CHAPTER FIVE
ZAYNE
I THROW MY HEAD BACK, enjoying the burn of a whiskey straight shooter. “Son of a bitch, that burns,” I yell, slamming the shot glass down on the table. I’m sitting at the bar with Jason, Jax, and Dylan, the owner of The Brown Bottle, watching a game and enjoying a drink or three or four; at this point, the number blurs. The other guys of our motley crew are out on dates, showing their ladies a good time and getting laid.
“Oohs” and “aahs” bring my attention back to my group. I glance over to Jax as he shows pictures of his son Kasey. Longing burns in my chest; I’ve always wanted children, and I always thought it would be with Marnie. She’s the only woman I have ever loved and wanted a family with.
“Bartender…another one.” I raise my hand; the bartender acknowledges with a chin lift, and I turn my attention to the baseball game on TV.
“Man, you need to slow down,” Jason orders me, but I continue staring at the game. Hell, I don’t even care who’s playing. “I have a date for you.”
“So, give it to the other guys. Can’t really fuck somebody when the equipment is broken.” I sneer at him; the bartender places my drink in my awaiting hand, and I throw it back instantly. I can already feel the buzz coming on, and it’s gonna fuck me up tomorrow.
“That’s shit, and you know it. It’s all in your head, and this chick sounded cute.”
“I don’t give a shit if the chick sounded cute…I’ve decided I’m done. I can’t do this anymore.” My voice sounded pathetic with each word. I nod again to the bartender for another one.
“Jesus Christ, Zayne, slow the hell down and hear me out.”
Jason grabs the shot out of my hand. “Hey, I was gonna drink that.” I pout as he forcibly turns my body to him.
“Listen, her name is May, and she just moved back to town from California. She didn’t say anything about sex, but I wouldn’t rule that out. Take her out on the town, re-introduce her to Chicago.” He slides me a Burger King receipt with her name and number written on the back. I lift a brow. “Umm, doesn’t this go against your policy of you’re the only one who contacts the ladies?”
He shrugs his shoulder, and my attention returns to the game.
“Yes, but she sounded nervous, I think you should call her and talk.” He thinks for a few seconds and a whack on my back almost has me on the floor. “I got it, take her to one of those themed restaurants, the one that’s the masquerade. That way, she won’t be as nervous, she gets companionship for the night, and there’s maybe some midnight fun for you.”
I growl, righting myself, and I run my hand through my hair. “Fine, I’ll call her. You’re fucking lucky we’re family, but this…this is done. She’s the last one. My company is doing well and making decent money. I am done.”
Jason nods. “Hey, bartender, one more for the road here.” He circles his finger in the air, grabbing the attention of the other two with us and buys us a round of shots. He lifts his glass in the air; Dylan, Jax, and I join. “To the ending and new beginnings.”
“Cheers.”
Something bright pierces through my eye lids causing sharp slices of pain to lance through my body. “Oh shit” I moan as I slowly come to. I roll on to my stomach and grab my head, trying to stop the waves of nausea. I peek an eye at my clock sitting on the bedside table to see that it’s still early in the morning.
Memories of last night filter in, reminding me of the insane amount of whiskey I drank and…oh, fuck me. I jerk up out of bed and immediately regret my sudden movement when I have to swallow the bile that rises in the back of my throat. I kick out and unravel the blankets from around me, not shocked by my nudity as I usually sleep naked. What concerns me is, I have no recollection of getting home or naked. I reach for my phone, but knock it onto the ground.
“Son of a bitch,” I shout as I gently lower myself to the floor. I grab the phone and dial 1 to speed-dial Jason.
Two rings in and the asshole answers, “Good morning, sunshine, did you sleep well?”
“Fuck off! What did I agree to last night?” I demand, as more memories surface through the hangover. Jason asked me to do something. I said no at first, but I remember relenting.
Jason’s hearty chuckle echoes in my ear, spiking my headache to def-con ten level. “Christ, Jason, stop laughing and just tell me,” I groan.
“Okay, yes, you agreed to one last date with a woman named May. You still need to call and set up the details.” I groan again as that memory surfaces.
