A part of Dahlia wanted to drop everything and rush over. But she did have a lot of things she wanted to accomplish in the short time left of her day off, and now this commitment with her new friend. When she told Hayden about Jess’s invitation, he was enthusiastic and supportive, which pleased her.
I’m glad you’re going to meet with Jess. That’s great. Just text me later and let me know what’s what.
It was ten after five when she arrived at the bar Jess had chosen on MacDougal Street. Soft jazz played from hidden speakers and the lighting was low, creating a cozy ambiance. The warmth of the place felt good after the cold night air. Dahlia undid her scarf from around her neck and shoved it into her coat pocket as she took in the room.
The space was dominated by a long, old-fashioned polished wooden bar with brass railings along one wall. There was a row of booths along the other wall, and high-top tables set a decent distance apart around the room. Most of the tables were occupied, and a waitress moved among them, order pad in hand.
There was a single bartender behind the bar, a tall man with a thick, droopy mustache and longish hair slicked back from his face. Several people, some in pairs, some alone, sat on stools at the bar, their backs to Dahlia. She looked around for her new friend.
Jess had seen her, and was waving from one of the booths. A petite woman sat across from Jess. She had long dark hair, flawless skin and very large blue eyes. She, too, waved in Dahlia’s direction with a friendly smile. As Dahlia headed toward them, she noticed the pale blue leather collar around the other woman’s neck, a silver O-ring dangling from its center.
Jess rose as Dahlia got to the booth. “You made it. Here, sit next to me.” She slid over so Dahlia could sit.
“I did,” Dahlia agreed with a smile. She took off her coat and draped it over the back of the seat before slipping in beside Jess. Both women had a glass of white wine in front of them.
“This is my dear friend, Cleo Chapman-Hartford,” Jess said, nodding toward the other woman. “Cleo, this is Dahlia Simon.”
They exchanged greetings. Cleo had a delightful British accent and a dimpled smile. Dahlia soon learned she was a transplant from London who had moved to New York a few years back and was now married to an American named Jack.
“He’s not just my husband,” Cleo added with a bright smile, her hand going to the collar at her throat. “He’s my Master, 24/7.”
Before Dahlia could respond to the startling declaration, the waitress appeared beside them. “Can I get you something to drink?” she asked Dahlia.
Dahlia ordered a glass of cabernet.
“Jess was just telling me a little about how you and Master Hayden connected,” Cleo said as the waitress went to fill the order. “What a happy coincidence you’re both in the lifestyle.”
Dahlia shrugged, a little embarrassed. “I wouldn’t say I’m ‘in the lifestyle,’ per se. This is all very new to me, to tell you the truth.”
“Really?” Cleo exclaimed, her eyebrows rising. “And Master Hayden chose you?” She blushed suddenly, color turning her milky skin a bright pink. “Blimey. That didn’t come out right. I just mean, I’ve known him for several years. He doesn’t… I mean, usually…” She looked at Jess, her huge blue eyes pleading. “Help me out here, Jess, before I make a total arse of myself.”
Jess chuckled. “It’s okay, Cleo. I put my foot in it too with Dahlia last night. She’s totally cool with it all, right, Dahlia?”
“Um,” Dahlia hedged, not entirely sure what it was she was supposedly so cool with.
“Dahlia was at the holiday masquerade party as Hayden’s special guest,” Jess continued. “She knows Hayden is a Head Master and a hard-core player. Clearly, he sees something special in Dahlia, to bring her into our world as he has.”
“Wow, that’s brilliant,” Cleo said, smiling again. “Is he going to train you? Will you audition to be a pleasure sub, like Jess did? It’s a wonderful way to really learn from all different Masters, without having to make a commitment to any one man.”
Before Dahlia could reply to this absurd suggestion, Jess added, “Cleo was a service slave before she and Jack got together. She belonged to the owners of the New York branch of the Masters Club, a married couple, both Doms. They gave her to the club at large.”
“What?” Dahlia exclaimed, shocked at this information, so casually delivered. “They gave you to the club at large? What does that even mean?”
“Yes,” Cleo agreed, unperturbed. “I loved serving both Master Grayson and Mistress Dominique, and all the Doms at the club. But I love belonging to Master Jack even more.” She sighed. “Truth to tell, I’d been in love with him for ages, back when we were in London, and he was married to another woman.” She shook her head, giving a small, embarrassed laugh. “Sorry. It’s a long story. I won’t bore you with it.”