"Sisi, tell me about this mystery man," Vera grinned, leaning against Sisi's door with a robe around herself.
Sisi was fixing her make-up, glancing up at her friend with a slight blush without the help of the make-up she had already applied. It had been a couple of nights since meeting Ike and yet, Sisi couldn't stop thinking about him. "He's handsome… A bit older than I am, but an absolute gentleman."
"You do know the Elvis Presley is coming tonight and you're hooked on him?" she smiled, stepping into the room and sitting on the small couch.
"Elvis is handsome, but Ike is just –"
"You always did like older men," Vera teased.
"Yeah, yeah. Let me finish getting ready. The show is going to start soon," Sisi smiled, standing up from her chair and walking to tonight's outfit.
"Fine. We'll talk more after," she winked.
"Okay, Vee. I'll see you out there."
"Ike, take a night off. You need it," Victor said, leaning against the bar. Stevie was working, serving his father another glass of alcohol.
"I think you should do it, dad. Elvis Presley's in town. Maybe talk to his manager about doing a show here," Stevie suggested.
"The kid's right, Ike."
Ike looked at the large window behind his son, staring at the blue pool water. He couldn't take his mind off Sisi. He had visited the same dance club the past few nights in hopes to bump into her, but he always left disappointed.
"Okay. We're staying for one show, that's it." Ike decided.
"I'm coming with," Stevie grinned. "The more people you have, the better your chances are at convincing Elvis to perform at the Miramar Playa."
Ike arched a brow, "Are you sure that's the only reason?"
Stevie chuckled, leaving the bar for the other worker to tend to.
Victor gently grasped his friend's shoulder, squeezing it absently. "Put on your best suit. Maybe you'll get to go home with one of the showgirls tonight," he teased.
"Right," Ike rolled his eyes. "Class starts this Monday. Being in a relationship is the least of my worries."
Victor narrowed his eyes. "Doesn't mean you can't have any fun without the strings attached, Ike. I'll see you outside in an hour."
Ike nodded, looking down at his drink and downing it immediately. He wondered if he would ever see Sisi again, but he was simply hoping for something that may never happen. Instead, he stood from the bar stool and walked to the elevator to go to his room and get ready.
After an hour, Vera knocked on Sisi's door. She opened it without permission to notice that her friend had put on her fluffy skirt around the red and white corset. Her hair was curled impeccably to one side and her make-up was outstanding.
Vera and Sisi were always quite a pair. They worked well together and majority of the men in the audience always insisted more of them than any other of the showgirls they shared the stage with.
"You look great," Vera smiled.
"Me? Look at you!" Sisi laughed, slipping on her heels and walking to her friend.
"Elvis Presley wants to meet you and I," she winked.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Supposedly he's heard we make a great team."
"And I wonder where his imagination led to."
Vera playfully hit her arm before looping her own around Sisi's. They walked out of her changing room and down the hallway where the rest of the showgirls were waiting. "Oh, stop. Maybe he's a man who appreciates talent."
"Or a man who has a fantasy of having two women at the same time."
Vera rolled her eyes, "You're silly. Come on. Let's meet the man."
The rest of the showgirls surrounded the one and only Elvis Presley. His piercing blue eyes immediately met Sisi's and she blushed, stepping forward and extending her hand out for the famous singer.
"Sisi," she introduced.
"Elvis," he winked, taking her hand kissing her knuckles gently.
Sisi was taken aback. She still hadn't gotten used to the perks of this job and being able to meet famous people, but at the back of her mind, she couldn't get rid of the lingering thoughts of Ike.
Vera took initiative and introduced herself while Sisi tried to look like she was paying attention and listening to what they were talking about. When the manager approached the group, Sisi smiled and mentally prepared herself for the amazing show they were about to put on.
"Ready?" Vera smiled.
"More than ready," Sisi replied.
Ike stepped out of the car in a white tux and a black bowtie. The Havana was seemingly packed since Elvis Presley was performing, but they still managed to get tickets to the show. He followed Victor and Stevie inside the venue, his eyes scanning the room absently. As they were seated close to the front, Ike relaxed and ordered a scotch from a nearby waiter.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the clapping from the audience began. He turned his attention the stage and let a small smile line his lips when he saw the many showgirls approach the stage, waiting for Elvis' arrival.
However, his eyes widened when he saw Sisi standing directly front and center with her hands at her hips and a large grin on her lips. He was fascinated, just how he was the first moment he laid eyes on her.
When Elvis approached the stage, he didn't get excited. In fact, Ike was yearning for the show to finish just so he could talk to Sisi again. The waiter set his drink down on the table, but Ike kept his eyes solely focused on Sisi.
She was beautiful, and there was no way he was going to leave this building without getting her number.
Elvis began singing, causing the audience to scream in excitement. As if on cue, the showgirls began dancing on stage, lifting their skirts while flashing a smile. Though, Ike couldn't take his eyes off Sisi. He followed everywhere she went on stage.
