Chaotic Delusions (snippet)

​12.
The next morning, after too much vodka and hard rock, I was pulled out of a hungover stupor by a loud knock on the door.
I rubbed my eyes and squinted against the bright sun that beamed in through the back door.
Mel’s naked body sprawled across the futon on the floor, and I had to push her off my shoulder just to get up.
I wish she would just go, fun’s over now.
I sighed and pulled an Ozzy shirt over my tangled hair.
“EVICTON NOTICE: YOU HAVE 30 DAYS TO VACATE THE PREMISES”
The piece of paper was half stuck under the door and was a bright red.
“Damn, thirty days?” I cursed quietly, crumpling up the paper and immediately searching my brain for a plan.
I popped the top off the bottle of vodka.
I could get three shots out of what we left.
I tossed it back and gritted my teeth.
“Get up Mel, it’s time to go.” My voice sliced through the silent morning and Mel jolted her body, craning her neck towards the sound.
“What time is it? I feel like I didn’t even sleep- what the fuck?” she groaned and rolled over, covering her head with a pillow.
I strode over to the bed and yanked the pillow off of her, “Get out. Now.”
“The fuck, dude?” her long hair electrified around her head like a halo. Her face scrunched up, looking for her clothes.
“I have shit to do. Fun’s over.” I threw the pillow back down beside her and returned to the small kitchen. I poured myself another shot and pulled out my cellphone.
“Hey sexy, can we link up today? I need a favor.” I sent a brief text to Alyssa, knowing full well she would respond fast.
She liked me. A lot.
Mel collected her things and stood at my door, fully dressed now, “Okay, well, see ya around. I guess.”
The door shut behind her, and I shook my head.
Some people just couldn’t take a hint.
My phone dinged and I picked it up, smiling to myself.
“Of course, pet. Lunch at Mona Lisa? Say 2?” Even Alyssa’s messages were full of class.
“Sounds great.” I sent, hoping I had enough cab money to at least get me there.
I needed money, and I needed it today.
 
****
 
The restaurant wasn’t open until 4, but Alyssa knew the owner and he gladly opened early for a high-tipping patron.
“You look rough today, long night out?” Alyssa smirked as she gently plucked the cloth napkin from the table and placed it in her lap.
The corners of her mouth turned up; a shiny nude lipstick painted perfectly on her plump lips.
She had a vintage beauty.
Her profile was archaic, and her features sharp and pointed like a mouse.
She smoothed her pencil skirt over her long legs, and the rose-colored silk blouse she wore struggled against her perky-fake tits.
“You look gorgeous, as always.” I bit my lip, fingering the napkin in front of me on the place setting.
Damn, I hope the server comes soon to take our drink orders.
“Are you looking for some work?” Alyssa arched her perfectly shaped eyebrow, looking at me sideways.
“No, actually. I was looking for more of a… loan.” I flashed my perfectly straight smile, with what I’d like to call a ‘girlish charm’.
Alyssa squinted her eyes and let her gaze drift down my shirt.
“A loan? I’m not sure I can do that.” She flicked her wrist in the air and an eager server came running. “Bring a bottle of champagne, please. Along with orange juice, we can serve ourselves.” She finished.
“Yes, of course, Ms. Clarke.” The server bowed like a servant.
How embarrassing.
I raised my eyebrows and returned my eyes to Alyssa’s bulging neckline.
“I think we can arrange something, but not without some… work. Up front.” She reached over and lay her hand on top of mine, stroking the middle of my palm with her index finger.
Chills ran up my spine and I pictured her naked, her perfectly yoga-trained body atop a white cashmere blanket.
I squeezed my legs together, adjusting the pulse that began between my thighs.
“Okay, let’s do that.” I managed, sitting up straight and greedily grabbing the drink the server brought to the table.
“How much are we talking, Dev?” she continued her stroke, and met my stare with her deep blue eyes.
“Well, I need to move. I’m out of work and I don’t really have a way to make that happen.” I looked down at the table, feigning worry.
“Interesting, where are you moving to? I may have a place for you to stay until we can get you sorted out with cash.” She smiled and gave me a wink, and I knew that wasn’t the only part of the deal.
“That would be… amazing. I need to be in the city. Closer to Colorado Springs.” I squeezed her hand, hopeful she would give me more than just a place to stay.
“And what’s in Colorado Springs?” she took her hand from mine and sat back in her chair.
I absentmindedly scratched at my head, I looked at Alyssa and then back down at the table.
“A new pet, I assume?” she took a long drink of her mimosa, her eyes not leaving mine.
“Pet? Nah. I’m actually looking into working at a dispensary. Good discount.” I smirked, tearing my eyes from hers.
I wasn’t even sure why I didn’t just tell her about Cyn. We weren’t a couple.
Maybe because I want my cake and to eat it, too.
I shook the thought from my head; I wasn’t hurting Alyssa; the bitch was filthy rich.
“I have a house outside the city, it needs some cleaning and renovations. Perhaps if you like it, you could put some work into it?” our food arrived just as she asked me the question.
Home improvement wasn’t exactly my thing…
But it was a free place to stay.
“Um, yeah. That sounds good.” I lied.
I inhaled the food in front of me as if I hadn’t eaten in days.
Or had a fierce hangover.
“So glad you like the food. It really is a shame I haven’t had the chance to see you happily satiated in a long while.” Alyssa ran her tongue over her bottom lip and let her eyes travel down to mine.
An older woman who knew what she wanted and felt completely comfortable in her own body; was a force. She was spinning her web, and I felt myself being pulled into it, willingly.
I felt her perfectly pedicured foot run up my loose jeans, curling around my calf.
“You didn’t think I would let you off that easily, did you?” her red lips curled into a smile.
“Check please.”