Heather
06-12-2001, 7:13pm
Enjoy http://www.shaniaforums.com/biggrin.gif
PART II
The cab drove up the long palm-lined path to the Fernando Huarez’s villa. Sabrina quickly paid the driver and stepped out of the cab. She suddenly felt very self conscious in her sundress and sandals when she saw two chicly dressed women walk past her on the veranda. She pushed her feminine vanity aside. After all, she wouldn’t be there for very long.
She walked inside pressing her way through a sea of bodies to the stair way that led down into the marble hall below. From the balcony she spotted Fernando and his entourage drinking champagne and dancing. She walked down the marble stairs to where Fernando was seated with his leggy companion on a velvet sofa. When he saw Sabrina he stood up and rushed to kiss her.
“Sabrina,” he crooned trying to catch her lips with his. She quickly turned her head as his wet lips brushed her cheek.
“Fernando, the party is…..grand. Very grand,” she said trying to appear interested in the drunken revelry that was going on around her.
“Thank you baby! I only have the best for my friends,” he said as he put his arm around her.
The thought of this leech being an international heartthrob made her laugh. He introduced her to his entourage comprised of slickly dressed hangers-on & nicotine-dependent models. Each of them regarded her with cool and disinterested smiles. She couldn’t wait to leave.
When she had been introduced to the last and final member of his intimate circle, she saw her avenue of escape. She stepped out of his grasp and offered him her hand in goodbye.
“What? You aren’t leaving,” he asked.
“Well I have an early flight tomorrow,” she lied.
“Ah that’s too bad baby. I was hoping that you would hand around a little bit longer,” he reached out to brush her dark hair off of her shoulder.
She stepped back and forced herself to smile. “I really should be going. You should get the photos back this week for your final approval.”
“Ah Sabrina, you are all business,” He laughed and kissed her hand. She noticed him glancing over her shoulder at someone. His expression changed as he rolled his eyes. “I suppose you want an introduction.”
Sabrina turned and saw Antonio standing behind her. He had abandoned his torn blue jeans and white shirt for a suit and tie. He looked at her with a sly-eyed greeting.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I would like an introduction.”
They eyed each other as Fernando spoke up,” Antonio this is Sabrina Murray. Sabrina, my cousin Antonio.”
He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Wonderful to meet you Ms. Murray.”
A call from his companion sent Fernando back to his velvet sofa, leaving the “strangers” to themselves.
Sabrina pulled her hand away and began to laugh, “Fluff, eh?”
He shrugged,” What can I say? We are cousins with very different ideas on how we govern our careers. He will only play stadiums, date underweight models and have his photograph taken by lovely American photographers.”
“Was that suppose to be a compliment,” she asked.
“It might have been,” he grinned.
“And I assume that in comparison to Fernando you only play bars and hit on American women who drink margaritas and are short on pesos.”
He laughed,” Sorry to disappoint you, I am not a Latin gigolo.”
“As far as I know,” she shot back playfully.
“A sense of humor! I like that,” he smiled back at her.
Again, for a few moments, there was silence between them. They seemed to forget the crowds that flowed around them and the loud house music that blared from every speaker as he stared down into her face. Fernando’s loud laughter broke through their moment and they both became aware of the curious looks that were cast their way.
Antonio took her hand and pulled her closer, “Do you want to get out of here?”
“God yes,” she elated.
He smiled at her over his shoulder as he led her through the crowds and back up the marble stairs, leaving the noise and prying eyes behind them.
They took his dusty, black jeep back into the heart of the city. Sabrina loved the feeling of the warm wind blowing in her face as they rode through one of the city’s popular club districts. There were endless lines that stretched out the doors and around the corners of the flashy, neon-lit clubs.
“I hope you don’t think I am going to wait in line just to put up with more obnoxious drunks,” Sabrina said.
“Oh no,” he drawled. “I have something more subdued in mind.” He laughed at the unsure expression that crossed her face. “I know what you are thinking.”
Her expression quickly changed to an naďve smile. “What do you mean?” He gave her a knowing look and she laughed outright. “ Well you can’t blame me for assuming that you might just try and…”
“I am hurt Senorita Murray. For you to think that I would want to kiss you and…ahem…other things, really offends me. I am a gentleman and you should hang your head in shame for your evil thoughts.”