When the showgirls removed the skirts that were around their waist and stood clad in their red and white corsets, Ike knew he was going to have a tough time sleeping tonight.
Sisi allowed the sound of Elvis's singing to allow her body to flow easily through the routine. She looked at Vera and winked, her hands remaining on her hips. It was easy to get lost in a song, but her manager usually allowed her to have a solo along with Vera. It made the crowd go wild and also the performer.
As the rest of the showgirls dispersed, Vera and Sisi circled around Elvis, grinning flirtatiously at the man with the microphone.
Ike didn't have the right to get jealous, but he couldn't help but feel anger in his veins at the way Elvis was looking at her. He had come to The Havana in hopes to get Elvis Presley to perform at his hotel, but instead, he had another agenda and that was to talk to Sisi after the show.
"Dad, she's cute," Stevie smiled, pointing at Sisi.
Ike nodded, "I know."
Sisi swayed her hips, just exactly how she did when she was dancing with Ike and he definitely noticed. Elvis continued singing, his eyes trailing the backsides of Vera's and Sisi's with confidence. Once the first set finished and the lights turned back on in the main room rather on stage, Ike excused himself and searched for the manager of The Havana.
"I'd like to speak with one your girls," Ike smiled convincingly. "The two that were left on stage."
"Oh! Sisi and Vera," the manager grinned.
"Sisi, I'd like to speak with her."
"May I ask what your business with her may be?"
"Old friend and it's been a while since I've seen her," Ike nodded. He was good at working his charm and getting what he wanted, so this was no different.
"Down the hall. Second door on your left."
"Great. Thank you."
Ike pocketed his hands and walked down the hallway. As he stood in front of her door, he took a deep breath and brought a hand out to knock gently.
Sisi was taken aback at the sound of the knock, so she stood without a bra and clad in her panties, thinking it was Vera. However, she opened the door just as she pulled on her robe.
When the door opened, Ike was surprised to see her topless and her exposed breasts. Immediately, he looked away, clearing his throat and allowing her to cover herself. "Uh… Hi."
Sisi widened her eyes, wrapping the robe around herself. "Ike?!"
"Bad time?" he asked.
She had to laugh. "Kinda. Do you want to come in?"
"If it's not too much to ask."
"Of course, of course. Come inside." Sisi held the door open, watching as his frame entered her changing room. Once he was inside, she shut the door and turned her back to him to remove her robe.
Ike allowed his eyes to rake over her backside, clearing his throat as his eyes roamed her smooth back, down to her ass, and finally to her legs. He had to look away before some other part of him got too excited.
Sisi pulled on a bra and a navy blue sleeveless button up shirt and turned around to face him, biting her lower lip. "So…"
Ike looked down at her, letting a small smile line his lips. "So, you work at The Havana…"
"I do. You're here to see Elvis Presley?"
"I am, yes. I'm surprised to see you here too. Glad I decided to come out," he smiled.
"Is that so?" Sisi blushed, motioning for him to sit at the couch. When he did, Sisi sat next to him, bringing her legs underneath her as she tried to get comfortable. Ike had been occupying her mind for the past few days, so finally getting to see him was a relief.
"I should have realized you worked in this business. You're a really good dancer from the other night," he smiled.
Sisi could have melted right there. The sight of his dimples made her blush even further and she looked down at her lap, trying to force herself to remain calm. "I'm much better with a dance partner."
Ike grinned, "I wonder who that could be."
"Hmm… I don't know. I'm not sure you know him," she teased.
"Funny," he laughed.
Before their conversation could continue, the door swung open and Vera was standing there already dressed out of her outfit and into much regular clothes.
"Sisi!" she exclaimed, biting her lower lip when she noticed she was with a guest. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
Ike shook his head politely, smiling. "No worries. I'm just about to leave…"
Sisi looked about ready to object, but Vera interrupted. "No no, you stay. I'll see you tomorrow night, Sisi?" Vera winked.
"Mhm. Tomorrow night, Vee. Good night."
The door shut behind her and Sisi giggled, standing up to pull on her pants and slipped into her flats. She looked at Ike who had already stood from the couch before he spoke, "Would you like to have dinner with me?"
"Dinner?"
"Tonight," he answered.
Sisi bit her lower lip. "Okay. That would be great."
Ike grinned. "Perfect. I've got a car out front. Let me tell the people I'm with and I'll meet you there?"
"Of course." Sisi led him out of her room and down the hall. They parted way and her eyes caught the two men he was with. One looked like his age while the other was significantly younger, probably around her age if not younger.
Sisi left The Havana and waited outside, chatting with the valet before Ike showed up and his red convertible pulled up immediately. He opened her door for her and smiled, "After you."
"Such a gentleman." she slid into the car and buckled her seatbelt, placing her clutch on her lap as she watched Ike round the car and slide in as well.