“Next question, how did I get home, and who got me naked?”
Jason booms again, laughing into the phone. I rub the palms of my hands over my eyes and wait out his wails.
“Well, let me tell you. I got you home, and when I offered to help you get ready for bed, you started bitching about how you’re not a baby and don’t need coddling as you stripped yourself down the hall and passed out in bed. That is how you got home last night.”
“Ugh, well, it could have been worse. Fine, I’ll call this chick today after I’ve sobered up more.”
“Yeah, you do that.” Jason clicks off.
A shower, coffee, and a jog later, I’ve cleared the rest of my hangover. I find my jeans from last night in the hall, glance around, and chuckle at the clothing strewn all over the hall. The only thing missing is the little black dress. Reaching into the back pocket, I find the receipt that Jason gave me last night. The masculine handwriting that must be Jason’s says the name “May” and gives a number to call.
I sit down at my kitchen table, phone in hand, and dial the number. Three rings in, a husky feminine voice answers, “Hello?”
Stunned at the sound of her, I stutter my response, “Um…hi…is this May?”
A few seconds pass until she replies, “Sorry, yes, this is. Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Z from The Meat Market, you’ve ordered Pork for an evening.” I’ve never told any of my dates my real name. It’s just a way to separate my personal life from my escort life.
“Oh, um, yes, I did,” she giggles uncomfortably, but continues, “so, like what do I ask? How do I do this?” Her questions are rapid-fire due to her nerves.
I explain to her without giving too much detail. “We can do as much or as little as you want. If you want dinner and a movie, we can do that. If you need a date for an office party, I’m good for that too. If you just want sex…well, you get the picture.”
“Yes, I see. God, I can’t believe I’m even doing this.” She sounds unsure of herself. Her naiveté and nerves are refreshing. I can’t help but find it incredibly sexy. Most of the girls I hook up with are aggressive, know exactly what they want, and when they want. Her shyness is an incredible turn on.
“May, what can I say to help ease your mind? Like I said, what we do is up to you. You have the control here.” I do my best to soothe her nerves.
“Ah…” Her heavy breaths float over the line, and I fear I’m about to lose her. But then, I remember a suggestion from Jason last night. We can go to Saint Etienne restaurant. They are having a masquerade-themed night this Friday. She’ll know to wear a mask.
“May, I’ll tell you what, there’s a restaurant in town that offers themed nights. On Friday, the theme is a masquerade and patrons are encouraged to dress up for the night and don masks,” I offer, hoping she’ll agree to go with me.
“I’ve heard of Saint Etienne’s, and I’ve been intrigued since I’ve moved back.” There’s a pregnant pause, and I find myself bouncing my leg anticipating her answer.
“Yeah…yes, that sounds fun.” I hear her smile through the phone, and I exhale, when I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath.
A large smile cracks across my face, and I launch into the instructions I give all my dates. “I will have my driver pick you up at the park ‘n’ ride, and I’ll meet you at the restaurant. I’ll be wearing a pinstripe tux with a black satin mask. I request that you wear a blue dress with a gold mask. It’ll be easier to spot you.”
“Will I be safe with your driver? I mean, I don’t really know you, and you want me to get in a vehicle with some stranger. It kinda sends off red flags.”
“I like thinking of it as a blind date. I respect your concerns; the driver’s name is Frank and is ex-military. He will be driving a black Yukon. Please feel free to ask to see his credentials; he’s always willing to brag about his many accolades.” I snicker and a lyrical full-bellied laugh fills my head, sending all my blood racing south into my cock. An eyebrow shoots up to my hair line as I gaze down at my rock-hard cock.
“I will take you up on that and ask about it when I meet him. You’re right; it is a blind date. So, I’ll see you in a couple days in a blue dress and gold mask.” She hangs up before I can say good bye.
My phone goes blank as I stare it. “Holy shit, what just happened?” None of my other clients has ever affected me like this before. I reach my hand down and try to readjust the rager I have going on. My mind instantly goes into overdrive, planning for the night. I jump up and head into my office with Frank’s number dialing on my phone.