“Oh stop,” she crowed. “You are really unbelievable!”
“Are all Americans so quick to anger,” he asked.
“Only when they are being harangued by smarty pants Latinos!”
He stopped the jeep in front of a small stucco building and grinned. “Well at least let this smarty pants Latino buy you one of the best margaritas in Mexico.”
“What is this place,” she asked, stepping down from the jeep.
“Casa Diablesa. The best little dead end bar in the city. It also has great a music in addition to your margarita.”
He held out his warm hand to her and led her into the dimly lit club. Every table was full of merry people, drinking leisurely as a mariachi band played on.
They grabbed two empty stools at the bar and sat down. He ordered two margaritas and gazed out at the dance floor at a young pair. They were dancing with wild abandon, stomping their feet twirling around with every beat of the music. There were shouts and hands clapping as everyone watched them. Sabrina couldn’t keep her eyes off of them. They exuded spirit and fire with every move and step. When the dance ended she caught her breath and applauded.
“You liked that,” he asked.
She looked at him and shrugged. “It was interesting.”
“Well,” he stood up from the stool and took her hands in his. “Why don’t we give it a try and be interesting too?”
“Oh no,” she said trying to pull away. He winked at her and pulled her effortlessly off the stool after him.
Everyone began to clap and gave them encouraging shouts. She dropped her face in embarrassment as the band began to play a lively bolero. He began to dance around her, with sure and confident steps.
“Come on,” he laughed pulling her to him.
She fixed him with fiery eyes as she pushed him away. For a moment he didn’t know what to do. Suddenly, she smiled slyly and began to dance. Neither knew exactly what to expect from the other as they danced. Every step was an instinct. Sabrina savored every moment she was there. She wasn’t in New York and she didn’t give a hang who saw her or what they thought of her.
He danced closer to her and caught hold of her hand, “Follow me.”
They began to dance close together keeping pace with each other. She threw her arms around his neck. Her eyes never left his face as they continued their dance. When the music ended the bar crowd broke into applause. They both breathed and smiled sheepishly at their audience as they walked back to their seats.
“You surprised me,” he breathed.
“Didn’t think I had it in me,” she smiled sipping of her margarita.
“On the contrary I think you are just full of surprises Sabrina.”
She felt herself blushing under his lingering gaze as she drank. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol or the way he looked at her, that made her feel that way. They made small talk over their drinks about their lives, their work and everything in between. But, there was something he wanted to know and had been too shy to ask until then. The sweet Tequila he drank made him bolder.
“So, who is the lucky man waiting for you back in New York,” he asked sipping his drink.
She tensed slightly and looked down at the bar, “I have been seeing someone off and on for two years.”
“And,” he asked. He wanted to know the truth as to whether or not the feelings he was having were misplaced.
“And nothing,” she sighed.
` “Off and on meaning it’s not a serious relationship?”
“Yes and no. I mean it has been at times and then….,” she stopped herself.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I am getting to personal.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just hard to talk about him sometimes.”
“Have you ever gave him a warning?”
“A warning,” she laughed. “You mean an ultimatum?”
“Whatever,” he laughed.
“Oh yes, many times.”
“Then what is keeping him from you?”
She bit her lip and went quiet. She wasn’t certain if she wanted him to know the truth. But, there was something about him that made her feel so safe, so at ease.
“Well,” she began carefully. “His wife.”
She saw the look of sympathy in his eyes, not of judgment. “He doesn’t deserve you Sabrina.” He reached across the bar and took her hand in his. “How long are you going to stop your life for this man?”
“I have tried so hard to cut ties with him. But, he always comes after me and it is so hard to forget what we have shared.”
“But, you deserve someone that will be yours and yours alone. Don’t you want to have someone who you can walk down the street with and not hide? Someone who will come home to you every evening and never leave? Sabrina, this man will never leave his wife.”
She felt tears building up in her eyes as she pulled her hands away from him and walked out of the bar. She rushed outside to the parking lot, wanting to run away from him and from what she knew deep inside was the truth. When she stopped running and leaned against the wall of the club, her face in her hands.
That was the way he found her. The bright, vibrant woman he had danced with was gone and in her place was a broken and sad woman. He reached out to her and pulled her into his arms.
