Friday, November 22nd
Colin
Anthony and I went to get coffee at Beans Friday morning before we headed up to our offices. He’s been moody ever since the talk with Evan and he’s so fucking stubborn. He looked tense as we sat drinking our coffee.
“Tonight’s the night,” I said to him hoping it would spark some reaction but all he did was nod and sip from his cup. “I think she’s ready, don’t you?” I was baiting him and trying to get him to be honest with his own feelings for her. No luck though.
“I hope so, Col.”
Yeah, I sure fucking hoped so too. We went upstairs in silence and I told him I’d catch him later. I went to my office and had a message from Cheng’s team asking me to contact them right away. Fuck, what could this be about? I shut my door and made the call to the number they left. It was a New York number so it was near lunchtime, provided they were actually in New York.
I reached Cheng’s right hand man and found out they acquired a new property this week they wanted to speak to me urgently about their gaming needs for that property too. I think I stopped breathing for a moment. The first deal was incredible enough but now a possible second contract was beyond amazing. This was huge for my company. They want a quick turnaround and said they’d be willing to pay extra if we can meet their timetable in April. Cheng’s group wanted to fly me and a small team to Macau for a meeting next week and during that time I’d be able to tour the new property on top of the one they were still in construction on. I accepted and told them I’d email them a list of the people I needed to accompany me to Macau.
When I hung up, my first thought was Sydney. Next Tuesday was Sydney’s appointment with Chris and I wouldn’t be here for that. I had told Cheng’s second in command guy that my team and I needed to be back in the U.S. Wednesday. Thanksgiving was next week and it was important for my employees to be with their families. I was promised that it wasn’t going to be a problem.
Normally, I would have taken Anthony as part of my team, but I needed him here with Sydney especially with Tuesday coming up. I got up and headed to Anthony’s office to talk with him. He was on the phone and leaning back in his seat when I arrived.
I sat across from his desk and looked around aimlessly while he finished on the phone until my eyes found a familiar black glossy card. I picked it up and read it. It was the card Sydney wrote for Anthony when she gave him the cologne. I smiled and set it back down and looked up at him. He was looking at me and flipped me off, causing me to laugh out loud. He looked run down already and it wasn’t even noon. His tie was loose, top buttons undone and sleeves were rolled up. Once he got off the phone I told him about Cheng.
“Seriously? Fuck, Col. That’s awesome.”
We talked about the team of people I’d take. He knew he was staying put and I also needed Mitch to stay put. With Sydney’s appointment Tuesday, I knew Anthony wouldn’t be in the office Tuesday and possibly Wednesday.
“Are you sure you’re okay with taking Sydney on Tuesday?”
“Positive. It’ll be fine. I’ll go with her and will take care of her and fill you in.”
“I know you will, Anth. I never worry about her when I know she’s with you.”
Anthony and I went to lunch and left the office at 2:00 for our Friday golf game. Matt pushed Anthony some but not too much.
“I’m assuming you guys are going to watch Evan and Sydney scene,” Matt said while Anthony teed off.
“Get down you fucking ball!” Anthony called after the ball he just beat the life out of.
Matt looked over at me. Anthony was hitting the ball as hard as he ever has. I knew he was distracted about tonight and I think this might have been his way of attempting to deal with it.
“Is he going to make it through the night?” Matt asked me in a low tone. We changed subjects and talked about the trip to Macau.
“You’ll be back in time for Thanksgiving, right?” Matt asked.
Ever since Anthony became friends with Matt and I, we’ve always gone to the Las Vegas Strip for Thanksgiving. But once Matt and Gina got together, they have it at their place and his family comes out from California. From age nine, I’ve known his family as mine. I was excited to see them and I was more excited for Sydney to be in a welcoming atmosphere for Thanksgiving.
“I’ll be back Wednesday night and am looking forward to it.” I teed off a pretty good shot and went back to Matt. “About Sydney…”
Matt held his hands up. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to my folks and fill them in a little bit so that way none of them accidentally stick their foot in their mouth.”
During dinner, Sydney was chatty with Gina. It was good to see both girls get along so well. Anthony kept his hand on the back of Sydney’s chair while we waited for our food. He was going to be stubborn about this. His face showed signs of stress and I could tell this evening was going to be rough on both of us. I was really starting to worry about him though. He kept rubbing on his chest and looked ill. Matt and I are used to seeing Anthony calm and collected.
