A/N1:
*Charlaine H. owns all the characters. While some of the plot lines were inspired by the romance novel author Eve M. I also used some of the dialogues from the Ellen DeGeneres show.
**There will be a lot of cursing…so I'm going to apologize in advance (Eric didn't have any decent fuck in two weeks…so he's quite ornery… that being said be prepared to read 2.5k words of Eric's whining… something's wrong about his gracious plenty, okay?) lol =)
***This is still sans-beta…so uhhmmm…there would certainly be a lot of errors… (Ick…especially the first part of Sookie and Jennifer Caters' interaction)…sorry. =)
Semi-Charmed Kinda Life
Chapter 2: The freakshow takes the stage
It was the most embarrassing and humiliating performance in a polo match. Alcide Herveaux's team beat them hands down.
He was cursing himself about his piss-poor performance when he entered the locker room of the Royalty Polo Club. There he was immediately greeted by Sigebert and Wybert's stupid faces. These hulking twins were sitting on the bench while having a smoke. Alcide was also there with Peter Threadgill. They were resting and drinking bottled water. All of them were looking mightily smug.
Sigebert teased, "Eric, man! Congratulations! Your team has established a new record today in the history of this club"
"The lowest score ever-for a team" Wybert added.
"They're right Eric! Damn it, it would be hard to beat that!" Alcide stated
"Well then…fuck you stupid evil twins and Alcide" He said gruffly. He opened his locker cabinet harshly. Then he removed his sweat-soaked jersey.
Alcide was shaking his head but smiling at him broadly. "Eric you motherfucker! Your shots today sucks! Have you lost your aim man? I gave you a lot of openings. Your foreshot on that second chukka, man, it was clear but you hit dirt instead of the friggin' ball! That should be recorded in the history as well. It was the worst shot by a pro in an amateur tournament!"
"As follies go that would be hard to beat too" Sigebert agreed and the three fuckers just laughed.
He scrunched up his jersey and thrown it at Alcide's face. "You shithead, your team are just lucky today, don't fool yourself"
Alcide chuckled, "Lucky, eh? It's Possible…but I have to tell you Bro, if it's just luck it would be a one time thing and not the whole game. What the hell happened to you out there?"
Possibly sensing his increasing temper, Peter elbowed Alcide, "That's enough bro".
Alcide just smiled at Peter unrepentantly.
"On the next game prepare to bite the dust, you fuckers", Eric warned. He just couldn't believe his shitty performance today. Of all the players in the club, he knew he was above them with regards to experience at playing polo. He practically grew up in a friggin' horse! He even got his pro status years ago. He was a superb polo player. Well, he was…at least before this accursed game. Now he played worse than a drunk amateur.
His internal musings were interrupted by the arrival of his team mates- Stan Davis, Chow Lin and Maxwell Lee. They were all looking dejected. Well, hell… if he was honest with himself he would say that all of them were looking at him with thinly veiled disappointment. It was his fault of course since he chose to play forward against Alcide instead of Stan and well…he failed miserably.
"What happened to you Eric?" Chow asked him hotly. Chow has always been the hothead of the group.
"The game was in our favor in the first chukka, damn it! You handed it to them in a silver platter!" Chow added.
Eric massaged his temple. He was starting to have a pounding headache. "Look, I'm really sorry guys. This isn't just my day okay? I couldn't believe it myself"
"Damn Eric your foreshot today was pathetic. Shit. Unfuckingbelievable." Maxwell commented. He was still shaking his head at my fantastic fail.
"Bro maybe you need to wear contact lenses since your vision is getting poor". Alcide teased again.
And that did it. He had enough of Alcide's ribbing. He also couldn't control the anger and frustration he felt for himself at the moment. He shut the door of his locker loudly.
"Goddamnit! I had a shitty game and I screwed up, okay? I fucked up big time and I admit it! So will you all give me a damn break? I am already the laughing stock at this polo season and I would probably loose the pro status in that friggin' match and I haven't had a decent fuck in two damn weeks! There's something's wrong with me, alright? I'm not myself. I'm friggin' losing it!"
