

  Ming’s body shuddered. “What’s happening Conrad? I feel something strange.”

  Conrad ran his hand down her face. “Why Ming you’re feeling pleasure and more pleasure. Feel it. Let your body flow with it.”

  “Pleasure, pleasure and more pleasure,” Ming mumbled incoherently.

  “Yes, I need pleasure and more pleasure in our relationship,” Conrad urgently pleaded. “Give me more pleasure,” he groaned.

  Ming moaned feeling her body relax. “There is someone else here with us isn’t there?”

  “Yes, Ming you remember Delilah Deauville?”

  An intense sensual longing flashed in Delilah’s eyes. “Hello again Ming,” she said in a hoarse whisper. “I’ve always had a crush on you.”

  Ming’s body rode a wave of pleasure as Delilah ran her hands down her body. She slowly breathed out. “You have?”

  The last thing Ming consciously remembered was Delilah’s face as she leaned over and kissed her.

  Chapter 17

  Confessions, Mixing Love & Pleasure...

  Monty Wildfire marched down the hall to the elevator. He was mad as hell. “Who does that old bat, Grand mere Catherine, think she is? I’m Monty Wildfire. I ca
n have any woman I want,” he murmured as he got on the elevator. He punched the buttons without a thought. His handsome face was deeply marred with a frown.

  The elevator door slid open.

  “Monty Wildfire!” A woman’s sultry voice called as she entered.

  Monty couldn’t recall the voice. His eyes had trouble looking at the woman’s face. His eyes locked, spellbound and at eye level with the woman’s chest. Forty double D cups gave him a high salute and shook him out of his melancholy mood.

  “Admiring the girls Monty?”

  Monty nodded and finally looked at the woman’s face. It was Fleur Lemieux. Grinning, he rubbed his chin.

  Fleur Lemieux was a very tall, very attractive, well built woman. A man could get lost in her well built chest.

  Unbeknownst to but a few of the wealthiest people in Silicon Valley, Fleur Lemieux ran an escort service. They did more than just make the best looking, eye candy, model types to be escorted to that special event. They could take care of a man’s or a woman’s every need.

  “Well….Well,” Monty said approvingly licking his lips. “Are you staying at the hotel Fleur?”

  Fleur would be a perfect diversion for the evening and she would take his mind off of Pearl. He swallowed hard. Damn, Pearl didn’t know how much he cared about her. How much he loved her. He stared back at Fleur. He did love her breasts. He licked his lips. Plus he knew Fleur owed him big time. He’d sent several rich guys her way for business.

  “Yes…Yes….Monty I am. If you’ve got any free time I can take care of that favor I owe you,” she said.

  “Well, I won’t lie. I’m free now,” Monty said.

  “How wonderful,” she said smiling softly. “It just so happens I’m free right now too. Would you like to do me for free?”

  Monty chuckled at her play on words. He was glad the elevator was empty.

  “You know I would,” he licked his lips again. He could feel his body warming in all the right places.

  Fleur pushed the elevator button. The door opened. “This is my floor,” she said leading the way to her suite. She walked over to a door and instantly her hand swiped the key card and the door opened.

  “Nice,” Monty grinned and walked further into the room, admiring the view. The room wasn’t as luxurious as the one Pearl was staying in. Funny, he thought he couldn’t shake Pearl from his thoughts. He knew why. It was because he wanted her. He wanted Pearl badly. Grand mere Catherine’s words echoed through his mind. She thought Pearl was too good for him. He smiled softly. He figured out a way to show them. He’d get even with La Cours if it was the last thing he did.

  He turned and looked at Fleur. She was tall, yes. But she was nothing compared to Pearl. Still, if he looked at Fleur just right, she didn’t look like a whore. He could fuck her with pleasure. He smiled softly.

  Fleur Lemieux closed the distance between them. She touched Monty’s arm. “I have a full bar set up in the bedroom this way. What would you like to drink?”

  “Bourbon, straight,” he said.

  Monty watched Fleur walk to the bar and pour two glasses of bourbon.

  Fleur tried to make small talk. “So Monty, I hear the Grand Isles Ball has already received over four hundred fifty thousand dollars in donations tonight. Do you think this has been the highest amount collected?” she asked running a finger gently against his thigh.

  “No, but the final receipts have been calculated. The totals won’t be known until at least the end of the week. But the money is for charity. It’s all going to a good cause.”

  Fleur took the moment and unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor. She stood naked before him.

  Quickly Monty tossed back his drink and swallowed hard. He reached and poured himself another one. He gulped it down immediately.

  He turned around and looked at Fleur. The booze was starting to make her look better.

  “Good, no underwear,” he said with a shrug. “I hate the stuff, it just slows you down.”

  Fleur closed the distance between them. “You know, if you think about it, what I’m doing right now is for a good worthy charitable cause too,” she said quickly taking off Monty’s jacket. Like a skilled pro she unbuttoned his shirt and removed the rest of his clothes in seconds.

  Softly he smiled looking down as his body swelled. Seductively he glanced up at Fleur. “You know, the charity you’re about to take care of is for a worthy cause too.”

