A Whole New World

2. Getting Ready

For the past week, I had been excited about the upcoming night out but scared at the same time.  I spent countless minutes rummaging through my closets and dressers trying to figure out what to wear.  I was feeling a little down, OK- I was stressing because my entire wardrobe consists of Jeans, t-shirts and yoga pants for home and office attire for work.  While I was fretting about what I was going to wear tonight, my phone rang, and I was so distracted by my internal meltdown I answered it without even looking at the caller ID.  I already knew it was Tina.

"He..." I started to say but before I could even finish my greeting Tina had cut me off saying

"I told you not to worry about what to wear!  Pack your make-up, grab a pair of heels, your pj's and get your butt in the car!"  She commanded through the phone

I could hear the infectious laughter in Tina's voice, and I knew that she was just checking up on me to make sure I was coming.  I also had a particularly good feeling that she would have Mike drive up to pick us up if I didn't leave soon.  There was no way I was going to be able to back out of this.

"I know," I replied, sounding defeated.  "It's just that I am not sure I will be comfortable in any of your clothes...and don't even think of getting me to put on a dress... that is so not happening!" 

" Oh, I know you are not ready for that Hun.  I still think there is hope for you yet, I still have time to turn you over to the dark side!" She chimed back

"Ha, ha, ha!" My sarcasm was very apparent in this moment between them both "Alright, alright.  We will be leaving in about 20 min.  I should be there in about an hour.  Oh, and I had time to make the cake for dessert!" I chimed back before hanging up the phone.

On the drive, Cody and I chatted about the sleepover and how much fun it was going to be for him.  He knew that we were heading out for a few hours and was feeling pensive about that, but he also really liked playing with Mia.  He was excited to have a movie night with Mia.  Tina and I always joked that they had cute little crushes on each other.  We talked about what games he wanted to play and how excited he was to see their new place.   He was a little weary about her leaving him, but she reminded him that it was only for a few hours and she would be back before the movie was over knowing fair well that there was no way he would be awake when she returned.  Dinner was delicious as usual with the normal birthday twist.  It was not too often they enjoyed prime rib steaks with roasted potatoes and Mike was a master on the BBQ.  It was delicious!  They all enjoyed catching up on the latest events in everyone's life and the kids were in their glory catching up and talking about what Mia was missing at school and she was telling us about her new school.  The 'babysitter' (aka Tina's youngest sister) showed up at 8 and after some small talk, she quickly scooted the kids off to play some games before they started their movies so the ladies could go and get ready.  

Tina and I headed to the master bedroom after finishing the dishes while Mike was checking in on the hockey game that had just started knowing he had a little time before he had to get ready.  I knew that she had a thing for clothes, but I was amazed at the extent of it now.  A walk-in closet full!  With double racks all the way around it lined with shirts, slacks, skirts, dresses and all the accessories you would need.  As I stood in place still in awe of the selection and taking it all in, Tina had started pulling out nice tops for me. 

"Try anything that you like Hun, I imagine that you would feel more comfortable in anything from over here."   Immediately, I noticed how bare some of the clothing was if you could call it that. 

" TINA!  You can see through most of these....and this one" I exclaimed holding it up "where is the rest of it?  Tell me you didn't pay for half a dress!"

"We are going to a club!" Tina said with a giggle before continuing "It is still winter so we will be wearing coats.  And it's dark in there.  Most of these don't show enough to worry about after you get into a darker room.  Here, I'll show you” Tina said as she grabbed one of the 'half dresses" putting it on while she continued,” and besides, you need to live a little.  Come on Mandy-the only people you are going to know there is Mike and me.  Who is going to judge you?  That's right, no one!  Because no one is going to ever know you there to bring it up.  It's time to live a little, show off that hot body of yours and don't be a prude!  There, “Tina said while turning down the dimmer lights "What do you see now?"

"how's it going in there, ladies?  Mind if I grab my clothes before I head into the shower" Mike asked through the door.  

"Come on in" I called back to him while I was returning the piece of cloth back to the rack.  Why someone would pay for a tiny piece of cloth is beyond me, I have rags at home that would cover more than that she thought to herself.

