Martinis. Hotel rooms. Sex with a married politician. I'd laugh at the cliché, if only my mouth was working properly.
Tripp had left quietly nearly an hour ago.
Even through this blurry haze that filled the world, I could still make out the guilt written all over his features. "Never going to make it in DC with a poker face like that," I laughed at his expression.
He was searching for his belt. That oh-so-expensive suit wasn't quite so pristine now. He managed a small smile that almost reached those cerulean eyes. I laid on my stomach, at the opposite end of the bed, legs kicking out behind me.
He sat beside me on the bed.
"I have to go." His voice was so steady, few would be able to tell how drunk he still was.
"I know."
Tripp's hand ran through my hair, which must have been a total mess by now. If his eyes were too wide, just a little unfocused, his expression of wonder was real. I rolled onto my back so I could straighten his tie.
"Hands to shake, babies to kiss and all that," I said, giving him an easy out. It was close to one A.M., so we both knew the only duty he had left was to his pretty wife. His eyes travelled over my body. I think he actually swallowed.
After a kiss and the usual spiel of half promises and veiled apologies, I was alone.
Well, not quite alone. The mini-bar, the only friend that was still around, was as good a company as I remembered. Downing the miniscule amount of vodka, I smiled a little thinking about how this too would go on the Van der Bilt bill. My tab with that family was certainly adding up tonight.
For the first time in weeks, I didn't feel confused. This is what I did, leaving designer suits just a little bit tarnished. I knew this game. I knew all the rules. I knew all the cheats. Tripp would call me. They always did. But this time I'd answer.
I found the tiny bottle of gin, swallowing it in a single go. The rumpled sheets smelt like expensive cologne and sex.
Now I might not have a job, a university, or a friend, but by God I had a congressman. A warm, perfectly chiselled, soft lipped, Van der Bilt congressman.
I dressed in a hurry not bothering to fix my make-up or hair. I felt light as air. My steps were long and steady, even in my four-inch Miu Miu pumps. I shot the hotel staff bright smiles in the lobby. It wasn't The Palace, but it was classy enough that not even the bellhop gave my dishevelled appearance a sideways glance.
I pulled out my mobile hitting the number that was still programmed into my speed dial. I knew she'd answer. Even if she was mad at me, curiosity wouldn't let her not.
"S." That husky voice was misleadingly warm. There were all sorts of warnings in that barely-there greeting.
"Do you remember the bar on the corner of 5th that you said had the best tequila?" I waved down the first cab I saw.
"Like I'd forget the place that named a cocktail after me."
"If you meet me there in ten, I'll make it worth your while." I gave her my most sultry, completely indecent tone.
She let out that gravelly, purring laugh. The laugh that made any man with a pulse look. It made me smile. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed that sound.
"Fine, you bring the party favours, I'll bring the party."
"See you there G." I hung up without waiting for a reply.