The VIP Room(109)

Philben didn't hesitate for a second. He started snapping away and had about twenty shots before Derek pulled himself free.

"Great, great! You are such a handsome couple. Yes, you will certainly be the highlight of the presentation tonight! Thanks so much. Now let me get your names and make sure I get the spelling right."

Derek had a notion to do a Sonny Corleone and grab the camera and stomp it to bits. Instead he said, "There's been a mistake. We're not new members or a couple. Please--"

Carly grabbed Philben's arm and led him away. "That's Derek Holmes and Carly Richardson."

Derek sighed and glanced around the lobby, now crowded with the incoming guests. He did a double take. He saw a woman who looked like Lauren in a dark blue gown scurrying away. He didn't have a clear view through the crowd. He started after her, but then stopped. It couldn't be her. What would a middle class accountant be doing here? Must be because he missed her so much that suddenly he thought her saw everywhere.



* * *



Lauren pushed open the door of the women's room with so much force that door swung back and hit the inside wall. She kept going until she was stopped by her reflection in the full-length mirror opposite the door.

It can't get any worse. Upon entering the lobby with her parents, she had looked around, hoping to see one of her old friends or at least a familiar face. That's when she saw Derek and Carly posing like celebrities for the photographer. A crowd had gathered around them, and who could blame them? There stood a towering handsome hunk in a sharp tuxedo and a gorgeous blonde in a strapless dress that hugged her bodice with a full skirt that flowed from her waist the size of a quarter. A real-life Barbie and Ken.

Lauren glared at her reflection through her tears. And there she was, looking like the mother of bride in this awful blue sequined dress her mother made her buy so she'd have formal attire to wear in case she got an invitation to a black-tie event. She couldn't look more frumpy if she tried.

She headed into the area with the bathroom stalls where there were no mirrors and leaned against the wall, trying to gather her wits.

What was Derek doing here? It was hardly likely that he could be a new member, not with the insane fees they asked at this place. Yet there he was with the woman he had sworn meant nothing to him.

Lauren felt a stab in her heart that traveled down and twisted her stomach. He lied about Carly and where he'd be tonight. Ha, business dinner with his brother, right. What other lies had he fed her? Lauren bent over as her stomach cramped violently.

How could this be happening? Five minutes ago she was in the back seat of her parents' car, fantasizing about Derek and remembering the intimate conversations they'd had while he was away. Besides talking for hours about their childhoods and dreams for the future, they indulged in some super hot phone sex using the dildo as a substitute for the real thing. He told her what he wanted to do with his hands and his manhood, and she did it. They even came together over the phone. Right before her father pulled into the club's driveway, she had decided she would share the truth with Derek the next day, and introduce him to her parents as soon as possible.

"Lauren, what's the matter?"

Lauren turned around. Her mother appeared concerned.

"Are you sick?"

Lauren nodded.

"Come, dear. Let's go sit down." She led Lauren over to a sitting area with a chaise lounge, several armchairs, and small coffee table. After settling Lauren in a chair, she stepped over to the sink to wet a washcloth, which she handed to her daughter.

Lauren saw her mother's mouth moving, but didn't hear a word she said. What a fool she was! A big, fat fool! Why was Derek messing with her at all? Oh my God. She was just an easy lay, or maybe he felt sorry for her. And then she brought him home and shared her toy collection with him. Oh, God! Lauren doubled over, holding her stomach.

"Lauren!"

Her mother's voice broke through her haze. She looked up and took the wet cloth.

"Put it on your forehead, dear."

Lauren patted herself with the cloth, and then dropped her hands to her lap, leaning back in the chair with her eyes closed. She couldn't go back out there and face Derek and Carly. Not tonight. Not ever.

"I want to go home, Mother. Call me a cab, please."

"Of course, dear." Her mother pulled her phone from her purse.

"Mrs. Daniels, is that you?"

Lauren turned to the voice, as did her mother.

"Carly, how nice to see you!" Her mother broke into a big smile. "Are your parents here tonight, too?"

"No, they're cruising around Europe, so they couldn't make it."

"Are you here by yourself, then, dear?"

"No, I came with some friends of the family who are becoming members tonight."

Lauren sat up at attention.

"Anyone I know?" Lauren's mother leaned in, eager to get the inside info.

"I don't think so. Their family lives in Dumont County, about an hour away from here, but they've been friends with my folks forever. Both their sons live and work here, though, so it seemed a better choice than their parents' club.

"Mmhmm. Tell me something about these boys."

"Well," Carly smiled and covered her mouth like a little girl with a secret. "We practically grew up together, so I'm very close to both of them. But one is special, you know, and I wouldn't be surprised if he popped the question soon--maybe even tonight!"