"Fuck!" He said and in his frustration for spilling his problem regarding sex, he kicked his locker door.
Dead silence.
Shock was blatant in all their faces. He even noticed that the evil twins were gaping at him dumbly.
Stan stood up and placed a hand on him. He motioned for them to sit on the bench. He regretted his impulsive behavior right away. He would probably be the butt of more jokes after this. To admit sexual dysfunction of any kind was the last thing any man in his right mind would do.
The mood in the room had definitely shifted to a more serious tone…those of Alcide's especially.
"Bro what's the problem?" Alcide asked. He noticed that his voice was devoid of all its previous mischief.
"You heard it". He sighed.
Peter coughed to clear his throat before asking, "You haven't banged a chick in two weeks?"
"I have…but I'm just wasting my time. I'm not enjoying myself like I used to". He grimaced then laughed sarcastically.
He continued to explain, "It's cool when your trying to create a new record for sexual stamina but its hell when you just want to get off and you couldn't…not without a lot of effort…a whole lot."
"Uhh…do you have trouble getting it up, man?" asked Wybert hesitantly.
Stupid Wybert. How he and his twin Sigebert can run their Biopharmaceutical Company he could not fathom. Fuck, he was getting more and more embarrassed as each passing moment. It was a delicate subject. His ego was bruised…well battered actually. And he could not discuss this subject matter with people he didn't trust. And he trusted these fucktards. Yup even the evil twins. Who would he have confided if not them?
He was desperate. Something was seriously wrong with him. He was losing his virility. He was scared with what is happening to his body. God forbid that his cock would completely loose interest in pussies! That would be his worst nightmare!
"Nah, I've got no problem getting hard. I could perform for hours. But I couldn't cum like I used too. And then when I finally do…nothing. It's so fucking anti-climatic. It's like I'm popping a gun sans bullet. No kick. No hit." He shook his head. "It doesn't feel good anymore."
Stan laughed. Fuck he dared laughed at him at this moment? But before he could say anything to his face, Stan added, "I think I know why this is happening to you, man". He was now looking so smug you'd think he just discovered the cure for AIDS.
He just raised an eyebrow at him, "Yeah, why then?"
"Okay hear me out first. Let's compare sex to food… basically there are two types, the fast food and the home-cooked meal. I think that you have had enough of fast food and your palate is craving for some home-cooked meal."
He looked at Stan in utter confusion, "Stan can you be more literal? You are speaking in codes, man!"
"There was one time, before I married Isabel… I couldn't stomach the idea of touching another woman…It just repulsed me. I just wanted Isabel" said Stan.
Peter nodded at what Stan said. He and Jade was married for a year now. It started out rocky but they have worked out their differences in the end.
'Is my dick craving for a particular pussy? A pussy it hasn't even met yet? That seemed so far fetched', he thought skeptically.
"I'm not craving or pinning to any particular woman Stan. I have not had such attachment." He replied.
Completely ignoring his last statement, Peter said "It was the same for me. I know it sounds pussy-whipped but I didn't fuck around Jade. I only want her". Yup he is…pussy whipped… Jade Flower is a downright scary bitch. A femme fatale…
One of Alcide's brows shot up. He guessed that it automatically responded to the statements of those lovesick idiots. Alcide's face couldn't hide his incredulity. He argued, " WTF do you mean you two? Are you saying your respective wives are different? And you can only be solely sexually satiated with them?"
Stan and Peter looked at each other and in complete agreement both of them nodded.
"I can't imagine screwing anyone else", Peter said.
"That's bullshit, sex is sex regardless of your partner", Alcide responded.
"You made it sound like every woman is generic, Alcide", Stan protested. "Your being misogynistic, every woman is a unique experience but I do believe that someone special can give you something extra in bed. I can attest to that fact"
'He could think of a lot of extra a woman with special talent can give him in bed…', Eric thought.
