by Ashley Woods
As he was pushing harder on the pedal, Kristen cried out, “Please go slower, you’re going to kill us! You know you are going the wrong way, don’t you? Palm Beach is back there.”
Rosario laughed, “I take life as fast as it can go. You need to play hard to live longer.”
He then drove back over the bridge to the island and deposited her back at her house.
Safe again, she quickly got out of the vehicle saying, “Thanks for dinner and the club. They were great.”
Rosario knew Kristen had no interest in him, and it did not bother him. He had enough young girlfriends to keep him occupied, and they never challenged him.
He answered, “You are so very welcome.” He gave her a tired kiss on the cheek, “I will call you.”
“How can you call me if you don’t know my number? I didn’t put it on the lease.”
Rosario said as he sped off, “Don’t worry about it. Ciao Kristina.”
“These rich men are strange characters. You never know what they want or what they are thinking.”
Kristen woke up early the next morning, and noticed that the transport had delivered her car. She was glad to see it. She then called the rental branch to pick that one up.
The sun looked inviting, and she decided to walk to the beach, instead of staying by her pool. She always managed to get a much better tan at the ocean.
The beach was barren, and she enjoyed that she was the only one there. But, even with thoughts of Gregory keeping her warm, Kristen soon started to get bored.
After an hour had passed, two girls crossed the sand and laid their towels down by her. The trio started talking, and she learned that their names were Linda and Melanie. They hit it off right away, and it seemed that Kristen now had the good fortune to meet up with kindred spirits that were also her age.
The girls were from Southern California, and were staying in Palm Beach at a Penthouse condo owned by Melanie’s company. Linda was a hairdresser and was very obvious about it. She also liked to do all of the talking.
“The condo is off of Bradley Place and it is uber-expensive. Melanie’s boss lets us stay there whenever we want.”
She flipped up her long black ponytail with a flourish. Kristen noticed that Linda constantly smoothed it out and twiddled it as she talked. She had a defined Valley Girl twang and dressed the part.
Kristen giggled and asked Melanie, “So, do you have something going on with him?
Melanie didn’t answer, but Linda shook her add to affirm it, and exclaimed, “It is such a deal! I wish I had that type of arrangement with men so I could stay at different places around the world.” She pulled out her hairbrush and started re-arranging Melanie’s hair.
Kristen laughed. She knew these new friends were going to be very interesting to be with. They had quite a season ahead of them.
5 SLOW DANCE
As Palm Beach went into full swing, Melanie and Linda flew in almost every week-end from Los Angeles. They spent the next four months together hitting up every club on the Gold Coast.
They also enjoyed long afternoons on a boat that they rented from a near-by marina. Linda could steer slightly better than the others, and took on the role of captain, complete with the white hat.
As they puttered down the Intracoastal, the girls enjoyed the attention that they received from the men on the other boats. They found it to be a very useful dating tool, and they never missed a sandbar party off Peanut Island.
It was nothing but fun all the time, and they avidly took out jet skis on the ocean, and snorkeled on the other days. A few day trips to Key West and the Gulf Coast, rounded it off. Kristen was brown as a nut, and her hair lightened considerably.
Kristen was feeling more adventurous whenever the sun set. And, on this enticing evening, she called up Linda and Melanie, and a few other girls, to go with her to a new nightclub on the island. It was on the lower level of a historic building, which was located on Sunrise Avenue.
The club was going through another one of its re-incarnations. Every other season, the place would fold up, remodel, and change its name. It was always a place to go, but it never really caught on, no matter how exclusive it was, what its name was, or what famous chef or group owned it. It seemed like the lot had a curse on it. What made it popular, was that it was one of two restaurant/bars on the island that had late hours.
Kristen sparkled herself up and put on her most comfortable dancing shoes. Their group arrived fashionably late after midnight and was immediately seated at one of the reserved tables.
They were having a great time while waiting for Linda to show up. She decided to have a late work-out, and then was driving over in her own rental car.
When she finally walked into the club, she was wearing a short blonde wig. Melanie laughed at her, “What’s up with the wig Linda? Did you finally learn that the blondes do have more fun?”
Kristen grinned, and poofed up her own blonde hair, “Just how did you manage to fit your ponytail under it? I don’t even see any black hairs sticking out. Good job.”
Linda stuck out her tongue at both of them, “The hair dryer at the fitness center wasn’t strong enough to take on my hair. And, when I got to the Penthouse, I still did not have the time. So, I just wetted it down and stuck it in this old wig that Melanie’s boss had in our condo closet. It probably belongs to one of his ex-wives.”
“It is more likely his. Don’t wreck it, or I am sure I will hear all about it from him when he flies down again. He told us not to mess with his stuff.” Melanie reminded her.
Linda pulled out her compact and gazed in the mirror.
“You know, I look pretty good. Maybe, I will add some lighter highlights to my hair, or go completely blonde.”
One of the other girls scoffed, “That will cost a fortune to switch from jet black to blonde. You will need a really good colorist that’s better than you are, or you will probably turn a crazy orange tone.” Linda stuck out her tongue even longer.
