Lily, The Dancing Queen

"Tea, you have no idea what a prick Mr. Billionaire is. How dare he eat like the rest of us lowly peasants."

"Lily, I hate to cut the vent short, but I have a looming deadline."

"I understand. I've got Barefoot wine and a chocolate bar. I'll live."

"Later."

I was feeling salty for sure. Irritated at Tea's good job. Envious of Nadia's probable good looks and impeccable pedigree. I was craving a meal worth more than 30 cents. I was down right pissed at Matt's inconsiderate commentary. I had tried to wash it down with my tre-fabulous booze. I ended up with a quick headache and headed straight to bed.

The next morning, I'm frantic because it's laundry day and most of my decent belongings are curled up in a ball on my bedroom floor.

"What do I got? What do I got?" I kept repeating it to myself while twiddling my thumbs. Okay, here it goes. A thin black and white striped 3/4 sleeve boat neck tee. A long mustard colored sweater. Cuffed dark wash ankle jeans. Black ankle booties. Light blue infinity scarf. Long gold fringe necklace. Of course it was costume jewelry. I even could flat iron my hair in time if I cranked the settings.

I made sure to arrive in the office as close to 7 as possible. The least amount of time for awkward encounters with the boss man, the better. I worked closely with Rita all morning. She deserved a medal of sainthood if that's a thing. She deals with Mr. Matthew Bonner 365 days a year. I hadn't seen golden boy yet. Good. I'm still salty in my feelings.

I'm steadily typing away at notes and memos. When I glance towards his door, out of the door walks nothing short of a Victoria's secret angel. Legs for days. Perfect glossy brunette locks. Pouty lips. Abundant curves but in the right places. He's got his hand on the small of her back, leading her out of the door way.

The beauty turns to Matt. "So, Matt- this Friday, cocktails with the three of us, right?"

"Sounds good. See you then, Nadia,"

I should have figured. Why do I even care? He needs a dickheads anonymous meeting. A heaping dose of reality. Time for a distraction. I stretch my legs. From the break room, I grab a lemon wafer. The cookies are no telling how old as they are free from the company and sit out all the time. I also grab a "free" bottled water from the fridge. The fridge looks like it should be on an episode of Hoarders. There's a hand written note on one of the items. It reads...

"Lily, I hope you enjoy your steaks. -Matt." P.S. They're not leftovers. I got these to go."

Pity takeout. I kept my mouth shut. Lily Thomas is not above free steak. I'll be damned though if he evens gets a thank you glance.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are pretty quiet on the Matt front. I'm steadily learning the office procedures. Clocking out on Friday afternoon, I let out a huge breath. A weekend of baths, books, and booze. Relief and release.

Around 8pm Friday, my cell keeps ringing. It's Tea.

"Lily, what are you doing right now?"

"Chilling with left over steak from Tuesday and I'm in my jammy jams."

"Don't say jammy jams. You sound 12. Get up and get dressed."

"Ha, you smoking crack?"

"Lily, you never go out. I feel bad about the other night. All the girls from my work will be there. They are fun, but nothing like my Lily."

"You buying me booze?"

"Yes, girl."

"Fine. Give me an hour. Where to?"

"La Donna."

Dang it! I have to shower. I haven't shaved my legs in a week. What's slutty sophisticated? Little black knit dress. Low cut. Short, delicate cap sleeves. I'm all in tonight.

La Donna was dark with a purple haze throughout. There's two levels. Circular, modern tables line the second floor. Downstairs is an open dance floor with only two long rectangular bar counters.

I hear Tea shouting.."Yay, Lily! You made it!! Damn, girlfriend. Those are a serious statement going on." (She's referring to my hot pink stilettos)

"I'm not here to mess around, but I am," I jokingly say with a wink.

Three drinks in and all of us girls seem to be hitting it off. I've slowly sipped on my 2 strawberry daiquiris, and 2 cosmos. I'm buzzing but no way near drunk. All the girls are goofing off on the dance floor. We may have requested a few throwback hits for the dj to play. N'sync and Backstreet Boys. Keep it classy Manhattan. So far no creepers had approached. Maybe the guys are feeling intimidated with a decent size group of us. Normally, I would have to be dragged to the dance floor. Tonight, I needed to shake it.