"Here, try this one" Mike said as he reached around her to pull a nice top off the rack.  " I think it might suit Tina's need to dress you up and keep you somewhat comfortable at the same time.  And you my sexy wife...yes please!!!" he said as he drooled over his wife in the dress she had put on.  If Amanda hadn’t been in the room, she had a feeling that the dress would be on the floor in 2 seconds the way he was admiring the view.

Looking at Tina now in the dress that really wasn't a dress...  "you're right, the nude color of the sheer blends with your body and the black patches cover your lady parts perfectly.  It looks like you are only wearing patches to cover those areas.  You look HOT in that! but I still would never have paid for patches of clothing." as she took the hanger from Mike holding it up to see it for herself.  It was black and deep purple sheer top with a black lining on the front.  It was an incredibly low V-neck halter top that would show off a little more than enough cleavage, but still covered most of her.  The back part that reached across her ribs was see through, but she could handle that.  She was not used to clothing this tight to her figure, but if it made her friends happy, she would try it on.  Tina was right though, no one would see her that she knew, so why not right?

"Well, 'Miss Prissy', I will have you know that I didn't buy this dress.  Mike did, and I would have to say, that he has good taste.  He bought a lot of these for me, come to think of it.  YES!  THAT'S THE ONE!!"  Tina said almost bouncing from excitement " that will look amazing with slacks or a skirt and this necklace!  I like it because it rests perfectly between my boobs."

"Slacks, no wait!  A skirt would probably be better" I replied before even realizing it.  Mike does have good taste in clothing.

"Better for what?" Tina said as she raised her eyebrows up and down.

"Get your mind out of the gutter you crazy woman" I laughed while I carried the clothes and placed them on the bed.  Mike grabbed the rest of his things and headed to the spare bathroom to shower, shave and get dressed.  The ladies continued to chat while they finished their hair and make-up.  Laughing and sipping on glasses of wine.  This was going to be a great night.  She already knew it.  Surrounded with my closest friends, having an enjoyable time, dancing, and lots of laughs.  I knew that this was just what the doctor ordered......literally 

When everyone was ready, and the kids distracted, they made a quick but quiet exit down the stairs and into the garage to get in the car.  

"How long is the drive?" I asked while getting in the back seat and closing the door.

"Only about 20 minutes.  The traffic isn't too bad this time of night, but we are heading into the city, so buckle up, the night has officially begun!"  Mike said lightly and they all started laughing.

    Arriving at our location, the parking lot was located to the side and wrapped around the back of a 3-story building.  It was not too busy, so Mike was able to find a parking spot close and still in a well-lit area.  We hopped out of the car into the crisp winter air and started making our way up the side.  I had always been very observant and noticed that the third story looked to be apartments with small balconies and a set of stairs leading up to an entrance door for them.  Directly below it, there was another set of stairs leading down to a door below ground level.  As they walked closer, I noticed a sign that said Compagnie à Trois above it.

"We are heading into a basement??" I asked while pointing to the stairs and sign.

Mike and Tina turned to look at where she was pointing to.  Tina had already started bouncing a little trying to keep warm when she said 

"Huh, I never really noticed that place before"

Mike then laughed and replied "yes you have, we have seen people coming and going from there.  We are normally drunk at the end of the night though.  That's why we normally grab a hotel room around the corner.  I know it's a special club where you have to have a membership to get in." at that, they continued around the front and into the club.

"So, I am not allowed to let loose and have a little fun under the safe watchful eye of my husband?" Tina challenged Mike.

"He never said that Tina, but if you are going get sloppy drunk, then you have to live with the consequences of being reminded what you did while in that state" I said while nudging her a little.  

This surprise destination that Mike and Tina enjoyed their date night was a fairly happening place.  They entered the front doors and were immediately blasted by an automatic heater that turned on when the doors opened in the winter months.  'Wouldn't mind one of those at home' she thought.

