Chapter 8 The Party
**ADULT SITUATIONS DO APPLY TO THIS CHAPTER PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS ONLY FICTION AND JUST FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
Lucas walked into the club and headed straight to his office. Gustave seen his apparent distress and followed him. "Lucas, what is the matter?"
"I think Elizabeth and I just broke up. I told you relationships just complicated things. I should have listened to myself. I knew it was too good to last."
"How? What happened?" Gustave questioned.
"Rosemary is having a party at The Grasshopper next week and Elizabeth wanted me to go with her. I just can't."
"Oh. I understand now. Well did you tell her why?"
"No Gustave, it's your story not mine."
"Lucas it's been eight years. Perhaps it is time that we face our fears."
"How can you Gustave?"
"Marilynn would want us too."
The week had gone by, but not a call from Lucas. Elizabeth was devastated, but knew some distance was probably good. Rosemary and Lee went ahead and had the party at The Grasshopper.
There was an open bar. Jesse was tending the bar. Elizabeth made her way up to the bar to order a drink.
"Elizabeth where is the man you've been seeing." Jesse asked.
"I think that is over now Jesse."
"Oh!"
"I was seeing Lucas Bouchard. Do you know him?"
"Of course, who doesn't know Lucas. I am not surprised he would not come here."
"What do you mean Jesse?"
"Gustave's wife was murdered in the parking lot eight years ago and Lucas nor Gustave have been back since. Lucas was taking care of the check while Gustave and Marilynn got mugged by a gang walking to the car. He always felt like he could have stopped it if he had been there."
"Oh, my Goodness!" Elizabeth felt her heart sink. She could not believe it. "Who would have done such an awful thing?"
Just as Elizabeth started to cry. "I should have trusted him, Jesse. I had no idea." Lucas walked up behind her.
"Is this seat taken?" He whispered.
She turned and threw her arms around him. "I missed you. I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I over reacted. I thought I was dying when you didn't call. Why are you here?"
"Lucas, it's good to see you guys. I didn't think you would ever come back here." Jesse said shaking his hand. "I will let you two talk. I will hang out with Gustave." Jesse and Gustave headed to a private table.
"It was time Elizabeth. I should have told you myself. There are gangs in this part of town, and they make it very dangerous. I didn't want you here. If you were going to be here, I was going to be here with you. I don't want you out of my sight."
She brought his lips to hers and kissed him with all the passion she had been missing over the last week. "Dance with me."
"Absolutely, you are the most stunning woman in the world. I would be a fool to not." He took her in his arms, and they danced around the room. He was wearing his blue three-piece suit and was the sharpest dressed man at the party. Lucas made it his signature to always dress impeccable.
"You smell so good Lucas. I missed you terribly."
"I missed you as well."
Rosemary tapped her on the shoulder. "I guess you two are okay."
"We are fine Rosemary." Elizabeth smiled.
Lucas had three shots of whiskey. It was just enough to loosen him up. He rarely drank. He became the center of attention as he was now in the center of the room performing all kinds of magic. Everyone crowded around to watch. Elizabeth tapped him on the shoulder. "Lucas we should go."
"Are you sure? I don't have to be back at the club tonight."
"I am sure." Elizabeth couldn't help her insecurities. She didn't like him drawing all the attention.
"Alright." He performed one more trick and then they said goodnight.
They walked to the car. "Lucas why don't you let me drive tonight?"
"You want to drive the Porsche?" He asked.
"Sure."
Elizabeth drove to Lucas's house. When they got there, she walked with him inside. "I should go. You need to rest."
"You aren't going anywhere." He said as he pulled her into him. "It's too dark for you to walk home. I had one drink too many to take you. Looks like you are staying with me tonight."
Elizabeth could feel the heat rising to her face when she noticed Lucas was taking off his jacket and vest. She was getting a little uncomfortable wondering if he was going to stop there. "Lucas, thank you for coming to the party. I was so glad you were there."
"Me too." He grabbed her hand and led her to the bedroom.
He could feel her nerves as he took off his shirt.
"Lucas we are not doing this."
"Doing what? Sleeping." He teased.
She felt so embarrassed.
"If it makes you uncomfortable, I can put my shirt back on. I typically sleep without one."
"Oh, okay that's fine."
Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes from his rippled chest. "Do you work out? How do you stay so fit?"She asked a blush coming to her face.
"It's from unloading all the trucks. It gives me a good work out every evening." He spoke climbing into his bed and patting the other side.
"Lucas, I don't know if this is a good idea. You have had a little bit much too drink. I am a little worried."
"Elizabeth, I am fine. I am not going to hurt you in any way. I promise. Come lay next to me."
She hesitantly obliged. He was a true gentleman. He did nothing other than drape his arm over her and kiss her goodnight.
Elizabeth laid there all night afraid to sleep. She knew he had a little bit much to drink and did not know him well enough to know how he acted when he had been drinking. The night went on and she got up at 3:30 kissing him on the forehead and walking home.
