A porter offers to ferry our bags inside and Josie and I follow him into the Wilshire. The hotel is grand inside with a fountain sparkling in the center and marble columns that remind me of a Greek temple. Plus, the foyer is almost like a small town buzzing with life, given the elegantly dressed guests as well as the liveried staff scurrying about. Josie nudges my elbow while we get checked in, and she’s got a big smile on her face.
“See? I told you that you had to come. Aren’t you glad you listened to me?”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “I still don’t want to go to this conference because they’re always so boring, but you’re right. Escaping to Atlantic City is exactly what I need.” But then a thought strikes and I frown. “Yeah, but what if Ronald is here? The last thing I want is to run into him if he’s still working in advertising.”
Josie sticks her finger in her mouth like she’s gagging. “Who cares? That guy was so gross that I’m puking just thinking of him. Honestly, I’m glad you finally ditched him, girlfriend. You deserve better than a measly, wimpy coward.”
I nod sadly.
“I know, right? He showed my naked pics to another man! Who does that? Plus, not just another man, but Ligne’s CEO! Oh god, I hope I never have a meeting with Malcolm Neuwirth because I’d be so embarrassed. He’s seen my breasts and pussy!” I lament.
Josie merely slings her arm around my shoulders as we head up the elevator. “No worries, you know how guys are about that kind of thing. They never really remember, and it all blurs in their mind in a huge hodgepodge of pussies and boobs. I’m sure Mr. Neuwirth won’t even realize it was you,” she says reassuringly. Then, we stop in front of my hotel room door. “But now you’re here, you’re single, and you’re free!” she sings, doing a little twirl in the hall. “Just imagine all of the scandalous things you can get up to in Atlantic City now that you’re rid of that douchebag Ronald!”
I laugh, and pull out my keycard.
“Well, I’m not really looking to meet anyone, but I guess you’re right. Thank god Ronald’s gone. I haven’t had to look at his face all week, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
Josie merely giggles.
“I know what you mean, but stop talking about that loser, girlfriend! How are you going to leave him in the past if you keep gabbing about him?” Then, she waggles her eyebrows at me before moving down the hallway to her own room. “I know something spicy is going to suck you in while we’re here. Something that makes you forget your own name, it’s that good.”
Laughing, I shake my head at her and then wave before stepping into my hotel room. It’s beautiful, and certainly nicer than any room I could have booked for myself. The walls are a soothing dove-grey, and there’s a king-size bed in the center made up with cream-colored linens. A small desk pushed against one wall leads to the bathroom, and to my surprise, there’s even a small balcony when I open the sliding glass door. Wow, this is really nice.
As I step outside, the ocean breeze blows over my shoulders and I take a moment to close my eyes and lift my face to the sun. Warm rays bathe my skin, and immediately, I feel more relaxed. This trip is exactly what I need, and I’m going to enjoy my time here, definitely.
Suddenly, my stomach growls and I giggle. I skipped breakfast this morning, and now, the beast will not be denied. It’s too early for a big meal at a hotel restaurant, but the coffee shop on the lobby level, La Verve, looked like it had some pastries and maybe even sandwiches. That would be perfect.
Grabbing my purse, I make my way downstairs. The elevator opens to the expansive lobby, and I immediately spot La Verve off to one side. It’s a cute little shop with white walls, wooden tables and chairs, and an overall rustic feel. Even better, they have a decent menu, and feeling especially hungry, I order both a Chicken Caesar sandwich and the Ultimate Avocado BLT, along with an iced caramel latte. I’m sure anyone who sees me with two sandwiches all to myself will think I’m a pig, but I’m so hungry that I don’t care. I don’t know these people, so they can believe whatever they like.
With my tray in hand, I take a seat at one of the few available tables near the front window of the coffee shop. There’s music playing softly over speakers in the ceiling, and I find myself bobbing my head as I listen along and take a big bite. Wow, the avocado hits the spot with its creamy, subtle flavors, while the roast chicken is so juicy that liquid spurts all over my tongue. This is incredibly delicious and I literally moan a bit with satisfaction.