As a reward for being such a good student, I took her for her first spa treatment. I always enjoy spa day at Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa in the Plaza Hotel. Spa rituals range from classic massages to wraps and scrubs, facial and body treatments, to nail and waxing services. Occupying the fourth floor of the spa was thirteen treatment rooms, along with a VIP suite for two, a Vichy shower, two hammams, and a unique barrel bath, where guests can soak in red wine or delicately crushed grape extracts.
Before and after treatments, guests are invited to the private French Paradox Wine Lounge to sip wines recommended by the spa’s sommelier. I usually get the Premier Cru Treatment. It’s an intensely rejuvenating treatment based on Caudalie’s most precious cream. The treatment begins with a calming massage that helps soothe and ground you, preparing you for the experience to come. A relaxation massage is gently performed on the head, neck and shoulders. Next, a deep smoothing of the face and neck; a long sculpting massage to the face; followed by a warm thermal mask. My entire body experiences total relaxation.
As I lay there, I allowed myself to slip into my usual fantasy. The seduction of Mike Black. I would answer the door to my suite, dressed in a black charmeuse robe with lace silk, and satin high-heel slippers. I’d invite him in and ask him to have a seat. “Champagne?” I’d offer.
I could feel his eyes on me as I poured the champagne. I’d come and sit down next to him, and we’d chat and laugh the way we always did whenever we’re together. Then he’d lean over and kiss me. “What took you so long?” I’d ask as his mouth cupped mine again. Then I would stand up and hold out my hand. Mr. Black would take my hand and I’d lead him to the bed.
I could almost feel Mr. Black kiss me again, nibbling on my chin, and sucking ever so gently on my neck. He would take off his shirt and ease the robe from my body while he kissed me. Once my breasts were exposed, he would lower his head and take my nipple between his lips. Ohh, my. Just thinking about it makes me feel warm sensations rushing through my body.
Each time I see him, I always plan to seduce him; but something, and that something was usually business, either his or mine, prevents it from becoming a reality.
As the masseur worked magic with her fingers, I thought back to the last time I saw Mr. Black. It was at a party given by Congressman Martin Marshall. The invitation said that the affair began at nine. I was dressed in a red Carolina Herrera off-the-shoulder, draped silk gown with a deep V back and a high front slit; Jimmy Choo lance mirrored open toe sandals, shiny mirrored leather with a double ankle buckle and a 4?-inch heel. I arrived at eleven; just in time to be fashionably late. I was supposed to meet Diane and Tangela House there, but it was getting close to midnight and I hadn’t seen either of them.
I knew that Diane wasn’t the problem; she was never late for an appointment. I knew the reason they were late had something to do with Tangela. She had only been with me for a few months. When Diane first brought her to me, I thought she had so much potentiaclass="underline" five feet seven inches tall, one hundred and twenty pounds, long silky black hair, full breasts, and curvaceous hips. Although she was black, Tangela’s skin was creamy; almost white enough to pass. At first she worked out well, but lately I’d had some complaints from her clients.
“Hello, Ms. West,” said a voice from behind me.
I turned around to see who it was. “Well, hello, Congressman Canfield.”
“How have you been, my dear?” the congressman asked.
I looped my arm in his. “I have been just fine. Wondering why it has been so long since we last spoke,” I said as he escorted me to the bar.
“I’ve been in Washington, my dear; doing the country’s business. And unfortunately, your, shall we say influence, doesn’t extend that far.”
“My dear, congressman, I believe that is why they made airplanes.”
Congressman Canfield smiled. “I believe you’re right.”
“Are you going to be in town for a while?”
“A day or two maybe,” Congressman Canfield said.
“Perhaps we could get together for lunch; in our usual spot, of course. And we can discus some type of exclusive arrangement. I’m sure that I can handle all of your needs,” I suggested.
“Perhaps we could do just that,” Congressman Canfield said, and then he was approached by another man.
“Geoffrey,” the man said.
“Ms. West, this is Congressman Terrence Redding.”
I accepted the congressman’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He bowed slightly and kissed my hand. “Believe me, Ms. West, the pleasure is all mine. But you must excuse me, I need to steal Geoffrey away from you for a minute,” Congressman Redding said.
“That’s quite all right.” I turned to Geoffrey. “I hope to speak with you soon, congressman.”
“I am sure that you will, Ms. West. Please, excuse me,” he said and walked off with Congressman Redding. I’d heard a few things about Redding and I intended to make it my business to get back to him and make him a client before I left.
I looked at the door and saw the ladies coming toward me. Tangela was wearing a Carmen Marc Valvo halter crepe gown, crafted with delicate sequins, a pleated neckline and an open back. Diane was wearing an Armani Collezioni blue stretch silk gown with ruched bodice, and softly draped front and spaghetti straps. I looked at my watch as they got closer to me. Diane cut her eyes at Tangela. “Sorry we’re so late,” Tangela said.
“You’re here now and that’s what’s important. Go ahead and mingle,” I said and both ladies started to walk off. “Diane, may I speak with you for a minute?” I waited until Tangela was far enough away. “Okay, Diane, what’s the problem here? You are never late.”
“I know, Jada, and I’m so sorry. But I had to wait on Tangela to get ready.”
“What took her so long, Diane? Because her hair was done earlier today and it doesn’t take that long to put on a dress?”
“Tangela has a problem,” Diane said reluctantly.
“What kind of problem,” I pressed. “What is really going on?”
“She has a drug problem and it’s getting worse.”
“I thought as much,” I said and shook my head.
“I’m sorry, Jada. It’s my fault.”
“No, Diane, it’s mine. I should have known that if she was a friend of Creme’s, she had the same issues that Creme did. Go on and mingle,” I said and Diane disappeared into the crowd. I was so disgusted with myself for not seeing that coming. I should have known better. I went straight to the bar and ordered a drink.
I stood there for a while sipping my drink and thinking about Creme, and I wanted to kick myself.
The bartender brought me another drink and I looked around the bar. My eyes focused on Tangela standing there talking to Congressman Cantifield and Congressman Redding. I watched as she gently touched Cantifield’s face and looped her arm in his, just the way I taught her. But instead of being happy about how she was working him, all I could think about was her drug problem and how I hoped she wouldn’t ruin my relationship with Congressman Cantifield, or the one I planned to forge with Congressman Redding.
I finished my drink and was just about to order another when I heard, “Hello, Ms. West.”
That voice seemed to reverberate throughout my entire body. Suddenly all thought of Tangela, her drug issues, and business, escaped me. I smiled and turned around. “Good evening, Mr. Black.” He was wearing a tuxedo and he was wearing it well.