Where We Left Off by J. Alex Blane Read Free Book Online Page A

what? No!” He caught himself.  That’s a very bad idea, he thought. 
    Mason had enough trust issues to keep others at a distance and kept himself far from letting anyone close to him.  A relationship was out of reach for him, meaning a family was definitely out of the question.  All that lovey dovey, kiss me when I get home, tell me you love me stuff…that’s for them, not for me, he thought.  That’ll never be for me. He got out of the car, politely waving to his neighbor.  He walked through his front door, closing it behind him, and stood in the foyer.  This is everything I need right here, he said to himself, and what I don’t have right now, I’ll be getting tonight.

Chapter 8
     
     
    There was a club in North Wilmington called The Avenue .  Tucked away in a quiet part of the city, it was one of the more lavish lounges in Delaware very trendy and intimate.  It had two floors with an overlooking loft on the upper story which was lit dimly enough to make out faces or, as Mason would call it, measure the level of attraction.  Unlike most clubs in the area, the DJ at The Avenue played music for the sound, not the lyrics, so the atmosphere was entertaining enough to dance but calm enough to sit back and enjoy a drink or entertain a friend.  Every other Friday they hosted an exclusive happy hour event, invitation VIP only.  Gentlemen on the list were permitted to be accompanied by no more than two male guests, and the ladies, no more than four female friends.  Mason’s was a name they kept on the list, as he was in many ways considered to be one of the most eligible young men in the area that frequented the club.  The idea was to promote a classy atmosphere of singles, both men and women, which was something no other club focused on or offered.  Most clubs were more concerned about quantity than quality, but not this place. The Avenue understood the value in being upscale and chic.  It was something that set them apart from the rest – a place that provided the close to the best, especially when it came to women, and ones that often caught Mason’s eye. 
    Before tonight Mason hadn’t been to the club in months, but even then, like now, he always arrived alone.  He preferred it this way.  He didn’t like too many people in his business.  But then again, who would?  He walked into the club.  It was dark at first, but in so many ways that was comforting.   From around the corner, just beyond the security, he could hear the rhythmic muffle of distant music providing a backdrop for the meaningless chatter of people behind him unaware of the guest list.  He laughed , walking past the hostess, sliding his ID back into his pocket .  Where most lounges carried the scent of sweat, alcohol, and cleaning products, this one was strategic in its placement of ambient scenting.  It was light, yet not too dominant, clean and soothing.  Ahhh, it's good to be home, he thought.
    Finally, finding his way to an empty booth in the corner, he caught the eye of a cocktail waitress approaching him to take his drink order. Something about her was very familiar to him.  Unbelievable, he shook his head and smiled downward, laughing at the coincidence of running into her here…now.  What was her name?   His mind drew a numbing blank, which he knew he would pay for in a few minutes when she reached him.  He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her, although he remembered that it involved far less clothing. By now her eyes had adjusted, moving from table to table and person to person through the few people that had arrived moments ago.  Just as fast as he’d recognized her, she recognized him, but her face was absent of a smile or any expression that said she was remotely happy to see him.  She made her way through the few booths and tabletops ahead of him until finally she reached his table. 
    “What can I get you?” she nonchalantly asked.
    He paused before answering, his eyes easing towards her