"I don't hate women. In fact, I love them so much I couldn't live without them. Something extra…? I can think of several 'extras' a talented woman can provide, that would make banging them… oh so fucking special!" Alcide quipped.
The other men laughed. He smirked too. His brain seemed to be in complete sync with Alcide.
Undeterred by Alcide's wisecrack, Stan said, "You will never know what I'm talking about Alcide unless you made love with the woman you love"
"Yeah right", Alcide just shook his head.
Stan returned his attention to him, "Eric maybe your tired of the women you're with. Why don't you look for someone… You know what I mean…a woman you'd consider to be more than just a fuck"
Alcide was shaking his head. He lighted a cigarette and took a deep pull and breathed in deeply. "Eric I don't agree with Stan at all. I think it's more about your lust. If you can't feel lust, how the fuck will you have a erection"
"Aren't you and Wybert listening to me you fuctard, I can get it up just fine!"
"Gimme a minute to explain, you dolt. Lust is sex and vice versa. Lust would depend on what…well…on what flicks your Bic, right?
I nodded.
"Now…about orgasm. That's your problem right? You can't have a satisfying end? We know that orgasms vary when it comes intensities. It could depend on the woman your with, the environment or other external factors. Those things can fuel your lust which in turn will fuel your orgasm"
I said nothing. Alcide was getting so fucking clinical on this. Did he have a PhD on human sexuality that he is unaware of?
"So basically you have enough lust to have sex but not enough to push a great orgasm. I'll cut to the chase okay? It's not the women, its you… your brain is messing up with your libido."
Eric huffed.
"Don't listen to Stan and Peter. They're lovesick puppies who want to recruit you in their club. It's not the women. There's no woman destined to be 'the holy grail for your dick'. All women have the potential to be hot in bed, bro. They are all the same sensual creatures in the sack "
Stan chuckled, "Eric its Alcide's who you shouldn't be listening to. He's the one convincing you to adhere to his depraved and hedonistic worldview."
"Really Stan? That's your fucking argument…? Just don't listen to me? Come on man let's not mix Eric's problem with your emo interpretation. It's confusing and downright misleading. Let's just be rational about it… his problem is that his sexual hunger is diminishing. What's happening to him is psychological in nature. The brain is the main sexual organ of our body. Sex is a mind thing"
"I'm not like this a few weeks ago." Eric said.
"Well we are aging. And.."
"You've gotta be kidding me I'm only 33!"
"Maybe you should try those sexual stimulants. I tried it once just for kicks. It's quite effective. I was horny for the whole day" Chow advised.
Eric shook his head. He couldn't believe that he needed drugs to enjoy sex. Him? He was physically healthy. He shouldn't be having this problem. He was still in his prime. He was too young to be sexually incapacitated. "I told you Chow. I don't have a problem getting hard! I can fuck from sun-up to sun-down okay? I can satisfy a woman till she's sore with it"
"But if your not enjoying it…" Peter didn't finish his comment.
Eric just grimaced when he recalled that feeling of hallow and frustrating dissatisfaction. It was a very strange and frightening feeling especially for him who had always enjoyed sex.
"Maybe for the meantime… you know… you could just pull it like monkey climbing a mango tree… I do" Wybert said in a mock serious tone.
"Wybert….! That's the stupidest slang phrase you could come up for the word masturbate!". Eric smiled in spite of himself
"What? I watch Two and a Half Men…It was funny when Allen said it to Charlie"
"I don't have a problem jerking off, but fuck…that will be the last resort. What the fuck will I do?" he said in utter frustration. What if this is the beginning of his dick's demise? He shuddered inwardly. He couldn't bear thinking about it.
He looked at Alcide. Personally he liked his explanation better. It was quite sound. Stan and Peter's side of things are just too vague and confusing to him…and very hokey.
