Behind the bright lights *LH*

Chapter 5

I thank the Uber driver and step out of the car. I can't help notice how big and fancy this place is. The outside is a cement color that extends far into the sky. It was shorter than most of the skyscrapers in the city, but it was still impressive. The lights that lit up the building at night had the faintest glow on them due to the sun rapidly disappearing into the sky.

Jami wasn't kidding when she said it was the most expensive hotel in the city. I walk to the entrance and push open the heavy, glass doors. For such an elegant place you'd think they'd have a doorman. My mouth drops open when I see the interior. The lobby has a high ceiling with a glass chandelier hanging down, illuminating the center of the room. The walls are a glossy white with gold embellishments. Even the chairs and tablecloths were fancy. There's even a bar in the lobby. It has a gold counter and white cushion bar stools. I'm not sure what it is, but something pulls me to the bar.

I don't know what tonight has in store, but a strong glass of something might help ease my nervousness. Or provide liquid courage. When I get there, the bartender is shining crystal shot glasses. He looks up from his work and cordially nods.

"What would you like, Ma'am?" I stare at the array of liquids behind him. I don't want to order anything that will knock me off my feet. But I also don't want to order a pathetic drink with more sugar than alcohol.

"How about," I pause. "A malibu lemonade and cherry bomb."

He nods and turns around to grab the items he needs. I reach into my bag and grab my wallet as I set on one of the stools. It has a backrest that I lean on while my drink is made. I look over to the front desk and see a lady staring at me. Maybe it's not polite to head straight to the bar, maybe it's for guests only. I shrug my shoulders and return my gaze to the bar.

"That'll be 15 dollars." The bartender says as he places the shot and the drink in front of me. I open my wallet and give him my debit card. "What brings you here?" The lobby is not busy, I wonder if he is bored or just has great customer service skills.

I take the shot and carefully set the glass on the countertop. My face scrunches as the alcohol slides down my throat. "I'm meeting a man here." I say as I shake my head. "I need a little encouragement." He laughs.

"Rich businessman? Millionaire ex-husband? Long lost dad?" he asks. "I've heard it all."

I'm sure he has. I bet he hears all kinds of things working behind the bar. I take a sip of the spiked lemonade. "An old friend."

"Ah, the sugar daddy industry is really taking off." He muses while wiping down the counter. I cough up my drink a little.

"I didn't mean old like ancient!" I laugh at him. "I meant old like, haven't seen for a while." He blushes a little.

"My bad." He says gingerly. I take a drink. "If you're friends then why are you nervous?" He asks.

His question triggers me to take another drink. I look at my glass which is now half full. "Well, he's a millionaire now. He wasn't when I knew him."

"New money is humble. Old money is judgmental. You're in the clear." Boy, do I hope that is true. I glance back at the receptionist who is still staring me down.

    "Listen, he gave me the code to his room, do I have to check in with security over there?" I motion to the front desk lady. The bartender laughs.

    "The elevator," He points to it. "Has a code too. It's 2130. Type it in and you'll go right up. She will think you already check in." I take another drink of my lemonade.

    "Thank you." I should give this guy a tip. "How long have you worked here?"

    Just as he was about to answer, another man walks up to the bar and mutters the name of a drink I don't know. I gulp the rest of my drink down and swift through my wallet for some cash to leave the man. I set it on the counter and stand up from my chair. I glance back at the lady and walk toward the elevator. I press the numbers into the keypad and wait for it to open. Even the elevators are fancy, gold buttons that match the decorations.