After having it out with Peter, I contemplated about calling Jr. I dialed the digits, I did. I just didn't have the audacity to hit the send button. I sat for quite some time staring at the phone. More than once, I was tempted to smash it against the wall.
The life was scared out of me when it rang. "Hello", I said without looking at the caller id.
"Hey Lila...Yeah...Yeah...See you then... Bye."
I managed to smile a little after Lila told me I was in fact flying out, not only in a private jet, but a Trump jet. I should have been more excited, but I wasn't.
It was starting to get dark and the night had been ruined. Peter was the protective one, sometimes too overprotective for his good.
Growing up, I hardly had anyone long enough to refer to as a boyfriend, so I learned in my teen years to keep my personal life a secret. Which was why I was so good at it now with Jr. and keeping it from everyone else.
I was kicking myself for kissing and telling. I was convinced it was most likely over. I knew I would probably go my separate way after an encounter like that. Only time would tell.
I cleaned up and started to pack my bags. I would shop around New York City for a dress for the banquet. At least I had something to look foward to. I had been to the city before, but never had enough time to shop. I just prayed my schedule didn't take an unexpected turn.
I was taxied onto a separate area, where the private jet hangars were. Exiting the car, the crew took my bags. I walked up the jet I knew was for me. The logo I agreed on was already on it. I almost jumped up and down.
Inside, my jaw hit the floor. Looking smaller from the outside, the interior was definitely designed for the uber rich. Almost everything was beige accented by black leather.
I discovered it had solid leather seats, a satellite communications system, a surround-sound entertainment system, exotic wood cabinetry and trim, platinum-plated bathroom fixtures, hand-woven carpeting and artwork to create a rare space on high.
I sat down by the window, anxious for take off.
We landed a couple of hours later at La Guardia Airport. After landing, a limousine was waiting for me once I got off the plane. I had never disembarked a plane outdoors before. It was my first and I was certain it wasn't my last.
The limo took me to the The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Manhattan. The busy sound of the city street quickly filled my ears as the door opened. I looked up at the tall building, then down at the hand that jerked me out of the clouds.
The doorman escorted me away from the car and to the door. Once on the other side, I was on my own. I checked in at the front desk and was shown to my room.
Fucking fantastic! My room had a great view of downtown and Central Park. Once the door shut, I couldn't help but go and jump on the bed like a child. I actually did it!
I unpacked and checked my bible, my new name for my Blackberry. My schedule hadn't changed and I was thankful. The other part of me was anxious to get things out in the open and get the ball rolling.
The streets of Manhattan were busy and everyone hurried along. No strolling around here. I stopped by a few shops, looking at a few dresses, but nothing seemed to jump up and bite me. A few pairs of shoes winked at me, but I hadn't found a dress yet to go with them.
The banquet was formal, so I needed something to fit in with the other ball gowns and tuxedos that would be filling the room. The prices were pretty steep, but all I cared about was finding the perfect one. I would worry about the bill later.
I was browsing in front of a window of a posh boutique when I got a call from Lila, asking if I got in okay. That call followed with another, then a few more, and ending with Kasey. He just got in and we made plans to have a drink later.
The stores offered everything I could imagine, but the dress I was looking for. A few hours had passed and I was walking into the bar I was meeting Kasey at. We had a few drinks and unwound in the city.
Kasey walked me back to my hotel. "Wow! You're staying at the Trump Tower, huh? Nice. How you work that out?"
I was just about to try and answer it, but a car blew it's horn as we neared a side street. Kasey pulled me back right before I stepped off the curb.
My heart stopped as I watched the car scream by. The driver wasn't slowing down for anything or anyone.
"My God! That was close!"
"Gotta watch your steps on these city streets. Not the same kind of drivers on the tracks. Stick with me. I got your back", he smiled. He put his arm around my shoulder to calm my nerves and to protect me, I think.
"Well, this is me", I said, needing to get upstairs and make some calls about a dress.
"You know how to find me", he said standing there, creating an awkward moment. I think he was going to add to his comment, but someone just walked right between us. How rude! After that, I think he changed his mind.
"I'll see you later. Thanks", I said, referring to possibly saving my life.
He nodded and walked into the crowd.
I pushed the button to my floor and waited as the music played and the elevator lifted me to the top of the tower. The doors opened and I took a right to walk back to my room.
I slid my card and opened the door. I ran my fingers through my hair as I looked out over the city. Getting lost in the skyline, I almost didn't hear the door.
Looking through the peephole, I saw a hotel staff member. I opened the door to see he was holding a large, flat box.
"Miss DeArmen?"
"Yes?"
"This is for you. If you will sign here", he handed me a small clipboard.
"Thank you" I said, taking the large box. I let the door shut behind me and walked over to the bed.
I noticed the Vera Wang on the box when I put the box down. I unraveled the bow and took the box top off. The tissue paper was hiding something underneath. My eye caught the card on top.
I opened the envelope and read the simple message,
'A Beautiful Dress for a Beautiful Woman'
Donald, Jr.
Surprised, but relieved my search was over, I came to discover the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. I lifted it up high to check it out. A pair of silver strap shoes accompanied it.
I could hardly believe it! A Vera Wang dress all for me? I wondered how in the world he knew my size. Yep, that's why Mary was eyeing me the other day.
I called the front desk to order room service. Not surprisingly, I was told everything was paid for. I placed my order and was relieved to find out it would take long enough to indulge in the oversized tub for some relaxation.
I enjoyed my quiet bath. The terry cloth robe was snuggly soft, just like the commercial. I secured it in time for the room service to arrive.
The cart was rolled in and the silver platter was lifted to reveal my cheeseburger and fries. I had to contain my laughter. I signed for it and dug in.
After my belly was distended from the best cheeseburger I think I'd ever had, I managed to veg out for a while. I flipped channels then finally decided to call it a night.
What would I do with my time now? I decided to get up early tomorrow morning and see what else the city had to offer...