"Eric I think you have 2 options at hand. If you believe at what Stan and Peter said…well you should find that special someone ASAP because apparently this woman holds the proverbial key to your sexual satiety. Did I explain your side well, Stan?" Alcide asked.
Stan nodded begrudgingly.
Alcide continued. "My advice…? Eric you are too stressed, and you've had so much pussies…that its appeal has been lost to you…you need a break. I think you should abstain from sex and let your body build a craving for it. I think you have overworked and overused your dick. "
Alcide laughed. They all did. It lessened the tension in the room considerably.
"That's full of shit Alcide"
"I'm serious man. I think you need to slow down on sex for a while. Then observe what happens. Let's say you abstain for sex for a month. Then if things didn't improve… that means its time to consult a specialist" Alcide responded. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder…Cliché… but the same can be said to sex… "
"Abstinence makes your dick grow harder?" Sigebert joked
"No..no…abstinence makes your cum stronger" Wybert corrected his twin
"Precisely." Alcide concluded.
Abstinence, eh? From women? For a month? No way! He loved women! And he loved sex!
But it seemed to be the most logical solution to his problem. He would fast from pussies for awhile. 'Sooner or later his dick will crave its usual dose and then everything would be back to normal', he thought hopefully.
It was a tough solution. But he had no recourse.
It was past 3 in the morning and Sookie couldn't sleep. She was sitting at her kitchen table drinking milk. She was sulking. The events that occurred earlier tonight were too irritating.
Last month, Lafayette convinced her that it would good publicity to guest at 'the tonight show with Jennifer Carter'. And she was quite reluctant to agree. Now she sorely regretted ever consenting to it.
Jennifer specializes on celebrity journalism. Her talk show solely features celebrity guests who talk about their work and personal lives as well as their latest films, TV shows, or other projects they'd like to promote to the public. Jennifer's show is 'thrashy' but very popular. She gained her reputation for her no holds barred type of questioning.
'That bitch'. She was angry at Jennifer Cater. She thinks Jennifer really came out of her way to embarrass her. 'They work for the same network for crying out loud! And they both host a talk show'
'I wonder if she jealous of The Buzz? Why would she be? Jen's show has larger viewership' .
The Buzz, the show she anchored was vanilla compared to the Tonight's Show. It airs every Thursday at 10:00 pm. While it does not draw a large audience like Jen's, it has a decent viewership. Like the tonight show, it also features celebrities but is not confined to it. Her show also features politicians, models, newsmakers, athletes, student activist and what have you. It was more of the Oprah Winfrey Show variety. Jennifer on the other hand was like…well…she's like Barbara Walters on crack…
'Very snarky'. She sighed. Maybe she's just getting too thin-skinned. Yeah, maybe she's just being overly sensitive. The nature of the show was to raise intriguing questions and Jen has done it well. Anyway she was informed on the nature of the questions that will be asked before hand. She knew Jen would be asking about her love life or the lack there of…she knew Bill will be mentioned… she knew…yet… she couldn't help bitching about it.
Still sulking, she recalled the earlier events of the night.
Janice, her stylist gave her a classy 1930's Hollywood movie star look. She was wearing a long green dress and her hairstyle was very elegant. She arrived early on the set. After some briefings from the staff and some retouching on her make-up, Sookie was ready to face the Jen and the crowd
"Our first guest tonight is a Grammy award winning singer turned actress turned talk show host of the Buzz, please welcome our guest… Ms. Sookie Stackhouse."
The crowd applauded as she walks towards Jennifer's famous desk. Jen gave her a hug which she returned warmly. Jen led her then to the 'hot' seat. Even though she had been a guest to numerous talk shows Jen made her nervous.
"Oh Sookie…" Jen dramatically said. The crowd roared. Answering the audience Jen said, "Yeah…yeah right?"
Sookie gave them her megawatt smile. 'Let the beating begin…' she thought wryly
"Awwwwww!...and even though this is Monday today, right?" Like you didn't know…
"Yeah" the crowd answered.
