Love In The City

New Friends In The City

     I made it to the casino a little late, telling Jimmy I’d meet him there. Jimmy ordered us a drink, and we went to watch the band for a while. They are a pretty good rock band. I’m glad he saved us a table as I look around at the packed show.

“Everyone, this is Gabby,” Jimmy introduced me to some of his friends at the table. He then said, “Gabby, this is Shiloh, Maurice, and Tasha,” as he pointed to each one at the table.

I gave them my best smile and said, “It’s nice to meet you,”

“Where did you find this one, Jimmy? I think luck has turned your way,” Shiloh said.

“She’s just a friend,” Jimmy said.

“Well, any friend of Jimmy’s is a friend of ours,” Tasha smiled warmly, and I decided I like her. She seems very friendly.

“Are you coming to the Beach House next weekend?” Maurice asked as he sat down an empty glass.

“She’s only in town for the weekend, sadly,” Jimmy said.

“I live I San Francisco,” I said.

“That’s not too far away,” Maurice winked and grabbed Tasha’s hands, “Let’s dance sweet cheeks,” Tasha blushed as she stood up and followed him to the dance floor.

“And the saga of will they, won’t they continue’s,” Jimmy said, rolling his eyes.

“It’s been going on a while now,” Shiloh laughed.

“What saga?” I asked, curious.

“Maurice and Tasha have been messing around for a while now. Neither will commit to a real relationship together but get jealous if anyone even looks at the other,” Shiloh explained.

I didn’t comment further as I sadly understood how they felt. Deep down, though, I know I don’t want to be in a will they won’t they situation.

“I’m sure they’ll realize soon enough,” I said.

“It’s been over a year now,” Shiloh rolled his eyes, “I’m going for more drinks you guys need anything?”

I nodded my head no since my drink is still full.

“Let’s dance,” Jimmy grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I laughed at his sudden excitement.

As he pulled me onto the dance floor, my eyes fell on Maurice and Tasha. They seemed to only have eyes for each other. I wonder what held them back from committing? Some people aren’t the settling down type like Raul, but these two seemed different.

I laid my head on Jimmy’s shoulder and watched the dancers go by. It’s fun to see the chemistry between the different couples. You can always tell the ones who have been together for a long time and the new ones.

“After we watch the show a while, we can go check out the slot machines,” Jimmy said.

“I’ve never gambled before,” I admitted.

“It’s fun but don’t get carried away. Set a limit,” Jimmy said.

“Yea. I’ve heard some blow their whole savings at casinos,” I said.

“Gabby, are you single?” Jimmy suddenly asked, shocking me with his change in topic.

I didn’t even know how to answer him, to be honest. I glanced over at Tasha and Maurice and wondered if I’d be willing to tie myself down that way with no commitment. Deep down, I know the answer is no. I may enjoy my time with Raul, but I know it will come to an abrupt end. I suspect my breakup with Carlos is part of why I’ve allowed myself to get caught up in a s****l relation only. In time, I’ll want more than Raul is willing to give.

I looked up at Jimmy and said, “I’m not in a relationship,” It’s the best answer I have for now.

“Is it by your own choice?” he asked.

I know he saw Raul, and I kiss once, and perhaps he wonders about it.

“I had a nasty breakup not long back,” I said.

“So guarding your heart then. It explains why you found Raul safe,” He said as the song ended.

I never thought of it that way. Could it be that I willingly got into a s****l affair with Raul because I knew it would go nowhere? I’m going to have to think on that more.

We walked back towards the table and sat back down. The guys started talking about some place I’ve never heard of, and I tuned them out. Jimmy placed his arms behind me. And I’m not sure how I feel about it. Jimmy’s a nice guy, but he doesn’t make my stomach do somersaults as Raul does.

Would I go for a guy like Jimmy if Raul isn’t in the picture? It’s hard to say.

“Gabby,” I hear the voice of the man who is capable of bringing me to my brink, Raul.

“Raul, so nice to see you have a seat,” Jimmy said, scooting over and pulling me with him, “This is a business partner of mine and Gabby’s boss,”

Everyone around the table went to shake Raul’s hands, but Rauls face filled with something I’ve never seen before, anger, “Gabby, I wish to speak to you now,”

I didn’t know what to say, but thankfully, I had a few moments to decide as Jimmy said, “Gabby isn’t on duty right now,”

“Should we do this right here?” Raul eyed me with raised eyebrows. I tried to speak, but no words came out.

“I mean, I don’t mind you’re here, but Gabby is here to have fun, not in a business capacity or any other you have in mind,” Jimmy said.

“Raul,” I finally gained my voice, afraid of what he may say next. He can be hot-tempered. The rest of the table sat silently watching the exchange with interest.

“You mean like when she tied me up and had her way with me,” Raul said. I gasped at his admission, “That’s why she was late,” Raul laughed.

I want to run but can’t. I’m sitting between an angry Raul and a dumbfounded Jimmy. I can feel tears forming in my eyes at the fact he would tell our private business in such a way.

“I think the three of us should go get drinks,” Shiloh said to Maurice and Tasha.

Maurice tried to pull Tasha up from the table, but her eyes are glued on me, “Whatever she did doesn’t give you the right to come here and embarrass her this way,” Tasha said.

“I warned her,” Raul said, trying to defend himself, but a glimpse of regret passed his handsome face.

I stood up from the table. My body is inches away from Raul. Looking him in his eyes, I said, “I never want to see you again,” I then pushed by him and ran to the nearest bathroom.

I went into an empty stall and let the tears fall as I sat down.

“Gabby?” Tasha’s voice came from the other side.

“In here,” I sobbed.

I reached up and unlocked the stall door, and she came inside, “That guy is a jerk,” she said as she put her arms around me.

“But it’s true,” I told her.

“It doesn’t matter. He shouldn’t have said that to a table of strangers,” Tasha said.

“How do you do it?” I asked her.

“Do you mean Maurice and me?” she said as she handed me a piece of tissue to wipe my eyes.

“Yes,” I said.

“Because I’m the one who doesn’t want the relationship. My parents divorced when I was young, and I watched them go through life with broken hearts after broken hearts. I don’t want that for myself,” she said.

“I’m sorry,” I told her.

“My story doesn’t have to be yours. Lately, I’ve found myself changing my mind. I just don’t know how to tell Maurie,” she sighed.

“I see the way he looks at you. He’s in love with you. He’ll be happy,” I said.

“I don’t know why you guys avoid a relationship, but it seems you both have feelings there,” Tasha said.

“He’s just a possessive playboy,” I cried.

“I know the type. If he doesn’t see what he’s missing, then he doesn’t deserve you,” she said.

I know she’s right. I can’t blame Raul entirely as I went to his room like a possessive girlfriend even though he told me from day one it would be just s*x. Sighing, I stood up, “Thank you, Tasha. I’m going back to my room now, but I hope we can stay in touch,”

“I’d love that,” she said.

After exchanging numbers with Tasha, I walked back to the Resort, thankful to get air. I know I may still have to work for Raul, but thankfully, this will end soon once this deal finishes. I can then get on with my life and forget the day I met Raul, the sexy CEO.