“Sheesh, this place is packed out huh?” Chrissy mutters as we settle onto the barstools.
“It sure is,” I say as I look around.
The atmosphere screams first class. The ocean can be seen through the large glass windows, the walls have been painted a dark shade of brown with dimmed chandeliers scattered upon the high arch ceilings only offering a hint of light. Burgundy carpets line the floors with tables being dressed in white and champagne buckets sitting on top with candles. I feel as though I've stepped into a movie with classical music playing in the background.
“Would you like to open up a tab?” The bartender asks.
“Yes, we'd love to,” Chrissy responds as she digs through her bag.
“Sure. My names Nga and tonight I'll be your barman. Anything you want I'll make it and if I can't the next rounds on me.” Nga introduces himself
“Hmmm... I feel like I should take you up on your offer. But I know better than that so I’ll just have a double Rum and Coke and her.” I point towards a distracted Chrissy. “Will have a double Gin and Tonic please.” I smile at him and he nods as he walks away fulfilling my request.
“I’m just going to make a quick call.”
Chrissy slides off her chair with her phone in her hand. I nod and watch as she quickly makes her way to the foyer area making the call.
I take my phone from my bag and decide to text Sanz and let him know I went in with guns blazing as he describes it.
Vanessa: Hey, Just thought I’d let you know I took your advice and went in with guns blazing this morning. Thanks.
I put my phone back into my bag as the bartender sets our drinks down in front of me.
“Thanks.”
I smile at him and grab a small straw from the glass holder in front of me.
I take a small sip and sigh in gratification. Nothing like a nice cool Rum and Coke to take the edge off.
"Miss, your table is now available if you'd like to follow me?” A pretty young hostess says to me.
“Oh… uh yeah.” I slide off my stool grabbing my bag and my glass as the hostess grabs Chrissy’s glass and directs me to our waiting table looking over the ocean.
“Thank you.” I smile as I'm sitting down
“No problem, someone will be over in a few minutes when your companion comes back.” She says politely and walks away.
I look out the window and admire the view, the water slowly making waves as it crashes towards the shore calmly.
Ding…
I pick up the phone and read the text.
Sanz: Good for you Nessa. You have a voice that's made to be heard. Don't ever stop using it.
“Who’s that?” Chrissy asks as she takes a seat and sips from her glass.
“Just Sanz. I told him I took a piece of his advice and used it.”
I place my elbow on the table and rest my chin on my hand.
“Hmmmmm… What advice would that be?”She looks at me with narrowed eyes.
“Just to go In with ‘Guns Blazing’” I smile at her.
“That was some good advice. I’d like to think you’ll live your days with that as your new motto.” Chrissy laughs.
“That could work.” I tilt my head and think of how I'd accomplish that.
“How was Conrad?” I ask her.
“He’s great. He said to say hi and to try and stay outta trouble.” I smile as she takes another sip from her glass.
“He should be more worried about you.” I laugh poking my tongue out. “But I have a feeling that’s not the case tonight.”
“No, it’s not. I'm no longer on the market.” She holds her hand up wiggling her finger.
“Is that a..?” My voice raises in a high pitch tone.
“Relax.” She cuts me off laughing.
“It’s a promise ring. He gave it to me right before I boarded the plane.” She turns her hand over and admires the small diamond fitted ring on her finger.
“He told me that he can’t imagine his life with anyone else and that this is just another road we'll cross together towards our future. He wants to marry me in the near future but right now.... We're both not ready to take that big a leap just yet.” She wipes a tear from her eye and smiles.
“You’re lucky you snagged him the night you did.” My eyes still admiring her ring.
“No. I’m lucky you finally gave in and agreed to come out to Dynasty that night.”
“Yeah… Wish I could say the same.” I sigh.
“You'll get over Luca soon enough darl. You have a niece and that's where all your energy should be focused on right now. Have you thought about what you wanna do with that piece of information?”
“Yeah.” I pause as the waiter takes our order. I wait for him to leave before I carry on. “I e-mailed him telling him I want to meet Rosalia and that if he won’t help me I will hire a P.I to help me do it.”
“Good for you babe.” She smiles brightly at me.
“Oh, before I forget to tell you.. Mikal was fired today.”
“Can't say I’m sorry to hear it.” I sigh.
“He’s been able to gain access to the confidential files of all the employees... He’s been harassing a few of the women and leaving creepy cards with a used condom pinned to their front doors.” She growls.
“Wow. I wasn’t expecting that.” I look at her with wide eyes.
“Neither.” She says incredulously.
“How did the creep get snapped?” My tongue suddenly feels thick and heavy.
“Conrad overheard one of the women talking to her friend as they walked past him in the lobby. He discreetly pulled her over to the side and asked her if she cared to elaborate. As you can imagine the last thing he wants is to hear the woman in the building accusing his guys of committing themselves to these heinous activities outside of work. He couldn’t believe his ears when she verbally started to give him a list of the few women who instantaneously cleared their desks after going head to head with the jerk.”
Chrissy continues to explain.
“And of course Conrad tracked those poor women down." She beams proudly. "That’s my baby... Always doing the right thing! He was spitting mad when he was done seeing the last of his victims.” Chrissy shook her head with her eyes filled with pure disgust.