"You must still be recovering from last Saturday?" She was. Her concert last Saturday had been a blast…
"I am" She nodded and smiled. She knew that no matter what, that smile will be plastered to her all evening... 'I wonder if Jen can smell my fear.'
"Yeah"
"I'm still not recovered actually"
"Yeah, yeah" Maybe I should start counting Jen's Yeah…yeah, right?
"You gotta be tired…you put so much energy to you performances every time I see you… that you just give it your all" Jen said.
"I do. I do."
"Yeah" six…
"And when I get home…I'm like… completely lazy…"
"Yeah"
"I don't wanna clean…I don't want to do anything... but just recover. It's my job to give 100%... and I feel like…you know… I've been allowed to do what I love for so long… I love my job so…the least I could do is give them my all…you know...you do the same thing…" Sookie said emphatically.
"We feel it. Well...yeah, but now... are you like me where you want to relax but then just after a short amount of time you can't wait to do something again?"
"Absolutely… Laf said I don't know how to relax. I don't like to get massages… I don't like to…"
"Oh! oh… I love to get a massage…"
"Well I don't" She laughed. "The only time that I can really relax is when I'm on a boat or an Island because then I have no excuse…I'm stuck…and all I could do is just take care of myself… eat good food…and I can't escape"
"I did that for the first time this past summer…"
"Really?"
"And I went along the Italian and French Riviera…and it was just amazing"
"Did you like it?"
"I loved it. But I thought I was in the middle of nowhere…and just swimming… and the paparazzi got me…I don't know where they came from"
"It's the craziest thing… they taped everything..."
"Yeah. I know, anyway speaking of relaxation…this conversation has been a breeze so far, huh?" Jen commented. Here it comes.
"OOOOhhhhh" The crowd collectively said. Is that a warning signal or something?
"I know. It's been so nice talking to you…"
"Well now that we've mentioned your Epic concert last Saturday…congratulations by the way" She didn't, but who cares? Nah she did…if commenting that I must be tired counted…
"Its time for the juicy bits…you're sitting in the hot seat after all…" Bitch
"I'm nervous already". she didn't have to fake it…
"Why would you be?"
"Well…I'm used to be the one asking questions…" She faked a laugh.
"And now the tables are turned…" Jen gave- a what I could interpret as- an evil laugh. The crowd did too.
"Indeed. So go easy on me Jen…"
"Well you know that most of the questions here are contributed by our viewers" Liar...liar…pants on fire…
"Okay let me read the first email. It was from Debbie F. of Jackson, Mississippi. 'Sookie I'm a huge fan. And my question is what do you look for in a guy? I've read in a certain magazine that you have hordes of suitors and you dated a lot but you don't have a steady boyfriend. Are you picky? Inquiring minds want to know"
Sookie wanted to frown. These types of question make her want to bitch out. Is it really a big deal that she is sans bf? Does that make her incomplete as a woman? This is the 21st century, hello? I'm a woman hear me roar.
"Ahmm, actually I don't have any specific standards when it comes to the man I date."
"Not any penchant for uhhmm…maybe brown hair…or cute southern accent?" I hate Jennifer Cater…
"No not that. Though I love guys who treat women with respect"
"Oh! A gentleman, eh? Wait since you're single, are you implying that the guys you dated…"
"Oh Jen hush…" She laughed. "All of them are quite nice"
"None you can label as naughty…?"
"I suppose they could be. Being naughty can sometimes be nice…" Gaaak. Did she just say that? Verbal Diarrhea Alert!
"I say" We all laughed. "So then if they are all 'nice'…and you've mentioned that you like 'nice' right?" She didn't let Jen finish her statement. She won't let her cast aspersions to the guys being linked to her.
"Ugghh. Timing I supposed. I've been immersed in my career these past years that I overlooked that aspect of my life"
"Oh honey" Jen gave her a sympathetic look. God! The woman is getting on her nerves. Zero love life is not an affliction!
