She raises her eyebrows at me, and I know that was a turn-on for her.
"Listen, Aurei.It's the way you looked at her."
I frown, knowing my tongue wasn't hanging out with drool dripping off it.I'm very careful about my facial expressions.I raise my eyebrows at her and command more information.
She looks at Kip for help, and he says."Don't look at me.I'm lost too."
She rolls her eyes like we are children.Stacey comes back with our drinks and again brushes my arm with her breasts as she sets them down.I reach in my pants and pull out a tip for her.She grins as I stick it in her cleavage."Thanks, Big Daddy."
Bianca says."You're wasting your time, Hun.He's got Seary in mind."
She laughs and looks at her."Then I'm not wasting my time at all.She doesn't do extracurricular activities."She looks down at me."My shift ends in a couple of hours.We can hook up then if you're interested."
I smile at her and ask."What if I'm gambling?"
"Then you'll need to go ahead and book a room.Let Beverly know you want me."
"Thanks."I smile at her, and she turns away, thinking I'm going to.I look back at Bianca."OK.So, I do have Seary in mind.Why aren't you upset by that?It's not like you to give up."
She laughs."It's not like me to fight a losing battle either."
I frown at her, not sure which direction to pursue with her implications."Are you telling me if I had brought a date around you, you would have backed off?"
"No."
I frown harder.
"What I'm telling you is the look on your face when you watched Seary is the same look on Kip's face when he looks at me."
"And what look is that?"
She smiles at me and turns to look at Kip.She kisses his lips, then pulls back and runs her fingers down his temple across his jawline.He looks at her, mesmerized.She looks back at me and states, "It's complete commitment."
Her answer startles me."Commitment?That's a strong word!"
She gives me a soft look that says she's right, and I'll discover it on my own.
"What makes you so sure?"
"I've known you a long time, and I've pressured you the entire time.You have never given in, not because you aren't attracted to me, and not because you wouldn't dig it, but because you respect our commitment too much.I got that, but I knew I could convince you eventually.This.Her.What I see in your eyes.What I see on your face.That.I will never overcome."
I don't answer.I don't have an answer.I don't know anything right now, except I feel the need to drink.I reach for one of my doubles and slam it down.She and Kip take theirs, and Bianca raises hers to me then throws it back.I look at the stage and watch without seeing the dancer on the pole.She does nothing for me.
The three of us sit in silence for a little while longer, then I throw my last shot back and tell them."I'm going to go gamble.I've seen enough for one night."
Kip pushes Bianca off his lap and stands with me.I shake his hand, and he says."I hope Lady Luck smiles down on you."
"Yeah.Thanks."
"How long are you staying?"
"I'm flying home Wednesday."
"OK.Let me know if you need anything else."
"Will do."I look at Bianca.She is smiling up at me.Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head, then walk away.
9
