The Cost Of Love And Sanity Read Free Page B

said.
    The waitress wrote down the order. Alex interrupted her. “Do you have any Daiquiris?” Alex asked.
    â€œSure,” the waitress said.
    â€œWhich kind?” Alex asked.
    â€œWhatever you want. Banana. Mango. Lime. Strawberry.”
    â€œI’ll have a Mango Daiquiri,” Alex said.
    The waitress nodded and wrote the order down. “All right. I’ll be back in a sec.”
    After she left, Izzy leaned toward her. “You had to go the safe route, didn’t you?”
    â€œYou want me to get tore down. That’s all.”
    Izzy chuckled.
    Right then, the DJ started playing a familiar, popular tune. The people on the dance floor and on the second floor jumped up, Izzy included. “Oooh. I have to go downstairs. I’ll be right back. Get my drink for me,” she called over her shoulder.
    Alex looked over the rail at the frenzied crowd. It was amazing what one song could do. She glimpsed movement out of the leftcorner of her eye. She turned her head and saw a couple wedged in the small space. At first glance, they seemed to be possibly moving to the music but, upon further gaze, it was apparent that the music had nothing to do with their movements; they were having sex in the club.
    She rolled her eyes. Ridiculous. Her waitress returned with a smile and the drinks.
    â€œHere you go. Mango Daiquiri for you and Apple Martini for your friend. Is there anything else I can get for you?” the waitress asked.
    â€œNo. Thank you.”
    Alex sipped on her Daiquiri, savoring the fruity taste. She’d forgotten about the couple in the corner and started to relax enough to take in the scenery. If she were in to the club scene, perhaps this would be a decent club. They sure put a lot of energy into the New Year’s theme. Even the glittered ball on the ceiling said 2012 on it. Alex peered through the crowd on the dance floor, searching for Izzy. She thought she might be able to signal that her drink was there. No such luck. The mass of people on the dance floor had buried Izzy. What did Alex expect? Izzy was only about five-foot-two.
    â€œExcuse me.”
    Alex turned in the direction of the voice to see a husky man in a business suit. He smiled at her, revealing one silver tooth on the right side of his mouth.
    â€œI couldn’t help but notice you sitting here alone but with two drinks. Are you here with someone?” he asked.
    â€œYes.” Alex actually hoped she didn’t have to clarify who she was there with. She hadn’t come to the club to meet anyone. She was passing time; that’s all.
    â€œA boyfriend?”
    â€œA friend,” Alex said.
    â€œWell, he can’t be too good of a ‘friend’ if he left a woman as exquisite as you alone at a table. If I were with you, I wouldn’t leave your side,” he said.
    Alex nodded. She was trying to be polite but she really had no interest in talking to him.
    The man placed his hand on his chest. “I apologize. I failed to introduce myself. My name is Lenard. And your name is…?”
    â€œAlexis.”
    â€œThat’s a beautiful name.” He smiled.
    This is so corny. “Thank you.”
    He started to sit down in Izzy’s chair but Alex stretched out her hand.
    â€œPlease don’t sit there. My friend will be back any minute,” Alex said.
    He eased back up from the chair. “Oh, of course. I don’t want to take up your time or get in the way. Here.” Lenard reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a business card. “Let me leave my card with you. It has my office and my cell number on it.” He handed it to her.
    She took it, fully intending to throw it in the nearest trash as soon as possible. “Okay.”
    â€œIt was good to meet you.” He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Call me.”
    At that moment, Alex frowned up. Lenard’s breath smelled like a dirty toilet. I told Izzy this would happen. She quickly