"Well here is another email" Jen giggled. She shuddered inwardly. "The sender is Sarah N. from Dallas Texas, 'Hi Ms. Sookie! I'm an avid fan. You have an incredible voice! Anyways here is my question: Why are you single? Are you still in love with William Compton? I heard from ET that he and Lorena are expecting again. Thanks!'"
The crowd got a bit silent. Earlier tonight she was informed that Bill maybe mentioned during the interview so she was not really caught off guard by the pesky question.
"I think its time to stop coining William with me. Our relationship was over years ago and we've both moved on. He's happy with his life and so am I. It's already a closed book...a non-issue."
"Yeah, It's past history"
"Indeed". She smiled at her.
Jen smiled at her too. Her eyes got that, I-know-I'm making-you-squirm, look. What a class A bitch.
For the next 10 minutes or so Jen continued to ask questions and read emails. At her last minutes in the show she was able to promote her new album and her upcoming concert. 'Sooooo not worth it'
She sighed.
"Can't sleep Sook?"
"Amelia! Don't do that!"
"Caught you off guard huh? What's keeping you awake in the wee hours of the morning?"
"Why are you still awake?"
"Chat with Tray"
"You should sleep Ames"
"I can't now that my curiosity is piqued… Is it because of that lame excuse for a show?"
"Yeah. She's a bit annoying"
"That's the understatement of the Year"
"Ames can I ask you something?" Amelia got herself a glass of milk and sat on the kitchen table with me.
"You know you could Sookie…anything"
"Well Laf and I were talking the other day about….uhmmm about life" She said hesitantly. "And tonight in the show…well…Laf said I'm not living it fully…and I think he's right."
"Hun' how do you define a fully lived life?" Amelia asked
"I don't know…I just want to experience living without fear…or regrets…or reservations. I don't like where I am right now…not career wise but my personal life it's kinda lackluster."
"I can think of a few things to spice up your life" said Amelia. She giggled and winked at me.
"Is it sex? Because Laf beat you to it" I answered
"Yup. Sex! Let's talk about sex" Amelia said looking very excited.
She groaned. "Not again…"
"So what did Laf said…?"
She debated internally whether to answer Amelia or divert the conversation elsewhere. On one hand there was one question she wanted to ask about sex. On the other hand… well she's embarrassed about it. Nah, it's high time to shove prude-Sookie aside. She wanted Amelia's opinion.
"Uhmmm…well he said it's high time I surrender my V-card"
"He did, huh? That's brilliant! I've been dying to talk about it for months with you ever since your big reveal last July! So are you thinking about it?" Amelia laughed. She smiled too.
"Actually…I do."
"And? Come on Sook don't kill me with suspense!"
"I'm curious about something…"
"Tic…toc…tic..toc…I'm aging here…"
"Fine… I'm scared…you know about Uncle Bartlett right?"
"May his rotten soul burn in hell for all eternity"
"So…for so long I fear for sex…or being touched by male actually. But …uhmmm…with Bill… it got a bit easier… a whole lot easier… he…ummm…he helped me overcome my fears a bit…"
"Did he, now? I didn't know that douche has some redeeming qualities… I'm curious though, why did he propose too you that soon? You've been only dating him then for 3 months…"
"Well…he wanted too you know...do it already…and was getting impatient. You know a small part of me blames myself for letting Bill get away…if I'm not too prudish maybe…"
"Sook don't go there… alright you understood his side… that's great…but let me break it down for you…he blamed his infidelity to you because you refuse to have sex with him… and he is fully about the reasons for your reservations… if he's got some decency in him, he would have talk to you about it"
"He did…we did…a lot"
"Convincing you or pressuring you to have sex isn't talking…that's him being horny, Sook. And that doesn't give him the right to cheat on you girl!"
"Yeah…I guess… what he should have done was to tell it straight to my face, 'Hey Sookie you're too prude for my taste so I'm dumping your frigid ass so I can eff Lorena!" she said dramatically.