"I know right?  Tina said to her while turning to look at her with a knowing grin of what she was thinking.  "Let's pay the entrance fee, get a coat check and to our table.  I wouldn't mind a few drinks before it gets too busy” when Mike replied " just remember, it's your turn to drive home” with a wink.  All 3 bust out laughing knowing all too well that Mike was driving home tonight.  Even though it was his birthday, he got more enjoyment from watching the ladies have fun, laugh, dance, and make complete fools of themselves.  He also didn't mind the perks Tina gave him when they got home afterwards either.   It just worked for them and everyone won so to speak.

Mike led the ladies to the area that they liked to sit.  When they reached a table, I turned to Mike and noted " this is a cool spot.  You have a magnificent view of the wide-open dance floor, fairly close to the bar and far enough from the DJ that you could kind of have a conversation."  as she gazed around taking in her surroundings, she noticed that there were a few people arriving with bags and longer than normal winter coats.  Those were given a wrist band when they paid their entrance fee, but they headed to a second coat check area where there was another attendant.  'weird, why would a place have 2 coat checks?' she thought 

"Who wants to talk? it's drinking and dancing time!" Tina replied just before turning to head to the bar " I'll get the first round" she called over her shoulder

"I think we are in trouble tonight...." Amanda said turning to Mike with a huge grin on her face.

"Don't I know it!  I have 2 sexy ladies to keep me company all night.  Who wouldn't look forward to that?  Well, besides the fact that I have to watch out for you both now?" Mike replied beaming from ear to hear. 

"Really" I was a little shocked that Mike assumed he would have to look out for me, but grateful while I knew I could fully relax and just have fun.  "You think I am going to be a write off tonight, don't you?"

"What do you think?  You are at a club with my wife for starters!  When haven't you two gotten drunk together?  Besides, you have been sober for the past 5 years.  I hate to break it to you, but you are going to be a lightweight!" The grin that had formed on Mike's face reminded her of when they used to have poker in college.  Mike had a horrible poker face and his grin always gave away what he was thinking.  He was looking forward to me making a complete ass of myself tonight!!!  He broke into my thoughts again when he added "Mandy, I haven't seen you relax and have fun for so long.  I just want you to enjoy yourself tonight and if you happen to get a little too drunk, don't worry.  We will both be here like we always have for each other" when he said that he put his arm around my shoulders to give me a small squeeze before letting go.

"So, what was that other place on the side of the building?  You said you've seen it before, but you didn't elaborate."  I had always been full of curiosity and I didn't know why, but I wanted to know.  But before Mike could answer, Tina returned with a waitress carrying a full tray of drinks.  We were starting the night off with a birthday shot of fireball followed by rye and cokes.

"To the birthday boy!  Happy birthday to the sexiest man in here!!!" Tina said, giving Mike a kiss and then they all took the shot.  They enjoyed a couple of drinks over the next hour while the bar started to fill up.  They caught up on the current news and work babble.  Just after 10, the DJ took over from his playlist that was on autoplay, cranked the volume and started the dancing time signal welcoming everyone to the bar before playing some rock.  After about the third or so song, Tina couldn't sit anymore.  She started dancing at the table after the first song.  She was ready to dance, and I was ready as well because I was even swaying in my seat to the music.  Tina grabbed my hand and said, "it's time to go sugar!" with a mysterious smile.  She dragged me behind her without even looking back onto the dance floor just as one of their favorite songs came over the speakers and the ladies were in their glory dancing a sweating up a storm.

Over the next hour, the place became packed.  Most of the people were dancing, but as always, there were a few observers.  Husbands or wives that were taking a breather, but I was having the time of my life finally being able to let go for the first time in what felt like forever.  I had been approached by a few men to dance.  I had already had more than enough drinks to have a wicked glow, so I shocked Tina by agreeing to know that Mike and Tina were only a few feet away.  I let myself go and the euphoric feeling was amazing.  Surprisingly though, I noted to herself that Tina was right.  Everyone was friendly here and didn't push the envelope.  I danced, even grinding with a few men (and women for that matter) but when I backed off the slightest amount, they thanked her with a nod and moved off on their own.  It was getting closer to midnight and I noticed a few of the women that used the other coat check, gathering their things from the attendant and heading to the restroom.  