“Sabrina, please don’t cry. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know,” she cried. “But you are right. I have only hurt myself. I dread going back to New York because of all that has happened.”
“It doesn’t have to be this way, you know,” he whispered.
“Why do you care,” she asked him. “You hardly know me Antonio.”
“I don’t know why I care, I just do. Ever since I saw you sitting alone at the bar…there was just something about you. I told myself that just knowing your name was enough, but when you left, I wanted to run after you.”
“Oh please,” she said turning away.
He caught hold of her shoulders and turned her around to face him. Without words or reason her kissed her. They stood together in the darkness kissing and holding onto each other, neither wanting to let go.
She finally pulled away, her heart beating so fast. He stared back at her suddenly feeling guilty for letting himself go. Yes, he had wanted to kiss her. But she was so vulnerable then, he had no right to do it. His thrust his hands through his hair and tried to calm himself. This had to stop.
“I should take you back to your hotel,” he said as he walked back to his Jeep.
She suddenly felt embarrassed by his sudden aloofness. Had she done something wrong? She followed him to the Jeep and climbed back inside.
They drove back to her hotel in silence, neither knowing what to say. He pulled into the parking lot. She expected him to tell her goodbye and then leave, but he turned off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt.
“You don’t have to walk me,” she said.
“It’s the least I could do,” he smiled. “Besides, I don’t want you walking through the parking lot a lone at night.”
She ignored the fact that he could have simply dropped her of at the front entrance. But, she wasn’t ready to say good bye to him yet. He met her at the door and helped her down. They walked to the hotel entrance side-by-side, the awkward hush still lingered between them. When they reached the door he tried to think of something to say.
But, before he could say a word she laced her fingers through his and gave him a look that told him that she was feeling the same as he was. Neither of them wanted the night to end there at the door.
“Come with me,” she whispered. She led him through the door and into the elevator. As the doors closed he leaned over and kissed her once more…..
PART III COMING NEXT WEEK http://www.shaniaforums.com/wink.gif
------------------
"Be a winner, be a star, be happy to be who you are, gotta be yourself, gotta make a plan, gotta go for it while you can..."
Shania
"I have had doors slammed in my face all of my life. Now, I'm ready to kick a few down"- Jayne Bahan
The Renegades
PART II
The cab drove up the long palm-lined path to the Fernando Huarez’s villa. Sabrina quickly paid the driver and stepped out of the cab. She suddenly felt very self conscious in her sundress and sandals when she saw two chicly dressed women walk past her on the veranda. She pushed her feminine vanity aside. After all, she wouldn’t be there for very long.
She walked inside pressing her way through a sea of bodies to the stair way that led down into the marble hall below. From the balcony she spotted Fernando and his entourage drinking champagne and dancing. She walked down the marble stairs to where Fernando was seated with his leggy companion on a velvet sofa. When he saw Sabrina he stood up and rushed to kiss her.
“Sabrina,” he crooned trying to catch her lips with his. She quickly turned her head as his wet lips brushed her cheek.
“Fernando, the party is…..grand. Very grand,” she said trying to appear interested in the drunken revelry that was going on around her.
“Thank you baby! I only have the best for my friends,” he said as he put his arm around her.
The thought of this leech being an international heartthrob made her laugh. He introduced her to his entourage comprised of slickly dressed hangers-on & nicotine-dependent models. Each of them regarded her with cool and disinterested smiles. She couldn’t wait to leave.
When she had been introduced to the last and final member of his intimate circle, she saw her avenue of escape. She stepped out of his grasp and offered him her hand in goodbye.
“What? You aren’t leaving,” he asked.
“Well I have an early flight tomorrow,” she lied.
“Ah that’s too bad baby. I was hoping that you would hand around a little bit longer,” he reached out to brush her dark hair off of her shoulder.
She stepped back and forced herself to smile. “I really should be going. You should get the photos back this week for your final approval.”
“Ah Sabrina, you are all business,” He laughed and kissed her hand. She noticed him glancing over her shoulder at someone. His expression changed as he rolled his eyes. “I suppose you want an introduction.”
Sabrina turned and saw Antonio standing behind her. He had abandoned his torn blue jeans and white shirt for a suit and tie. He looked at her with a sly-eyed greeting.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I would like an introduction.”
They eyed each other as Fernando spoke up,” Antonio this is Sabrina Murray. Sabrina, my cousin Antonio.”