The small room was packed, and the music was blasting louder, so it was now hard to hear each other. It was surprising that any of the sleeping occupants of the condominium floors above them could tolerate it.
Kristen sipped at her glass of wine, observing the dancers turning colors under the disco lights. She noticed right away that Gregory, her luscious hunk from Club Colette was there. He was dancing with two women. Kristen patiently waited for him to recognize her.
After twenty minutes, Gregory was still on the floor, and it was apparent that he was oblivious to his surroundings. So, Kristen grabbed one of her girlfriends, and swished her way out through the dancers. She moved right up on him, with her body about three inches behind his. She stepped backwards and gave him a little thump. He bumped and grinded hard right back on her.
He then turned around laughing and began dancing and rubbing all over her.
He yelled above the noise and into her ear,
“You don’t think I noticed you, did you? What’s the matter, are you jealous? You had to have me?”
Gregory then made it obvious to his dance partners that their time was up, and they sulked off. Kristen was again magnetized by Gregory’s charm and she couldn’t pull herself from him. How could she not be attracted to this rugged Norse warrior. He was gorgeous, tan, and his muscles were even more ripped than before, with every one of them protruding from his tight white pants.
Gregory held her closely and pushed his lips into hers. She felt the warmth of his breath, and they stood transfixed in the middle of the dance floor, as they welded together. The room seemed to spin around as they kissed.
Gregory whispered, “We are getting out of here. I am crazy for you!”
They walked off the floor with Kristen hanging on him. She had long been waiting for this moment.
As they reached the front door, she gave a weak wave to her surprised friends. Gregory pointed at Linda, “Is that your friend? What’s her name?
Kristen laughed, “She’s from California. It is too
far away for you. I’m the one you want. Remember?”
Gregory left Kristen standing, and walked straight up to Linda, and whispered in her ear, “I will be back for you later. Wait here for me. Don’t tell anyone. You are all mine now.” He gave her arm a strong squeeze, “Understand.”
Linda said, “Of course, I will wait for you.” She giggled, “You are so hot! No one needs to know.” She discreetly slipped him her phone number. She had pre-written it on a napkin when she arrived at the disco, in case she met anyone.
Gregory kissed Linda’s hand, and then walked back and grabbed Kristen’s arm, “Let’s go sexy. I am ready for you now.”
He pulled Kristen against him so she could feel exactly what he meant. Her eyes rolled back into her head, Gregory was working his black magic again.
Over the months since she met Karl, Kristen had a hard time suppressing the feelings that she had during her encounter with him. It was obvious that he had deeply unsettled her, and now nothing was more appealing to her than slow dancing with danger. It left her with an unfulfilled hunger for new thrills. She was more than willing for Gregory to do as he desired with her now. It seemed that she had no other choice, like Karl, he had a strange power over her. She couldn’t understand why.
Gregory grabbed his keys from the valet and headed to his Bugatti Veyron which was placed right at the front door.
He loaded Kristen into it and kept the top down as they drove off at a high speed.
Kristen noticed a tattered piece of black lace on his rearview mirror that was flapping wildly in the wind.
She pointed at it, “What’s that?”
Gregory looked toward it, “Oh, that’s just something from a friend’s wedding. She’s not with us anymore.”
Kristen laughed, “She wore a black dress?”
Gregory looked uncomfortable and twirled his finger around it to roll it back up, tucking it back out of sight behind the mirror.
They continued to his ocean estate which was located at the end of the island and arrived at the gates in less than four minutes.
As they pulled in the circular driveway, Kristen asked, “Do you live here?”
Gregory wanted to avoid the question, “Naw, I just stay here as a guest from time to time.”
Gregory kept his arm tightly around Kristen, as they walked through the front door. The house was very dark looking, both inside and out. The pitted wooden walls were painted brown and reminded Kristen of an old ship’s galley. Rustic chandeliers hung in all of the rooms. Although it was immaculately decorated, it still looked like no one actually lived there.
As they walked in, Kristen could have sworn that she heard footsteps, and then a door slam.” She gave Gregory a worried look, “Is there someone else here?”
He answered, “No, of course not.” He then flipped her over his shoulder like a caveman and carried her upstairs…
When their time together was over, he suddenly jumped up, “Let’s go. I want to get back to the club and find another girl or two for the rest of my night. He then walked out the door.
Kristen thought she could hear noises in the room next to her, like someone was moaning. It sounded like they were calling for help. Then she figured that it was just the wind. It was very strong by the ocean.
“Kristen? Are you coming down? Chop, Chop girl!”
Minutes later, Kristen joined him. Feeling unsteady, she slowly gathered her dress from the floor and put it on. Gregory tried to kiss her, and she turned away.
“I didn’t appreciate your last comment. Too bad, Gregory, I guess you are just like the rest of them. I thought you were different.”
He laughed, “I’m just getting started. There are a lot of beautiful women on this island and they all want me.”
Kristen asked him seriously, “Are you sure that no one is in the house? I thought I heard some kind of crying sounds coming from the room next to us.”
Gregory laughed, “Don’t worry. This is not a haunted house. Kind of looks like it, but it’s not. My friend would be insulted to hear you say that.”
