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“Thelma will keep an eye on you, and no one will hassle you. It’s not that kind of place. I won’t be long. There are just a few people I need to speak with.”
Looking down at my drink, I rolled my lips together, unsure about what was going on here. Something had upset him? I’d done something wrong?
“Esme.” The tone in his voice pulled my eyes to his. He didn’t seem upset or mad. In fact, he seemed so much like his normal self that I wondered if I’d imagined it. “I’ll stay if you want, but honestly, it’ll be ten minutes, max.”
I straightened my spine and flicked my hair behind my shoulder. “Sure, I’m fine.”
That got me a smile and a tap on the nose. “Good girl. Thelma, watch Esme. I’ll be back soon.”
She gave him a thumbs up, sauntering back to my end of the bar to serve a newly arrived couple. Being on my own gave me a good chance to have a proper look around. In the short time since we got here, the place had filled up even more. There were more people on the dance floor, more bodies huddled in the shadows on the couches that lined the walls. Two women were dancing on the poles now, their agility captivating me.
The moment I’d finished the Pina Colada, Thelma was in front of me, placing another glass on a fresh napkin. This one was a tall, narrow flute with light orange liquid and a frothy top. “What’s this?”
“Peach Bellini.”
“Sounds yummy.”
“It is,” she replied with a wink, before hauling her leather clad ass to the middle of the bar to serve the crowd that had gathered there.
My gaze wandered idly for a while, falling on the couple that had got there just after me. The man, older, with salt and pepper hair, smiled at me. I smiled back politely. Let my gaze wander some more before glancing over them again. This time, the woman was smiling at me. She was quite pretty, with long chestnut hair, clear gray eyes and great skin. I smiled back.
She picked up her wineglass and came around to the end of the bar. “Hi. I’m Grace.”
“Esme,” I replied.
“This is my husband, Drake.”
I shook his outstretched hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
Seeing that I was no longer alone, Thelma moved to my end of the bar, but she didn’t interrupt us. I wasn’t uncomfortable or anything, but it was still nice to have that little reassurance.
“Are you having a nice time?”
Already, the second cocktail was going to my head a little, giving the room a pleasant spin. “I am! It’s my birthday.”
“Oh, happy birthday!”
“Thank you.”
We chatted a bit more. They were lawyers, no kids, neck deep in house renovations and planning a European holiday now that they’ve sold the yacht. You know, just normal life stuff. Says me, wondering how long I can get away with ignoring that weird clunking noise Doris keeps making.
“Let me buy you another drink.”
“No, it’s okay—”
“Please. For your birthday. We’ll have a cocktail together.” They were both smiling at me again, being friendly and kind.
“That would be great, thank you.”
Grace ordered three Strawberry Daiquiris and once they were served, picked hers up and clinked it against mine.
“Would you like to join us?” She tilted her head, indicating one of the big, round couches nearby.
I was about to say yes, sure, figuring it wasn’t too far from the bar and Thelma, when a tidal wave of understanding hit me. There were two other couples on that couch and one guy was getting a hand job. My new friends were inviting me to join them in a menage. “God, no.” I blurted out. Then, realizing how that sounded, I clapped my hand over my mouth, blushing like crazy and trying to stammer out an apology. “I’m so sorry…it’s my first time here…I’ve never…I’m with someone already…”
Grace just laughed in reply. “It’s no problem. Enjoy your drink and happy birthday. I hope you have a great night.”
“Thank you.”