He took her hand and pressed it to his lips. “Wonderful to meet you Ms. Murray.”
A call from his companion sent Fernando back to his velvet sofa, leaving the “strangers” to themselves.
Sabrina pulled her hand away and began to laugh, “Fluff, eh?”
He shrugged,” What can I say? We are cousins with very different ideas on how we govern our careers. He will only play stadiums, date underweight models and have his photograph taken by lovely American photographers.”
“Was that suppose to be a compliment,” she asked.
“It might have been,” he grinned.
“And I assume that in comparison to Fernando you only play bars and hit on American women who drink margaritas and are short on pesos.”
He laughed,” Sorry to disappoint you, I am not a Latin gigolo.”
“As far as I know,” she shot back playfully.
“A sense of humor! I like that,” he smiled back at her.
Again, for a few moments, there was silence between them. They seemed to forget the crowds that flowed around them and the loud house music that blared from every speaker as he stared down into her face. Fernando’s loud laughter broke through their moment and they both became aware of the curious looks that were cast their way.
Antonio took her hand and pulled her closer, “Do you want to get out of here?”
“God yes,” she elated.
He smiled at her over his shoulder as he led her through the crowds and back up the marble stairs, leaving the noise and prying eyes behind them.
They took his dusty, black jeep back into the heart of the city. Sabrina loved the feeling of the warm wind blowing in her face as they rode through one of the city’s popular club districts. There were endless lines that stretched out the doors and around the corners of the flashy, neon-lit clubs.
“I hope you don’t think I am going to wait in line just to put up with more obnoxious drunks,” Sabrina said.
“Oh no,” he drawled. “I have something more subdued in mind.” He laughed at the unsure expression that crossed her face. “I know what you are thinking.”
Her expression quickly changed to an naďve smile. “What do you mean?” He gave her a knowing look and she laughed outright. “ Well you can’t blame me for assuming that you might just try and…”
“I am hurt Senorita Murray. For you to think that I would want to kiss you and…ahem…other things, really offends me. I am a gentleman and you should hang your head in shame for your evil thoughts.”
“Oh stop,” she crowed. “You are really unbelievable!”
“Are all Americans so quick to anger,” he asked.
“Only when they are being harangued by smarty pants Latinos!”
He stopped the jeep in front of a small stucco building and grinned. “Well at least let this smarty pants Latino buy you one of the best margaritas in Mexico.”
“What is this place,” she asked, stepping down from the jeep.
“Casa Diablesa. The best little dead end bar in the city. It also has great a music in addition to your margarita.”
He held out his warm hand to her and led her into the dimly lit club. Every table was full of merry people, drinking leisurely as a mariachi band played on.
They grabbed two empty stools at the bar and sat down. He ordered two margaritas and gazed out at the dance floor at a young pair. They were dancing with wild abandon, stomping their feet twirling around with every beat of the music. There were shouts and hands clapping as everyone watched them. Sabrina couldn’t keep her eyes off of them. They exuded spirit and fire with every move and step. When the dance ended she caught her breath and applauded.
“You liked that,” he asked.
She looked at him and shrugged. “It was interesting.”
“Well,” he stood up from the stool and took her hands in his. “Why don’t we give it a try and be interesting too?”
“Oh no,” she said trying to pull away. He winked at her and pulled her effortlessly off the stool after him.
Everyone began to clap and gave them encouraging shouts. She dropped her face in embarrassment as the band began to play a lively bolero. He began to dance around her, with sure and confident steps.
“Come on,” he laughed pulling her to him.
She fixed him with fiery eyes as she pushed him away. For a moment he didn’t know what to do. Suddenly, she smiled slyly and began to dance. Neither knew exactly what to expect from the other as they danced. Every step was an instinct. Sabrina savored every moment she was there. She wasn’t in New York and she didn’t give a hang who saw her or what they thought of her.
He danced closer to her and caught hold of her hand, “Follow me.”
They began to dance close together keeping pace with each other. She threw her arms around his neck. Her eyes never left his face as they continued their dance. When the music ended the bar crowd broke into applause. They both breathed and smiled sheepishly at their audience as they walked back to their seats.
“You surprised me,” he breathed.
“Didn’t think I had it in me,” she smiled sipping of her margarita.