We got to Irons around 8:30 p.m. and headed over to our usual spot to start our evening. I stopped and talked with Blake as the four of them went over to the sitting area.
“How is our newest sub doing, Colin? Ready for tonight?”
“Yes, I think so. I hope it goes well and is a good experience for her.”
“How’s Anthony?” Blake asked in a quiet, gentle voice.
“Kind of a mess, to be honest.”
Blake and I watched the four of them talking. Sydney’s knee started to bounce and even though Anthony wasn’t looking at her, he still was aware. He reached over and put his hand on her knee and it calmed her. I wished he’d say something.
“His parents messed him up in that unconditional love department. He knows if he’s not involved, he won’t get hurt. I agree with you and Matt. I see their connection and worry Anthony’s going to let something slip by him.”
Evan walked over and greeted us.
“How’s she doing?” Evan asked me.
“Fine. Little anxious and nervous, but she wants this. In the other club she previously played in, she never got to experience any of the good stuff.” I paused while I was watching Anthony laughing along with Sydney. I drug my attention back to Evan and Blake. “Evan, she’s never had aftercare in a club after a scene. The asshole she played with, never did that for her.” Evan knew what I was saying, without saying it.
“Don’t worry, Colin. I will take good care of her. Afterwards I’ll take her towards the side so you and Anthony can be close in case she needs you guys. This sort of play in this environment will be new to her from what it sounds like.”
I nodded and was thankful that he was at least thinking clearly and of her. The three of us were watching Anthony and Sydney together. Blake joked and asked if Anthony was going to be able to let go of Sydney. I had a strong feeling that tonight was going to be rough on Anthony. And me.
Evan said he’d be over in a bit and headed towards a sitting area where Will was getting blown by an unattached submissive. I sat down by Sydney and joined the golf conversation that was going on. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Paul looking over at Sydney. I swear, he better not fuck this night up. Paul continued to watch and the next thing I knew, Evan came over. He made polite conversation with everyone for a few minutes and then faced Sydney.
“Evening, little sub. I’m going to be over there by that set of black leather chairs. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll meet you there.”
With that, Evan headed over to the location where their scene was about to occur. Her eyes showed a mixture of nervousness and excitement while Anthony looked like a baseball bat had struck him. I focused on Sydney now.
“Baby, are you ready?” She looked over to where Evan was seated and then she looked up at Anthony. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it and turned to face me.
“Yes, Sir.”
Gina gave her a quick hug and told her to have fun. I took her hand and she and I walked over towards Evan. Goddamn Anthony.
“Are you sure? Remember, he won’t do anything that you guys haven’t negotiated. Okay? I will be near.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I looked back at Anthony and he looked pale, distant and like he was holding his breath.
“Sir, did you read my journal?”
Why was she bringing this up now? I had read her assignment book just this morning. I had asked her the prior morning to write about one of her recent nightmares. I thought back to it though trying to think if there was something she was trying to tell me.
“I read your response to my assignment. Was there something else?”
“No, Sir.” I thought I detected some disappointment in her voice. But maybe it was nerves.
“Remember baby, ‘yellow’ and ‘red’ will work with Evan. Don’t be afraid to use them.” We stopped by a deep purple sofa and I leaned on the back of it facing the area where Evan was. This is as far as I was going and I’d keep watch from here. I kissed her cheek and told her I’d be right here. “Have a good time, Sydney. Relax and enjoy it, baby.”
With that, she turned and walked towards Evan. I turned to look over my shoulder at Anthony and saw he was making his way over. If he weren’t attached to her, he’d already have been here and would have walked Sydney over with me. I knew this was causing him heartache.
Matt and Gina were headed towards another sitting section close by so they could watch and Paul came over and leaned on the back of the couch before Anthony got over here.
“Where’s the sign up sheet, Everett?”
“There isn’t one, Paul. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
I turned my attention back towards Sydney and Paul huffed away when he realized I had no intention of our conversation continuing. He went off towards the side where Matt was. Fucking great. I knew he was going to watch. He was going to watch her every move and it made me uncomfortable. I didn’t want Paul seeing any part of Sydney’s body.
Anthony came over and sat on the back of the couch that I was leaning on. When Evan stood to meet Sydney I began holding my breath.