Lady Gaga's Just Dance, is blaring. I'm moving my hips but not being too provocative. All the girls are loudly singing along. I'm having so much fun. I'm not sure when the last time was that I had this much fun. Some of the girls separate to take a bathroom break. A few attractive guys have come closer, but they haven't made any real advances. Toxic by Britney Spears kicks in. I'm definitely twisting and moving my hips. Next thing I know, I don't see Tea and one of the guys is semi grinding behind me. I must be really into it because now I'm moving along so much, I'm not sure if it's really me. The guy actually has walked off. Guess my dancing skills were too mediocre.

I see some of the second floor guys staring down. My hot pink stilettos are having a moment of glory. I catch a blur of a familiar face. Mr. Matthew Bonner. My boss is watching my hips and booty twirk. Seriously? Is this really happening? Is this the universe's idea of humor? Why he is everywhere I go? I know he notices from up above because he raises his glass in my direction. It's either a nod of approval or it's an acknowledgement that he'll remind me of this later.

BAbout another five minutes of dancing go by and I've had my fill of people gawking. I've lost all the girls in the sea of people. I know I'm super thirsty so I head to one of the bar counters. I'm about to open my mouth to order...

"She'll take a Sex on the Beach."

I turn to see tall, dark, and handsome glaring at me. I'd say he's definitely attractive but not Matt Bonner delicious.

"I'm Eric."

"Lily."

"I'm Matt's friend. He sent me over to buy you a drink.

"Oh, did he?"

"Look, don't shoot the messenger. I had an excuse to talk to you."

"So, you wouldn't typically talk to me?"

"Uh..."

"I bet it was my shoes. They are intimidating."

"Would you like to dance, Lily?"

"I was just dancing. Plus, I need to find my girls."

"Please, Lily."

He was much more charming than his friend, Matt.

"Okay, Eric. Just one dance."

He takes my hand gently and places on his shoulder. The other hand he places on the small of my back while leading us across the dance floor. It doesn't feel too bad there. We are dancing close but not in a dirty way. He's pulling me and twirling me around. I can't help but smile. Positive male attention. It's what I've craving and what I deserve.

"You have a beautiful smile, Lily."

"Thank you, Prince Eric."

"You're welcome, my Ariel."

"Ha! I love the nerdy Little Mermaid reference."

Great. Ms. Skeletor and Ken doll are on the dance floor now. Nadia has on a slinky silk, royal blue slip dress. When she moves, it inches up her bronze thighs.

The it clicks. Cocktails Friday night with Nadia. It was what the schedule was talking about. She's working hard on her seductive moves. I feel like gagging!! Matt is eating it up. I swear he keeps peeking over to see if I'm observing how satisfied he is. Does he want to make me jealous? Is she stalking her claim? Whatever. I don't need to slut grind a man to grab their attention. Eric is free to walk away anytime now.

"I think your girls left you."

What timing. My phone lights up with a text.

Tea: We are headed home.

Lily: What the hell?

Tea: You looked like you were enjoying yourself. Your boss said he'd get you home okay.

Lily: You are in so much trouble.

Tea: Seriously, are you okay?

Lily: Yeah. I'll be dancing with Prince Eric.

Tea: Do tell me all the details later. Now be yourself and shake what your mama gave ya.

Eric very politely asks, "Everything okay?"

"I think so. They went home without me. I'm all by my lonesome."

"You're not alone. You're here with us."

Matt interjects, "Not with us," pointing between him and Nadia.

Maybe he thought I wouldn't hear it, but I most certainly did.

"Excuse me Matt, but why did you tell Tea that you would get me home safely, then?"

Both Matt and Nadia have slowed their movements like it's helping them listen to me.

"He was being nice, sweetheart. Matt is going home with me. Do you need some cab fair,?" asks Nadia.

"No, thanks. That won't be necessary. Eric has been kind enough to escort me home."

Eric didn't say anything to me about that, but after hearing the statement, he seems amused.

"So, Lilly, are you ready to head out then?"

"Yes, Eric. Let's have some fun."

I had said it as loud as I could in hopes the two knuckleheads would overhear. What had gotten into me? Was I really interested in Eric or was I just egging those two on? I mean I was in a drastic dry spell. Eric is handsome in his own right. I assume he's not a creeper and somewhat successful to hang around dipshit Bonner.

Eric and I walk outside the club, waiting for the valet to bring his car around. Yep. I was correct. New silver Porsche. He's doing well for himself. Eric is also every bit the gentlemen, opening the car door for me.