by Charles Pangbourne
Danny Fuller reported to work at The Troubadour for his job as a bartender promptly at 4:00. The handsome 23-year-old found his work satisfying in more ways than one. Though the hourly rate wasn't that great, the tips, especially from the women he served, more than made up for it. He was grateful for their generosity. The extra money was needed to fund his studies. Danny had friends who had graduated loaded down with debt and had been unable to find a job where they were able to earn enough to pay it off. As a result, he refused to borrow money for school. Last, but far from least, was the chance to meet girls. His confident manner and easy charm made him very popular with the ladies.
He quickly set up his bar and waited for the happy hour crowd to come in. With its medieval theme and excellent food, The Troubadour was an upscale tavern very popular with young professionals. Since it was Friday, he expected to serve a large crowd and take his pick of the females. He wasn't disappointed.
By 5:00 the place had begun to fill up. It wasn't long before the customers kept Danny and the other bartenders very busy. He watched with satisfaction as his tip jar began to fill up. Several young women, mostly secretaries, were vying for his attention. Most were attractive and choosing one would depend on which would be most likely to go to bed with him that night. As the clock edged toward 6:30, many of the patrons had taken tables to order dinner, and the pace at the bar slowed. Danny took the chance to do some restocking and straightening up.
"Are you too busy to get me a drink?" The voice startled him but not as much as whom it came from. Black hair in a page boy cut framed a slender face with high cheek bones. It held no hint of a smile. Piercing blue eyes made her gaze appear as a penetrating stare. She looked to be older than him, perhaps thirty. From the tone of her voice, she was used to getting what she wanted without delay.
"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I didn't see you come to the bar. What would you like?"
"Two fingers of your best single malt, neat." Danny reached for an eighteen-year-old bottle of Glenmorangie and poured her drink. "You know your Scotch. That's a little surprising for someone so young."
Her bright blue eyes never left his face and were making him uncomfortable.
"I've been watching you flirt with those girls. I think you are wasting your time. They are all the same type." She sipped her scotch before continuing. "Their main goal is finding a husband and having babies. Is that really the kind of woman you want to date?"
Danny was surprised at her blunt question, but he had to admit she had a point. Of all the girls he had bedded over the last year, there was not one he would seriously consider as a life partner.
"I never gave it much thought," he answered. "It's all fun and games. Just a romp in the hay."
"So it's all about sex. Like most men, you are thinking with the little head instead of the big one. Shouldn't you be dating someone who will challenge you instead of just bearing your children? Someone who will help you grow into a man who is going places."
She was making Danny very uneasy. Faced with her aggressiveness, his confidence was just a facade being torn to pieces.
"Where am I going to find a woman like that? I'm just a bartender." As soon as he said it, he wished that he hadn't. It was a lame excuse and left him open to ridicule.
"With that kind of attitude, you won't. Do you have a break tonight?"
"I have a fifteen minute break coming in about a half hour."
"I am going back to my table and order dinner. If you want to talk some more, come sit with me."
As she strolled to her table, Danny got his first look at what he hadn't been able to see with the bar between them. Her grey business suit did nothing to hide curvaceous hips and long trim legs that were obviously the product of regular exercise. Six inch heels made her 5' 8" frame appear taller than him. Despite doubting her motives, he knew where he would be spending his break.
In the meantime, Danny couldn't keep his eyes off her. Most of the women he knew found him irresistible and fawned over him. She was different, much different. He had never met a woman as commanding and confident. Her beauty was alluring and yet her words were disturbing. He was intrigued and had to know more.
The time passed slowly. It seemed like 7:00 would never come. Every time he looked in her direction, he hoped for some sign of recognition. She only had eyes for the plate in front of her and never even glanced his way.
When the manager finally relieved him, he couldn't get out from behind the bar fast enough. He slowed as he neared her table, trying to appear calm. She smiled at him and motioned at the empty chair.
"My name is Nicole Parker." She offered her hand and waited for him to introduce himself.
"Danny Fuller, nice to meet you," he answered, taking her hand. He was surprised at the strength of her grip. It was firmer than some of the guys he knew.
"I was afraid I might have scared you off. I'm glad you're here. Tell me about yourself, Danny."
"Well, I'm twenty three and I live with my parents. It helps me save money for my education. When I can afford it, I take classes at the university. I want to earn a degree in Environmental Science. Right now, I'm two classes short of finishing my first year."
