“I’ll make you a deal then. If you let me slide tonight, we’ll go to Preston’s on Friday and stay in a hotel. How does that sound?”
“I guess that’s a fair deal. Just make sure you get a suite. I love the oceanfront view.”
“I’m not sure if we can get a deal on a suite on such short notice, especially this time of year.”
“For someone who makes good money, your ass is so cheap.”
“That’s the only way I’m going to keep my money.”
“See what they say first, before you start talking against it.”
“I thought you could call, since you’re going to get home before me.”
“Why is it that you suggest something and then I get stuck having to do all the footwork? Which hotel were you talking about? I know how much of a penny pincher you are, but since we’re going to Preston’s, it would be nice to stay at the Loews. I mean, it’s what? Only a few bucks more than the Palms.”
“Call both hotels. See if they have any kind of specials for this weekend. Better yet, go online and see. I know the Royal Palm gives better rates online. Maybe the Loews does the same.”
“Do you want me to go ahead and put it on the credit card?”
“If you have to. Candy—”
“I know… call you first. Go see about your patient.”
I’d almost forgotten about Mr. Harris.
“Okay, I’ll see you when I get in.”
“Yeah, okay. Bye.”
She hung up before I could reply.
Things between us were unpredictable most days. I was trying my best to keep her satisfied, in more ways than one. Didn’t flinch when she asked about bringing her prized vibrator into our action. Using it on me was a definite no-no, but we discovered a few ways to please her by adding it into the act.
“Mr. Harris, how are you today?”
“Seeing that I’m sitting in your chair about to be put to sleep so you can pull my tooth out my head, I’m not sure I’m doing all that well.”
I laughed at the irony and continued to prepare for the procedure. “Don’t worry. I’ll have you feeling brand-new in no time.”
I had my assistant start the drip. Within seconds, he was out.
“Can you believe that Mr. Harris thought he could drive himself home after his procedure?” Lana asked.
“I guess it helps to have an arsenal of women to pull you out of a crunch. I didn’t want to leave him here, but it’s time to go.”
“A man with his credentials? Plus he’s single? I would’ve driven him home in that nice, new BMW he had out there.”
“Is that all that’s important to women nowadays? I mean, what about what’s in his head and in his chest?”
“Those things can be worked on. Relationships are something you have to put in time and effort on.”
“Is that right? How about being happy with them as they are? Why would you have to change someone in order to be happy with them?” I ran my tongue over the spot I knew was still there; no matter if the swelling had gone down. A busted lip; courtesy of a flying shoe.
“That’s not what I’m saying. You should never compromise your happiness for someone else.”
“So, that brings us back to your statement about Mr. Harris. Isn’t wanting him because of his money, nice house, and nice car, despite the fact that he may not be your Prince Charming, a compromise?”
“I guess, but those things let you know if you want to get to know someone.”