“On the contrary I think you are just full of surprises Sabrina.”
She felt herself blushing under his lingering gaze as she drank. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol or the way he looked at her, that made her feel that way. They made small talk over their drinks about their lives, their work and everything in between. But, there was something he wanted to know and had been too shy to ask until then. The sweet Tequila he drank made him bolder.
“So, who is the lucky man waiting for you back in New York,” he asked sipping his drink.
She tensed slightly and looked down at the bar, “I have been seeing someone off and on for two years.”
“And,” he asked. He wanted to know the truth as to whether or not the feelings he was having were misplaced.
“And nothing,” she sighed.
` “Off and on meaning it’s not a serious relationship?”
“Yes and no. I mean it has been at times and then….,” she stopped herself.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I am getting to personal.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just hard to talk about him sometimes.”
“Have you ever gave him a warning?”
“A warning,” she laughed. “You mean an ultimatum?”
“Whatever,” he laughed.
“Oh yes, many times.”
“Then what is keeping him from you?”
She bit her lip and went quiet. She wasn’t certain if she wanted him to know the truth. But, there was something about him that made her feel so safe, so at ease.
“Well,” she began carefully. “His wife.”
She saw the look of sympathy in his eyes, not of judgment. “He doesn’t deserve you Sabrina.” He reached across the bar and took her hand in his. “How long are you going to stop your life for this man?”
“I have tried so hard to cut ties with him. But, he always comes after me and it is so hard to forget what we have shared.”
“But, you deserve someone that will be yours and yours alone. Don’t you want to have someone who you can walk down the street with and not hide? Someone who will come home to you every evening and never leave? Sabrina, this man will never leave his wife.”
She felt tears building up in her eyes as she pulled her hands away from him and walked out of the bar. She rushed outside to the parking lot, wanting to run away from him and from what she knew deep inside was the truth. When she stopped running and leaned against the wall of the club, her face in her hands.
That was the way he found her. The bright, vibrant woman he had danced with was gone and in her place was a broken and sad woman. He reached out to her and pulled her into his arms.
“Sabrina, please don’t cry. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know,” she cried. “But you are right. I have only hurt myself. I dread going back to New York because of all that has happened.”
“It doesn’t have to be this way, you know,” he whispered.
“Why do you care,” she asked him. “You hardly know me Antonio.”
“I don’t know why I care, I just do. Ever since I saw you sitting alone at the bar…there was just something about you. I told myself that just knowing your name was enough, but when you left, I wanted to run after you.”
“Oh please,” she said turning away.
He caught hold of her shoulders and turned her around to face him. Without words or reason her kissed her. They stood together in the darkness kissing and holding onto each other, neither wanting to let go.
She finally pulled away, her heart beating so fast. He stared back at her suddenly feeling guilty for letting himself go. Yes, he had wanted to kiss her. But she was so vulnerable then, he had no right to do it. His thrust his hands through his hair and tried to calm himself. This had to stop.
“I should take you back to your hotel,” he said as he walked back to his Jeep.
She suddenly felt embarrassed by his sudden aloofness. Had she done something wrong? She followed him to the Jeep and climbed back inside.
They drove back to her hotel in silence, neither knowing what to say. He pulled into the parking lot. She expected him to tell her goodbye and then leave, but he turned off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt.
“You don’t have to walk me,” she said.
“It’s the least I could do,” he smiled. “Besides, I don’t want you walking through the parking lot a lone at night.”
She ignored the fact that he could have simply dropped her of at the front entrance. But, she wasn’t ready to say good bye to him yet. He met her at the door and helped her down. They walked to the hotel entrance side-by-side, the awkward hush still lingered between them. When they reached the door he tried to think of something to say.
But, before he could say a word she laced her fingers through his and gave him a look that told him that she was feeling the same as he was. Neither of them wanted the night to end there at the door.
“Come with me,” she whispered. She led him through the door and into the elevator. As the doors closed he leaned over and kissed her once more…..
PART III COMING NEXT WEEK http://www.shaniaforums.com/wink.gif
------------------
"Be a winner, be a star, be happy to be who you are, gotta be yourself, gotta make a plan, gotta go for it while you can..."
Shania
"I have had doors slammed in my face all of my life. Now, I'm ready to kick a few down"- Jayne Bahan
The Renegades