"All right. Where do you want to eat?" he asked. "Steak? Pasta? Seafood?"
Sisi shook her head, "Burgers."
Ike smiled and drove away from the club. He used his free hand to undo the bowtie and remove his suit jacket to place in the backseat. He looked much more comfortable.
"Burgers? That's surprising."
"Why's that?"
"You look like the kind of girl who likes to go out to fancy restaurants," he shrugged.
"I'm simpler than that. I love a good burger and a milkshake," she nodded.
"Vanilla or chocolate?"
"Vanilla, but with chocolate sprinkles on top of the whipped cream."
Ike laughed quietly, "You know what you want."
"Definitely," she winked.
Ike pulled into a neighborhood diner and climbed out of the car. It was later than usual, so it wasn't as busy. He held her door open for her and extended a hand for her to take. Sisi smiled, taking note of how relaxed he looked now that he wasn't wearing his blazer or bowtie. His shirt had a few buttons undone at the top and she couldn't help but notice the peek of his chest hair.
She quickly took his hand and smiled, walking inside the diner and into a small booth near the window.
"I know what I want to get," she grinned.
"Already?"
"Mhm. Bacon cheeseburger with fries and a vanilla milkshake."
Ike smiled. He loved that a woman wasn't afraid to eat in front of a man. Despite her small figure compared to his, he would have expected her to focus on her physique rather than how good the food may be.
"You know what? I'll get the same." he smiled.
After telling the waiter their order, Ike looked over at Sisi and felt her foot brush against the inside of his leg. He arched a brow and cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
"So, how long have you worked at The Havana?" he asked.
"Two years now. Helps me with the bills and also for school."
Ike arched a brow, "You're in school?"
"Currently in my third year for business," she smiled.
"Want to start your own business one day?" Ike asked.
"Yeah. I love taking pictures, so maybe become a renowned photographer with a well-known business for my clients."
Ike nodded with interest, making a mental note to remember that piece of information later. Despite the attraction he felt towards her, their age difference couldn't go unnoticed, but he didn't mind. Sisi held herself on a high standard and she acted very mature for her age.
"That's interesting. So, you're a showgirl at night and a student during the day? You're a hardworker. I like that," he smiled.
"Gotta pay the bills somehow, right? I also take photos for anyone that's willing, so that's extra money for me."
Ike was enamored by her. Since his wife's death, no one had caught his interest, but after one night of dancing, Ike was hooked on Sisi. He wanted to know more about her, spend more time with her, and ultimately, he wanted her all to himself.
When their food arrived, Ike and Sisi alternated between talking amongst one another about their personal lives. Sisi found out that Ike was a father of three and his wife had died just a few years ago. The younger man he was with tonight was indeed, his eldest son and Sisi was just a few years older than he was.
Ike found out that Sisi's parents didn't approve of her lifestyle of being a showgirl to pay for school, so her relationship with her family was a bit limited. She didn't mind though. Being a showgirl wasn't going to last forever anyway.
After the late dinner, Sisi was ready to grab her wallet before Ike shook his head. "It's on me."
"Once again, you're proving to be quite the gentleman."
Ike smiled, "A beautiful woman should be treated with the utmost respect."
"Lucky me… I've found a good one," she winked.
Ike laughed quietly, standing from the booth and taking her hand gently. He led her to his car and looked down at her for a moment, staring into her eyes.
"Ready to go home?" he asked.
Sisi nodded, "Yeah…"
The entire ride to her apartment was filled with sexual tension. She would glance at him and allow her eyes to linger over his frame, stopping at his natural bulge from within his suit pants. Ike's arm was resting between them and he would occasionally brush against her leg, glancing at her with a small smile.
Once at her apartment, Ike decided to walk her to her door. She unlocked it and turned around to kiss Ike's cheek, pulling back with a small smile on her lips.
"Thank you for dinner," she said.
"Thank you for agreeing to go with me."
Ike bit his lower lip, his eyes deviating to her lips. Sisi slowly leaned forward, feeling Ike's hand cup her cheek lightly. After a few lingering moments, Ike bent down to press his lips against her own. It had been so long since he had been intimate with a woman, but he knew that he wanted to take his time with her.
Sisi slowly moved their lips together, resting her hands on his broad chest as he stepped forward to press her back against her door. She parted her lips, feeling his tongue dart out to flick against the roof of her mouth. She whimpered, gripping onto his dress shirt before she finally pulled away to catch her breath.
"Mmm," he smiled, looking down at her with a natural twinkle in his gorgeous brown orbs.
"I'd ask for you to come in, but I'm not that kind of girl," she whispered.
"I know… However, may I ask if I can get your number?"
Sisi smiled. "Of course."
After exchanging numbers, Ike leaned down to peck her lips before he pulled away.
"Good night, Sisi."
"Good night, Ike."
"I'll call tomorrow," he promised.
"And I'll be waiting," she smiled.