Not wanting Shane to know exactly how she felt, or what business she had with Sherry, she quickly broadcast strong suggestion into Sherry’s head. I’m your friend. We know each other through mutual friends. Sherry noticed her, and walked towards her with Shane in tow.
“Hi, Perri. I want you to meet my friend. Perri, this is Shane Logan.”
A large knot formed in her stomach, accompanied by nervous butterflies; she had to muster all her strength to keep herself from trembling. Her hand went towards him, and he, being a gentleman, took hers and shook it.
“Hi, Shane. Nice to see you again.”
Sherry looked at Shane and said, “Shane, this is Perri Loliyekar. We know each other through mutual friends.
Still holding her hand, Shane looked at Sherry and said, “We’ve met, Sherry.” Turning to Perri, he said, “Hi, Perri; good to see you again as well; the pleasure is all mine.”
As she beheld him, those blue eyes of his mesmerized her. Her body temperature crept up little by little, until her face was bright red. Moreover, she felt something she had never experienced before: that infamous green monster called jealousy. She didn’t want Shane to be seeing anyone else, but she had to let it go.
“I’m sorry, but I need some fresh air. It’s rather warm in here.” One more look at Shane, and a loud, pounding heart joined the body heat in making her dizzy. “It was nice seeing you again, Shane,” she managed. “Maybe we’ll see each other again.” She turned to Sherry, and said, “Have fun, sweetie. You have a very handsome friend.” One final look at Shane, which only added to her feeling like she was losing control, and she walked away, ducked into a Women’s room in the lobby, and amazed herself as she broke into tears. After calming herself she changed to Poisonous and flew back to the condo.
As she walked in the door, and headed toward her room, Evie called out. “Hey, Poisonous! What’s going on?”
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, she walked into the living room, dreading yet another inquisition. “Well,” she answered, “I’ve just had a business meeting with one of my employees. We dined at a very expensive restaurant, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Evie’s blue eagle-eyes zeroed in on her. “Poisonous, you’re shaking. Are you alright?”
“I guess, I got overheated in the hotel where another employee was working. It was hot in there, and I guess my body is still trying to cool off.”
“I’ve never known you to worry about heat; either in temperature, food, or sex. I’d say you saw someone who you are very attracted to.” As a grin grew on Evie’s face, she added, “and I’ll bet it was Shane Logan. He’s the only person that you find very irresistible.”
“You know, Evie. First, I don’t know where you come up with such ridiculous notions. Second, I don’t appreciate you making me an object of your humor. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m returning to my room.” She walked away, not looking back, although she heard Evie praying for her heart; specifically that it would break, and that she would literally see the Light. Bracing for the worst, she put on her night clothes and lay in her bed. As Evie prayed, the feelings in her heart bounced around from joy and happiness to a heavy sadness. In addition, Evie’s prayers convicted her. Perhaps she should change her ways.
“I don’t know how to take this. I’m so attracted to Shane Logan it overwhelms me. I’ve got to find a way to get him out of my heart.” That goal, however, wasn’t going to be realized tonight. More and more thoughts of Shane flitted through the meadow of her mind like butterflies, until emotion so overtook her that she broke down and cried.
* * *
Friday, September 12th
The morning sun arose, and peeked through her window, rousing Poisonous out of a fitful sleep. Shane had haunted all her dreams: he had pursued her, and she had pushed him away. Finally, she had started crying in her dream. I love you Shane…but we can’t be. I’m evil, and I have made you a womanizer. We just can’t have this kind of relationship. Then, he had cornered her, and kissed her passionately, which led to them making love—not sex—and she felt even more attracted to him.
Now fully awake, throwing off the covers, she arose from the bed, and realized her night clothes were sticking to her. Sweat drenched her entire body, to the point where she had to discard her soaking wet night clothes, and take a shower. As the hot water flowed down upon her, she made up her mind that the only way to get Shane out of her mind was to have find someone else: no real love need be involved; just attraction. After that, she would see what would happen. The first person that came to mind was Sam Bittenbeidter. It made sense. A gentleman treating her like a lady appealed to her. No matter how evil her heart, she also had pride. She appreciated any man who took the time to see more in her than just her body; to see and think of her as a woman—a lady, in fact. Roger Bonilla came to mind immediately. “Thank you Roger, for making my stay on Earth so very enjoyable and lucrative.”
The card Sam had given her sat upon her desk. She put on her outfit for the day, went to the kitchen and not being much of a cook, made herself a rudimentary breakfast of some cereal and some cherry-flavored toaster pastries. A glass of
