My Gentleman Vampire: The Undead Have Style

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Vampire Stylist

"I can resist anything but temptation."

Oscar Wilde

I backed my car out of the driveway, being careful to seem casual. Arabella had decided to accompany us. Miss Popularity knew many of the people we were going to see.

David had dressed in a black silk button-down shirt and black slacks. We were a matched pair, as he had laid out a black leather pencil skirt by North Beach Leather that I hadn’t worn in years and a black low-cut chiffon blouse and lace camisole. He seemed to like those Cole Haan heels from the day before and the Chanel bag. 

We made a left at the end of the street and drove on the highway for ten minutes. It was a beautiful, clear night and the full moon shone brightly.

“Take the next exit. Then make a right at the gas station. This moon is a bit of a problem. Stay close to me; the full moon stirs up compulsive behavior, even in the best-mannered vampire. And if we're lucky we won’t see any werewolves there. Arabella, stay close to Natalie.” Werewolves? Well... sure, why the hell not.

Arabella’s meow signaled agreement. David directed me to turn right down the next lane, and I drove carefully down the unpaved gravel road. The oak trees were intermittently hung with lit Japanese lanterns, casting a romantic mood to the short drive that ended at an open, ornately scrolled iron gate. I pulled forward, entranced with the sight before me.  

Lights burned in every window of the house at the end of the lane. The semi-circular drive in front glowed with candle-lit lanterns, and a valet silently opened my door, gave me a ticket, and drove off slowly to God only knows where. David offered his arm, and we climbed the front stairs, past the delicious scent of night Jasmine and into what appeared to be a party in full swing.

I was aware that the noise significantly died down when we entered. We were now the center of attention, and everyone seemed to be waiting for David’s introduction.

 “David! Where have you been! Baby, you look good! Who’s this succulent creature you’ve brought with you?” The voice boomed in hearty welcome. It was less unnerving than the awkward silence.

 “This is my new friend, Natalie. Hands off, and that goes for everyone in this room. She is under my and Arabella’s protection. Natalie, this is Ralph Hornblower, owner of Nuit Boutique."

“Enchanted, Natalie,” the vampire said. “Spelled R-A-L-P-H, pronounced Raif. Stylish, yes? What can I help you with this lovely evening, David, or did you just come out to show off your new prize?”

Ralph was Asian, my height with heels, and dressed in a deep purple button-down shirt, black ascot, and black slacks. His thick blue-black hair was swept off his forehead, revealing a large black diamond in his left ear.

“Behave, behave,” David admonished him with a wag of his finger. “Natalie wants to see all your new merch. Can we go up?”

“Of course, baby doll. Peter will bring Natalie some champagne, and David and me and the new V cocktail. It’s so yummy.”

I was happy to be out of that room. The eerie feeling of being sized up was worse than any pick-up bar I’d ever been in. Many pairs of eyes watched us as we mounted the thickly carpeted stairs to the second floor. The traditional English furnishings of the first floor parlor didn’t prepare me for the glamorous glitter of the posh Art Deco landing—a hint of the stylish treats yet to come. 

Peter Spearmint appeared with a silver tray carrying several fluted glasses. He turned the tray with a slight flourish, indicating that the bubbling crystal flute was mine. I tried not to stare at his gold satin pants or crystal and gold sandals he wore with matching toe nail polish. David chose a solid black intricately painted goblet, the contents of which were not visible. V cocktail? A blender drink from the blood bank was more like it. We toasted, and Ralph breathlessly gestured as he spoke about his favorite subject, his boutique.