"Frigid? Don't be so sure about it"
"We practiced a lot… I don't feel that 'heat' those romance novels often describe…I'm frigid… a cold fish"
"Oh fuck that douche! Did he call you those names? Don't lie to me Sookie"
"Only when he's getting too frustrated…"
"Then it's good you didn't end up marrying him…and I don't think your frigid Sook, I think he just didn't know to push the right buttons or he's not your type…I mean he doesn't incite any lustful feelings for you"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, my dear…"
"No, I'm serious Sook, finding a compatible sex partner is like looking for a great pair of shoes…you know…you gotta try a lot before you find a good match"
"I'm thinking about it… I just don't know how to proceed… and this is what I'm curious about…"
"What about it?"
"Since it will be my first…do you think I should…" She stopped what she's going to say. God help her! She didn't know how to phrase it.
"What Sook? Sometimes I wish I could just read your mind. Honestly, sometimes getting facts from you is a hard as pulling a tooth! Say it! "
"Okay fine! Should I do it casually or do I wait for someone whom I have meaningful connec…"
"Casual definitely!" Amelia responded eagerly.
"Amelia!"
"I'm serious Sook! If I could only convince you, I would dare suggest we hire a refutable sex performer to handle your first but I know you wouldn't" She laughed out loud.
"You're telling me to hire a sex performer to be rid of my virginity? That's appalling!"
"No it isn't! Your problem is that you put too much meaning on a fun romp in the sack! You shouldn't take sex for something other than what it is- a delightful physical activity." Amelia said smugly.
"Amelia! Is that your advice for moving on with my life or for acquiring STD?"
"Chill, my dear" chirped Amelia. She was astounded when Amelia stood up and kissed both of her cheeks. Amelia was smiling at her broadly. Is that her way of appeasing her?
When Amelia sat down again she said, "Sookie I'll say it again. Sex is a purely physical act." She declared. "Why shouldn't it be enjoyed for what it is? Having sex with someone you love is a great bonus. I'm just saying sex for the sake of sex should not be considered wrong okay? Actually it's when you sleep with someone you love that's when you risk breaking your heart. You stop believing on things…you lose faith. And you'll develop a boat load of emotional baggage- 'I gave you my cherry so don't break my heart…don't cheat on me… blah blah blah.' -you become so vulnerable"
"Amelia if I didn't know your relationship with Tray, I'd say you're a textbook commitment -phobe"
"I know right? Well… I have had my fair share of adventures before I met Tray… I mean I'm not saying he's the one but he's a great guy… and he's smokin' hot in bed"
She didn't know what to say to her. What she said put her in deep thoughts.
"So what do you think Sook?"
"I don't know Ames. Although I'm sure that no sex performer will be hired to pop my cherry"
"JB?"
"I don't fancy guys who are almost 7 years younger than me…"
"See? You're antagonistic already. Think about it first before you say no. I mean look at the pros, he's hot…his body is so lithe…yum! He has droves of ex-gfs and he won't be after a relationship because he's young…he is perfect to be your first! He'll be a willing fuck buddy- I'm sure of it! At least consider it Sookie? Please"
"Okay I will…don't knock it till you try it, right?" Sookie agreed exasperatedly.
"Exactly."
"And uhmmm Amelia, in the spirit of my new found epiphany towards se…err... life… I think I need a day or two to recharge…"
"Like a vacation?"
"Yup… in essence but I'll be confined in my house and your duty is to ensure that I won't be bothered during that time except in absolute emergency…"
"What kind of vacation is that? That's gotta be the barest definition of a vacation!"
"Well I don't fancy going somewhere…I just want to sunbathe, read a good book and swim in my pool"
"Sook listen, you'll stay in the house? Do you honestly believe that you'll be undisturbed here... even if I'm there to be on guard?"
"Be creative…I know you can do it…I trust you"
"Sook- no! Wait a minute okay? I have something to show you." Sookie raised an eyebrow at her PA.
