Page 16 of Time Served in New York
“What . . .”
“Can I get you anything else, ladies?” the saleswoman asked as she glanced at our friends who were giggling on the floor.
“I had the woman assisting us hold a negligee for me earlier, but I’m not sure I told her my room number at the Castello,” Paula said with a smile that was obviously fake. “I’ve had so much champagne that I’m not sure I remember the room number.”
“That’s not a problem,” the saleswoman said with a smile that was also clearly disingenuine. “What name is the room registered under? We can have it delivered that way.”
“Paola Moretti,” Paula said as she stared directly into the woman’s eyes. She tilted her head and laughed softly before she let out a dramatic sigh. “If all else fails, have it delivered to my son’s office in the building. His name is Zachary Campana.”
The woman gulped and blinked a few times as she took a step back. She smiled, and this time it wasn’t condescending at all. There was nothing but respect and awe in her voice when she said, “Of course, Ms. Moretti. We’ll make sure it’s delivered directly to you.”
“Oh, and will you please make sure the night serum I picked out is delivered to my room?” Bernadette asked. The saleswoman’s eyes snapped over to Bernadette, and I could tell she was wracking her brain trying to figure out if she should know her too. “It’s under Valentine Russo, I’m sure.”
The woman’s eyes were practically bulging now, and I almost felt sorry for her. Almost but not quite. She’d been a snotty bitch to all of us up until about two minutes ago.
“Actually, all of the rooms are listed under my family’s name,” Frankie said. “If you’ll speak to the concierge, he’ll assist you in having their packages delivered to the floor reserved for Mr. Romano’s guests. We’ll get them sorted out once they arrive.”
“Yes, Ms. Romano,” the woman said with a nod. She looked as if she was considering a curtsy as she asked Frankie, “Can I do anything else for you?”
“That is all,” Paula said with a dismissive wave. Once the woman scurried out of the room, Paula closed her hand and breathed on her nails before she buffed them against her chest. “I think I’ve still got it.”
“I’m pretty sure she peed a little,” Matalie said before she collapsed back to the floor, giggling. “I really needed friends like you in prison.”
“Since you ladies are finished measuring your dicks, can we have some food?” Blue asked.
“Oh, more cheese,” Brea said as she took the tray from Bernadette. “I love cheese.”
“Girl, you are drunk,” Blue said as she watched Brea’s hand hover over the tray as she decided which piece to eat first.
“Have you ever had a dream about cheese?” Matalie asked.
“Oh shit. Try this one.It’sa dream,” Brea said as she held the tray out toward me.
“Sweet dreams are made of cheese,” Matalie sang. “Who am I to. . .”
When Matalie faltered, trying to make up more lyrics, Blue chimed in, “Who am I to dis a Brie?”
“Get it?” Pandora cackled. “A Brie? Like our Brea?”
“Traveled the world and the seven seas. . .” I heard Hammer start in from somewhere behind us, and then he let out an ‘oomph’ when someone hit him.
“Here comes the cavalry,” Bernadette said as she twisted around in her chair to look for Stamp. I turned around, too, and watched the men file into the room and split off toward their women. When she finally caught sight of him, she whispered, “Damn, he’s hot.”
“You know, the people that were working here today are going to be talking about us for days. Maybe even months,” I said as I stood so I could greet Boss with a kiss.
“I’m sure it’s not often that they’re invaded by a bunch of women who get drunk and roll around on the floor.”
I laughed at Frankie as I walked into Boss’s arms. “Hey, handsome. Fancy meeting you here.”
“Did you have fun with your girls?”
I nodded before I tiptoed up for a kiss. “You know it’s always an adventure when we get together, no matter where we end up.”
“That’s exactly what scares me, Cool Cat.”
5.
PREACHER