  Monty’s hands went instantly to cup her breasts. His fingers were expert at touching a woman. “I’m going to name your breasts Charity, for they do perform a worthy cause,” he murmured as his mouth closed around one of her nipples.

  She purred.

  Suddenly he felt Fleur’s naked body slide down his. Her tongue made him groan.

  Monty threw his head back and closed his eyes. He moaned again. “Whew yes Fleur, that’s the spot. Damn, I love performing charity for a worthy cause,” he murmured with delight. “Yes….Yes I do!”

  Chapter 18

  Misunderstanding & other riddles

  Across the crowded dance floor Louis strode coolly and confidently toward the main ballroom. It was setup theater-style for the pageant performance. He quickly pushed aside the heavy velvet curtains that were set up to cover the stage.

  “Hey, Clare Palling, where is Mother Kahina Laveau? We need to get this pageant underway,” he confidently said.

  Clare Palling was an accountant by trade. She was here to make sure all receipts and expenses were accounted for at the charity event.

  “The last time I saw her she was with her daughter Noita.”

  “Noita?” he repeated, with a puzzled expression.

  “You know Noita. She is the one everyone calls Miss Mary Mackeey. They were trying to calm some girl’s parents.”

  Clare fussed with a couple of folders. “You know, I don’t know how Mother Laveau can do it, dealing with those fickle teenage girls in the Royal Queen Pageant. I would much rather deal with the kids in the Junior Royal Court any day,” she said nodding. “Their parents don’t feel they are owed a thing.”

  The Royal Queen Pageant was not the only highlight of the Grand Isles Christmas Ball. Young ladies aged fifteen to twenty competed to be crowned the Royal Queen of the Grand Isles Christmas Ball. The pageant brought in a huge chunk of the donations.

  The Junior Royal Court was the children’s pageant. Children from grades third all the way up to sixth grade were selected for the title of King, Queen, Prince, Princess, Duke, Duchess, Count and Countess based upon their community and academic achievements.

  Louis rubbed his face. “What happened now?”

  Clare breathed out. “Oh, you know how it always goes. Some parents think they can buy their way to the Royal Queen Pageant. It seems one of the girls feels she’s being slighted. So she yelled for her mommy and daddy. Her hyper-emotional parents came back stage to yell their disbelief that they haven’t donated enough money for their daughter to win.”

  Louis shook his head. “What?”

  “You know the old story Louis. The parents only donated money hoping it would guarantee their daughter was going to win the pageant tonight,” she said smothering a yarn. “I think Mother Kahina Laveau has it all under control. Anyway, they took their argument out back into the corridor heading toward the kitchen. Come on, I’ll take you to them.”

  Louis fell in alongside Clare Palling. She led him through the back door into the hallway.

  Mother Kahina Laveau looked up. “Ah Louis, I’m so glad you’re here. I believe your help is needed.”

  Clare nudged Louis. “I’ll leave you to handle this,” she said turning and leaving the way she came.

  Louis watched as the door closed behind her. Clare didn’t want to deal with this situation. He didn’t blame her. Slowly he turned and looked up. “What can I help you with Mother Laveau?”

  “I believe this young lady and her family would like to have her name scratched as one of the entries for the queen pageant tonight,” she
said with a pause, turning to the young woman. “Isn’t that what you and your parents would like Katrina?”

  “No! Katrina shook her head. “There just seems to be a misunderstanding.”

  The atmosphere in the small office was chaotic.

  Only Mother Kahina Laveau seemed unfazed by the drama.

  The Baptiste family was known for their large real estate holdings. Jean Baptiste owned a large real estate company. His family could trace their roots back to the Spanish land grants of 1855.

  Jean Baptiste cleared his throat. “Yes, that is exactly what we would like. I want to pull our daughter from the competition and ask for a full return of our donated monies, and my wife Pauline agrees with me.”

  Katrina Baptiste looked up at her father. “Daddy, are you crazy? I may as well become suicidal and kill myself tonight.”

  “Stop being over dramatic Katrina,” her father said.

  “Mother, tell father. If he asks for the money back, people will be talking about this for years to come,” she said with a determined tilt of her chin. “I will not pull out of tonight’s competition.”

  Pauline Baptiste stood silently while taking in the situation. She could tell by her daughter’s cold stares that she wanted her to intervene. Pauline had learned how to tell what Katrina’s various stares meant.

  She stood for a moment and held Katrina’s gaze unflinching. She figured that, maybe, if she stood her ground and didn’t give into her, something could change.

  Then Katrina’s eyes flashed cold back at her. It was the stare she dreaded. If she didn’t side with her daughter she would dread it.

  Pauline Baptiste’s eyes narrowed into slants as she stared back at her husband. “Katrina’s right Jean,” she said. “You will make this family the butt of everyone’s jokes, if you ask for our money back.”

  Their one daughter Katrina Baptiste had fine-elegant bone structure and a great figure like her mother. But she was taller with the advantages of youth and beauty. Being the only daughter, she had learned long ago how to get her father to do her bidding. “Daddy, please don’t pull me out of tonight’s competition,” her voice pleaded.