Kristen asked, “Who is your friend?”
Gregory’s eyes lowered, “He is someone who you would never want to meet alone. Let’s go.”
Kristen still didn’t think he was amusing and refused to talk to him on the drive back to the club. She thought maybe it was better if she did lose her powerful attraction to him. He was not good for her.
When they pulled up, Kristen asked him, “What did you say to Linda when we were leaving?”
Gregory looked insulted, “Who?”
Kristen looked annoyed at him and said nothing. Now she just wanted to call her friends to meet her outside, and then leave. She felt so used.
Before she could locate her phone, Gregory put his arm around her waist and made her go back into the night spot.
“Oh, come on Linda,” He chuckled, “Whoops, I mean Kristen. I was just kidding you about finding some more women. You are totally all I need, I had a great time. Honest.”
He kissed her cheek, “Wait here for me. I have to go call one of my buddies. I need to cancel my early tee time tomorrow.”
He walked into a hallway, and Kristen could easily see him engaging in an animated conversation. It seemed obvious that he was talking to a female.
It was almost 3 AM, and there were even more people arriving. Kristen looked around and did not see her girlfriends anywhere.
Gregory returned and bought her some shots. She warmed back up to him slightly. He was then all over her again, and it was obvious that he would be bringing her back to his place for the night.
They found themselves back on the lighted floor, and he held her tightly as the music played a slow dance. She could still feel his moist heat between her raw legs, and she was ready for him again.
Kristen laid her head on his shoulder and buried her nose into his neck. As she closed her eyes, she gently moved her body with his.
“You SLIMY RUNT!”
Kristen was rudely pushed to the side, as a tall dark-haired woman screamed, and started pounding on Gregory with her fists. She reached over to a near-by table, grabbing a full glass of red wine and threw it at his head.
Gregory had no time to duck, and his white clothes were soaked with stains. He retreated from the floor, pulling the offender with him. They disappeared into the shadows.
Kristen walked behind them, but couldn’t keep up, and didn’t see which room they walked off to.
Now out of Kristen’s sight, Gregory led the woman into a backroom. He started yelling at her, “You are going to ruin everything. You were told not to come here tonight. You must leave now, I need to attend to something. But, I might need your help tomorrow...”
The woman quietly replied, “I am sorry Gregory. I know I am wrong and I will leave.” She left out a fire exit. The music drowned out the alarm.
Kristen resumed the search for her friends, and finally found Melanie sitting in a corner. She asked, “Where is everyone?”
Melanie said, “The girls are in the restroom. We are getting ready to go.”
Kristen said, “Well, Gregory left for good, so I guess that I am leaving now too.”
Melanie said, “It’s funny. I have not seen Linda in a while. She received a phone call and went out to the parking lot, soon after you walked in with that guy.”
Kristen looked around, “You sure she didn’t come back in? That’s strange. Why would she go outside without you?”
The other girls then walked up. Melanie asked, “So, did you see Linda in the Ladies’ room?”
One of them answered, “No, we can’t find her anywhere. She will be alright. Let’s go get some food.”
The group walked out to their car. Since Linda had driven herself in a rental car, they now assumed she left already.
Melanie saw Linda’s car still sitting where she parked it. She walked up to it and looked in the window.
“That’s weird? Why is her car still here? Did anyone see her meet anyone t
onight?”
They all shook their heads and started to look concerned.
Melanie said, “Linda would not just disappear without telling me. I have known her too long. This does not make sense.”
Kristen tried to be helpful, “It is only two blocks back to your Penthouse. She probably walked there, or maybe she went down the block to the ocean. It is a beautiful night.”
Melanie looked satisfied, “Yes, that’s probably what she did. Well, let’s go eat, I am starving.”
The girls then drove off the island to a popular all-night diner in West Palm Beach.
The next morning, Melanie phoned Kristen.
“There is still no sign of her. I am totally worried. She is not answering her phone. It just goes dead and offers no voicemail. She is not responding to her texts either.”
Kristen answered, “I’ll come pick you up and we can drive around the island together and look for her.”
A short time later, she pulled up to her friends’ building. Melanie slowly walked out and was holding her phone in the air. She climbed in next to Kristen, “This is so weird. My phone keeps ringing, and it says it is from Linda, but no one is on the other end. It is just silent. This is getting too spooky. We should call the police.”
Kristen rubbed her shoulder, “Don’t worry yet. We will find her.”
Kristen started the car and said, “We need to go here first.” She then directly drove toward the house where Gregory was staying. Her obsession with him now overtook her thoughts about Linda. She was hoping to catch a glimpse of him and get an explanation out of him. She wanted to know who the woman was.
When they arrived, Kristen was surprised to see that his house was right next to a large country club. Melanie pointed at the bronze sign on the gate. It was the Whitestone Country Club! In fact, Gregory’s house was on the same property, with its own gate and driveway.
Kristen knew Palm Beach very well, but even as a child, she had never been to the farthest tip of the island before. Her own father had been a member of the Whitestone. All she could remember was that she was pretty sure that her mother had never been there.