Amelia left the kitchen. 'I wonder what it will be?' When Amelia returned, a folder containing some type of document was handed to her.
"What is this?"
"Laf and I booked a special engagement for you prior to your major concert in March. Funny…but I included a vacation in your contract"
"What do you mean? Am I going to work while I'm on this vacation?"
Amelia smiled. "Nope…what I'm saying is that you'll have the vacation before this particular arrangement… normally it's the other way around but I'm quite sure that they'll make exception for you… leave it to me… you can even leave within a week… and dear it's going to be grand…I tell you…it's complete with first class accommodation and private transportation to the Viking Island!"
Her eyes widened. Viking Island! That's an island on the Bahamas famous for its paradise-like beauty. It was featured in a magazine several years ago. White sand…lush vegetation… and breathtaking terrain… She remembered dreaming of going there but she knew she couldn't because it's privately owned.
"But Ames that island is private"
"Yup , it's private but then you will be a special guest, Sook. Madame Sophie-Anne Leclerq-Northman will make sure that you will be accommodated fully by her island staff"
She gasped. "Really? Her?"
Amelia chuckled, "Yup, can you imagine that she's one of your fan s? She personally called Laf to invite you to sing at their wedding anniversary. And we got you a really good deal out of it too"
"How much?"
"Look inside and see for yourself"
Sookie opened the folder and cursory read her contract. When she read the amount she'll receive she was surprised. "A hundred grand for a private party?"
"Uh-huh. When Madame called, Laf informed her that your schedule was already fully booked. And you know what she said? 'I don't care, cancel her appointments. I want her.' What a prima donna"
Sookie laughed
"Then Laf told her that it would cost us if we cancel on an agreed upon commitment. The demanding woman answered, 'Name your price! I'll cover the damages'. The following day Sophie's PA talked with me and Laf."
"Really?"
Sookie was still astounded from what Amelia revealed. She knew Sophie-Anne…well not personally but she certainly has heard of her. She is the wife of Godric Northman- mining, steel and brewery magnate. Sophie-Anne was a French actress during the late 60's before her marriage. She was well known for throwing extravagant parties. She's a true blue social butterfly.
The name Northman belongs to the elite circles in the US. The Northmans… a very wealthy, powerful and illustrious clan…they were like royalty.
Aside from throwing extremely glamorous parties, Sophie-Anne was also known for her charitable works. In fact, she once saw Sophie-Anne when she was invited to sing in a fund-raising concert for abused women.
"How long is this said vacation?"
"A whole week my dear…"
"Really…I don't think…"
"No, no, no, you'll stay there for a whole week…you'll relax and you'll have fun."
Sookie smiled at her PA. She decided that it's time to stop arguing and just accept her pre-arranged vacation.
"Fine…you win…when am I leaving then?
"Anytime you like, Sook"
"I want to leave as soon as possible. No one must know where I am. Even my parents… I don't want to be disturbed"
"Promise… for one whole week I don't know any Sookie Stackhouse"
Sookie hugged Amelia. "Thank you for this Ames…"
"No worries Sook. Why do I have this feeling that this vacation will change your life in a big way?"
Sookie looked at her. It could be since she'll really think things through during her vacation.
"It could…"
It was almost 3 pm when Sookie woke up. Since she had no commitment today, she decided to just check her emails and surf the net. She smiled when she saw Preston's email. He was just saying hi and he sent her some photos from Italy. She typed a quick reply.
She was playing Cityville on facebook when an impulsive idea came to the forefront of her mind.
'Bliss right?'
She took her iphone from her bag. When she got her phone she quickly opened her phonebook... Looking at it…she only hesitated for a moment before she reminded herself that this new Sookie is assertive and will ask for what she wants… she dialed…it rung… a husky voice answered…
"Hello? JB?"
A/N2:
* Do you think Sookie should hand her V-card to JB?
** What do you think? Reviews? Thanks