Fifty Shades of Pulp

Is That All There Is16

Chapter 16

Is That All That There Is

CPOV

Sinking into the backseat of my SUV, sometimes this car seat feels like a second home. Tugging my bow-tie loose and undoing the top couple buttons of my dress-shirt. I need to shake off my unsettling evening. "Taylor I want to stop by the Tiki Lounge." Without saying a word I can hear Taylor typing into the GPS. "Taylor don't worry about the address it's Belltown on Third Avenue."

I can't see Taylor's eyes when he speaks. "Sir, what sort of establishment is the Tiki Lounge?"

Not sure how to answer, a half-smile finds itself on my face "It's an establishment that Elliot would be found utilizing."

without missing a beat Taylor hits a number on his phone "Sawyer, I want your to wake Mason from his girlie slumber. Have him man the monitors and you are to meet us at Tiki Lounge on Third Avenue." pausing for a few seconds "Yes, that's right. Dress like a local, I don't want you standing out."

disconnecting the call I can't help sighing at Taylor and his sense of security. "Taylor it's unnecessary and over-the-top. Hipsters aren't looking to Off Me, they're just looking to let off steam with a beer or two. It's not like meeting with the heads-of-state."

"Sir I am head security, it's my job to see you are protected even if you perceive no threat. This establishment, like some found in Belltown are watering-holes lacking VIP sections. Not offering much in the way of security other than a bouncer or two and maybe a bar-back."

About the time I was going to go off on Taylor, he gets a call. "Mason... you're on monitors until further notice." hanging up the phone I hear Taylor grumbling just beneath his breath.

Easing into the leather seat, leaning my head against the headrest closing my eyes, images of Ana dart around. I should have known the moment I laid eyes on her, when she didn't turn around for a second glance that morning on campus, she was everything up until that point I avoided. Not submissive or looking to be rescued. My existence, my carefully structured world has been up-ended and I can't exorcise her.

Taylor made quick time of the drive from Redmond to downtown Seattle. By the time we reach the Tiki, Sawyer's already out front waiting for us. Shaking my head at how quickly Taylor make his men jump.

Once we passed the door man, I hear a song noticing Ana onstage. It's a very simple set. Ben is playing the piano, some guy on drums and Ana. Further inside I see Ana playfully bowing, turning toward the musicians, raising her hands and clapping in appreciation. I wished I had paid attention to what was being played. She's in those delicious nude heels from yesterday. With the dress she's wearing tonight it makes her legs look incredibly long. Smiling. Gotta hand it to Ana she's got her own sense of style. This outfit looks like something from the swinging 60's. Her hair, straight as a board pulled tight into a ponytail, wearing a pair of chandelier earrings. Oozing a retro vibe, looking quite fetching.

Before Ana can make her way off the small stage some guy comes up to her asking her something, shaking her head, again talking to her. Whatever is being said she's not interested and starts walking away. Watching him fish out his wallet trying to hand her a card, no doubt with his phone number. Ana shakes her head continuing towards the bar. That's right prick, you're not her type

Scanning the space for Elliot I notice there are various types of people here yet they all seem to know one another, I'm guessing this is where actors and musicians come to network and hang-out.

Ah, there he is. Shit! seeing none other than Kate Kavanagh. Fucking hell, guess that explains his comment about being in love

Walking up to Elliot "I made it." greeting Ben and Kate "How is everyone this evening?"