"I need some air!  I think I am overheating" Commenting to Mike while fanning herself with her hands walking back to their table.  Tina had stayed on the dance floor while Mike walked back to the table with her to keep her company.

"We could head outside just for a couple of minutes just to cool down if you want.  Tina won't be ready to get off the dance floor until we leave unless it is to go to the bathroom" he pointed out.

"That sounds good to me, I will just let her know and be right back." I replied relieved to be able to cool down a little 

When I mentioned it to Tina, all she gave was a thumbs up before she continued to lose herself to the music again.  They grabbed their coats to head outside.  Mike made sure that he told the attendant that they would be right back in a few minutes.  Outside, it was cold, but she didn't feel it, she really was overheated, but she had her wits about her enough to know that she needed to wear her coat anyways.

Mike lit up a smoke and said "So, what do you think?"

"I am having a fun time; I can't thank you both enough for basically dragging me out" Amanda replied in a little bit of a slur.  "hey, I thought you quit smoking??"

"I did, but still have the odd one here and there" Mike replied "Shh, Tina doesn't know" he said with a wink.

Just then, a group of 6 or 7 people started to exit the front doors and Amanda heard "Mandy????  Is that you?  Mike?  I never would've imagined you would join the club!  This is fantastic!"  I slowly turned around to see Alexa, an old acquaintance from college.

Alexa was wearing an extra long coat covering her down to the knees like most in her group, but she still looked like she hadn't aged a bit since she last saw her.  With long red hair that was a little sweaty from dancing.

"Lexi!  oh my gosh, how have you been?" I replied, taking a few steps forward to give her a hug while Mike cut in correcting "Hello Alexa.  No, Amanda and I are not together.  We are here with my wife, Tina, she is still inside" pointing at the front doors.

"Oh, still the three musketeers," Alexa said with a small giggle as she was pulling away from our hug.  Her hands running down my arms to hold both of my hands apart.  Leaning back a little before continuing "You still look amazing!  The place was so packed, I didn't even see you inside!  Are you joining the after party?" she asked with a bit of hopefulness in her voice while some of the people she exited the front doors with started slowly heading towards the stairs that led to the basement on the side of the building but still lingering to keep their group together.

"After party??" I was really confused before saying "um, no.  We were not invited to an after party" with a giggle.  As more people started to leave the bar taking the same path that Alexa's group was it just made her even more curious what that place was...

"Oh, I see....  Well, I should get going.  My friends are waiting for me, but we should catch up sometime.  It was great seeing you!  It's been like forever ago since I saw you." Alexa stated happily.  "Tell you what...find me on the old chat lines and we will catch up sometime!"   

"Sure!  That sounds great!" I said with a little excitement in my voice.  

Alexa turned to rejoin her group but said back over her shoulder "I look forward to it" with a wink before they descended the stairs that lead to Compagnie à Trois.

I had started to feel the bitter outside cold and my body temperature had nicely dropped back down again.  Mike had finished his smoke and indicated towards the front door "Shall we?  I am curious to see how many people are left inside and out of that, how many are circling Tina" he said with a laugh, but we both knew that Tina would be the center of attention on the dance floor.  Amanda knew she loved it but would never do anything that would make Mike question her loyalty.  As they were depositing their coats back with the attendant, Amanda couldn't stop herself from asking more to herself then anyone else "I wonder what the after party is, or why people just don't stay here???  " I wonder what Compagnie à Trois is?"

"No clue" Mike replied a little too quickly before heading back to their table, I followed closely behind.  I didn't even realize that I was speaking aloud until I heard Mike answer me.  And that was my cue to tone down the drinking before I ended the night having a nasty conversation with the porcelain god! 

Shortly after 1 am the trio decided to call it a night and head for home.  By the time we got there I was half passed out in the back seat.  Exhausted but happy with how the night went.  I thanked Mike (as he was carrying Tiny upstairs) and headed to my room.  As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.