The Entanglement [Charlie Barber]

Chapter 29: Cue, Lady Marmalade

The Red Room was draped in hues of red, purple, and gold accents, complimenting the already dim and seductive atmosphere. Clients and their escorted guests came pouring in, filling the space within hours of the doors opening.

Faces were partly or completely covered with mystical masks, concealing true identities for a 'Night of Mystery' to come to fruition. Isabel stood in the VIP section with James as they monitored the crowd with a proud sense of accomplishment having such a successful outcome. She knew opening up the invitation for clients to bring their own guest would be a good business strategy to build up more clientele and possibly even more staff.

Charlie walked in with Scarlett on his arm, both of them dressed to impressed with Scarlett wearing a floor-length purple gown and black lace mask covering her eyes. Charlie, the man the hour, wore a classic well-tailored black and white tuxedo, opting out from wearing a mask as a silent rebellion to Isabel and James.

Jeffrey walked in afterward and took his position in the main hall, blending in perfectly with his navy suit and black mask.

The bass music vibrated the walls and floor beneath everyone while people laughed and conversed, beginning their night with a round of champagne that was being passed through the crowd by beautiful waitresses in their typical pleather lingerie.

A stage was constructed against the back wall of the main hall to accommodate the audience coming to see Charlie's performance. Several patrons greeted him while Isabel kept a watchful eye on him and his mystery date.

"Who is that girl, James? Doesn't she look familiar?"

James was preoccupied with checking out a waitress's ass as she bent over in his line of sight.

"I don't know but the girl I'm looking at gives fantastic head, I can tell you that much," he commented, winking at the waitress as she turned around and made eyes at him.

Isabel nudged him. "You're so easily distracted, it concerns me," she pointed in Charlie's direction. "Her. Who is that?"

James squinted and tipped his head to the side, trying to figure out if he has seen Scarlett before. "Yeah... maybe. Maybe not. I could go introduce myself. If I've fucked her before, she'll get offended, and then we'll know for sure."

Isabel nodded. "Yeah. Go do that. Find out her name."

James walked away, slowly making his way through the crowd as Isabel scanned the room for you, realizing you were still nowhere to be found and wondering where the hell you were.

You were late. Again.

Charlie felt Scarlett squeeze his arm as James approached them. He placed his hand over hers for comfort and support.

"Charlie motherfuckin' Barber! The main event," James held out his arms in an overly enthusiastic manner, rubbing Charlie on the shoulder and shaking his hand. "Always good to see you. And... I see you brought a new guest?" James peeked at Scarlett, placing his hand out to greet her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm James. And you are?"

Scarlett placed her hand in his, allowing him to kiss it.

"Hello, James. I'm Nicole. Nicole Barber."

A look of total confusion came over James as Charlie tried to internalize his amusement.

"Barber? As in... Charlie's wife??"

"Ex-wife." Charlie corrected him.

James let out an entertaining laugh. "You brought your ex-wife to The Red Room?? Wow, ballsy move. I guess I'll never understand marriage or divorce."