I slid the plastic key card into the slot. The little red light flashed three times. I tried again. Red. Again. Red. Furious, I kicked the door and winced as my flimsy sandals did nothing to protect my toes from the dense wood. Trying to breathe deeply, I gingerly tried once more. Three green little flashes. Thank god.  I had recently moved in with my boyfriend, and sometimes I liked him. Usually, though, I was tired of his cutesy smile and cautious nature. I’ve always been one to change my mind, and while he seemed like a good idea at first, I had moved out after only three days. I felt a little guilty, but not enough to go back.

I hauled my duffle bag and suitcases into the hotel room and threw them on the floor. I peeled my clothes off and stepped into the shower, letting the cold water shock me and I gasped for air. I needed a plan. Maybe I could stay with my old roommate, but she wouldn’t be back in town for a few days. Turning off the water, I dried myself and put on a t shirt. I stared out the window into the dark night  I didn’t know what to do. I tried watching tv, reading a book, but I kept worrying about where I would go. I had to stop thinking, so who better to turn to than alcohol.

I never knew what to wear to a bar, especially one at a hotel. It was a nice hotel, so I figured I would go dressy, but not too much so. I took another shower, a hot one, using soap and a razor this time. It made me feel better to put on make-up and fix my hair. I put on small red panties and a bra that made me feel even better. Many of my clothes were wrinkled and messy, but I found an acceptable mid-thigh length navy blue dress with a gold zipper going all the way down the back. I unzipped a suitcase full of shoes and put on my gorgeous black stilettos. My toes were a bit sore from their fight against the door, but I looked in the mirror and smiled. My light brown hair was in a sleek updo with bangs falling off to the side, and my lips looked like ripe red cherries. My body was perfectly framed in the tight, short dress. My round, firm breasts stood out and my slim waist flared into my hips which turned into my long legs. I was feeling so good, maybe I would find someone and get laid.

The good news was that I wasn’t underdressed. The bad news was that the bar was very crowded. There were people in tuxedos and fancy dresses, I had no idea what was going on, until I saw a sign saying Wilson and Associates 50th Anniversary. I didn’t want to go back up to my quiet room. I sat on an open barstool, noticed that my throat was dry, and ordered a scotch. “That’s a little strong for someone as lovely as you,” a gruff voice said from behind me. I turned and said, “You can’t tell what people like just by the way they look.”
“Sure you can, well, I can.” His broad jaw stretched into a smile and the light reflected in his eyes. He was attractive, if you like well-dressed men with wavy hair, manicured scruff, and deep brown eyes. Which I do.  “Pick someone, I’ll tell you what they like.” Alright, I decided, I’ll play for a moment. I pointed to a woman in an airy,  light pink dress. “She likes to be fucked hard outdoors,” he said, smirking, “and she talks dirty.”
“I thought we were talking about drinks.” I swiveled myself back to face the bar. I could feel his eyes on me. He leaned against the bar, “You said what people like, not what they like to drink.” I glanced at him. His eyes moved slowly from the top of my head to my legs. “Never seen you here before.”
“Do you come to this hotel so often?” I asked.
“It’s a good place to observe people.”
“And find desperate women.”
“Just another appealing aspect.”
“Are you here with Wilson?” I pointed to the sign.