"Motivated and socially conscious. A sensible combination. I had a feeling there was something worthwhile about you. All you need is a little polish and someone to give you direction." Nicole was testing him. Most young men don't like to be told they need someone's help. She would judge him by his answer.
"My parents do their best, but it is hard for them. For the last several years, my mother has been too ill to work. My father puts in a lot of overtime to support our family and pay her medical expenses. I don't see him very often. I spent most of my high school years on my own. It hasn't been easy, but I don't want anyone's pity. There are others worse off than me. Enough about me. What about you?" He didn't ask for help but he didn't deny he needed it. It was enough for Nicole.
"Fair enough. I am thirty three and live alone. I prefer it that way. Ten years ago, I earned a master's degree in finance and business administration. Five years ago I founded and am CEO of Parker Funds, a brokerage firm that is doing quite well. I believe in hard work and personal responsibility. By that I mean always do your best. When you don't, accept the consequences of your mistakes."
Danny was impressed with her account. Nicole was obviously an exceptional woman, one who knows what she wants and is willing to work hard to get it.
"Danny," she continued. "I think we may have a lot in common and I would like to know you better. If you agree, we should start seeing each other on a regular basis. At this point I don't mean making a commitment or a ban on seeing other people. How do you feel about that?"
Danny wasn't sure how he felt. In their first conversation, it seemed she was berating him for his lifestyle. Now she was asking him if he wanted to start a relationship. Dating had always been something that just sort of happened. This was more like signing a contract. Then there was the way Nicole made him feel. Her aggressiveness and no-nonsense attitude made it seem like he was a youngster facing an irate mother. On the other hand, she was very attractive and also apparently wealthy.
"How can I say no to someone so attractive. You're not like any of the girls I have dated. I have never known anyone in my life that was so sure of themselves. That is something I would like to know more about. We have nothing to lose. I'm willing to give it a try."
"Good. What time do you finish work tonight?"
"I'm done at 10:00 as long as my replacement is on time. If she doesn't come in I have to stay."
"Either way, I will be here at 10:00." Nicole rose from her chair. Before leaving she kissed him on the cheek. "You are not going to regret this. I will show you things you never imagined."
For Danny, the rest of the evening went quickly. He disappointed a few of the girls he had flirted with by not asking them out. They would be surprised if they knew he was the one who'd been chosen. His replacement came in on time, and promptly at 10:00 Nicole returned. She had changed into something less formal but still elegant. Gone were the six inch heels that made her appear taller than him.
"We are going dancing," she announced as they walked arm in arm to the door. "Do you know how?"
"Well enough I guess. As long as you're not talking about ballroom dancing. Where are we going?"
"That's a surprise. Come on, my car is right outside."
They exited the building, and Danny scanned the parking lot.
"Where are you parked?"
"Over there, by the curb."
Danny expected to find some exotic sports car or a large luxury sedan. What she pointed at was a long black limousine big enough for eight people. "I always take a limo when I go into the city at night. The driver takes care of parking and I don't have to worry about vandalism or theft.
Danny helped her into the car and climbed in. The interior was as luxurious as he'd expected. It even had a fully stocked bar. After six hours of making drinks for other people, Danny wanted one himself. Nicole stopped him as he reached for a bottle.
"You should wait until we get to the club. We have a long night ahead. I want you able to walk when it's over."
Danny chafed at her desire to take control. He was not used to anyone telling him whether or not he could have a drink, but he quickly realized she was right. If there was any chance of making out with her, he would need to be somewhat sober. He smiled and settled in next to her as the limo pulled away from the curb.
"Danny, as a young adult, your impulses and urges are not always in your best interest." Nicole placed her hand on his thigh. "One of the things I want to teach you is how to make the right choices. Drinking too much makes you lose control of yourself. You will find more enjoyment in life if you stay in control." She squeezed his leg and left her hand resting there. Moments later they arrived at their destination. Danny could not contain his surprise when he realized where they were going.
"The Babylon Club! That's the most exclusive night club in town. We will never get in. The line stretches around the block."
"We won't be standing in line," she replied as the limo pulled up to the door. Her driver opened the door and Danny followed her out.
"Hi George," she greeted the bouncer at the door. "Are my friends here yet?"
The bouncer looked like he could have been an NFL player.
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