A Million Reasons

Elisa found herself back on the street corner two nights later. This time the friendly banter between the women wasn't enough to hold her attention.

Her thoughts drifted back to Fox's proposal. She was torn between being flattered and offended by the red heads offer.


Elisa had considered going to the castle to confront Fox but decided against it.

The prospect of running into Goliath or one of the other clan members wasn't something she was prepared for right now.


Several weeks ago Goliath informed her that a special gargoyle council had been formed.

Someone, Elisa suspected Demona, had warned the other clan leaders that Goliath had taken a human mate.

To Elisa's dismay many of the leaders objected to their union. The council was going to meet in Arizona to decide if she and Goliath could remain a couple.


Goliath agreed to their demands without consulting Elisa. She was hurt and angry that he hadn't stood up to the council.

Elisa realized after her encounter with Fox that she was lonely.

For the past few months she'd thrown herself into her work cutting off all ties with the clan. It would be easier to let go now.


If Goliath wouldn't stand up for her now, before the council made a decision, he wouldn't stand up for her if they voted to end their relationship.


"Anybody seen Cherrie? It's not like her to be missing two nights in a row." Elisa snapped out of her mental fog.


"Yeah that man of her's usually has her out here at the crack of dawn." Someone added.

"I keep tellin' ya'll ho's to stay away from those crazy ass pimps." Big Mama said.

"If they ain't takin' all yah money, they bettin' yah ass." Elisa couldn't agree more with the busty woman.

"Who was she last seen with? Her boyfriend or a date?" Elisa asked. All the women fell silent.


Elisa's instincts told her they knew something. If she pressed for more information, she'd raise their suspicions.


"Wherever she is I hope she's getting paid cause nothings going on out here tonight." Elisa said looking up and down the street.


"That's right baby. Don't matter if you a housewife or a ho. If you gotta lay on your back, make sure your paper is stack." Big Mama stated. The women laughed the atmosphere lightening.

A white town car pulled up in front of them. It idled for a few minutes before the driver got out.

The chauffeur from two nights ago approached Elisa. He tipped his hat in Big Mama's direction.


The hooker blew him a kiss. "The lady in the car would like to speak with you." He said in a quiet voice. Elisa could feel the other women watching them. It would look odd if she refused to go.

The driver leaned in making sure he wasn't overheard. "She wishes to apologize for the other night." He whispered. "She is alone." He added.


Elisa nodded shouldering her purse. She walked to the passenger side door.

A pair of long legs were exposed when the driver opened the door.


The women whistled at the sexy display.

"If you need toys, there's an adult book store right around the corner." Someone yelled. Elisa could feel herself blushing.


"Salli's a pro she don't need toys. Make that uptown girl scream your name. We wanna hear it all the way down here. Salllllliiii!" Big Mama shouted.

Elisa could hear their laughter even after the car door closed. "Oh my God," Elisa muttered.

She finally looked up to see Fox grinning at her.

"They have a great deal of faith in your talents. Unfortunately that isn't what I want to talk to you about." Fox said.

Elisa held up a hand to stop Fox. She unzipped her purse pulling out her police radio.


"Matt, come in." Elisa stated. Seconds later Matt responded.

"You okay?" He asked. She smiled at the concern in his voice. "I'm fine. Why don't we call it a night. Send everybody home."


She could hear the other officers cheer in the background.


"Who are you with?" Matt asked. Elisa looked over at Fox not certain what she would call her.


"I'm with a friend she's going to drop me off." Elisa's answer seemed to please Fox.

The red head nodded in silent agreement.


"Ummmm Elisa I need to make sure your alright. Have the driver pull over and I'll come to the car." Matt instructed.


After he was satisfied she was okay he let them go.

Her partner was surprised to see who Elisa was with.


Matt stammered out an awkward goodnight before letting them go.


"Would you have a drink with me?" Fox asked the silent woman.

Elisa lifted her head from the back of the seat. The lights from the many billboards casting shadows over Fox's face.


"Yes," Elisa answered not wanting to go back to her empty apartment.


Elisa looked out the tinted windows of the car focusing on the scenary that passed by.


She heard Fox speaking to the driver through an intercom.


The brunette wasn't sure how much time went by before the car came to a smooth stop in front of the Four Seasons Hotel.


"I'm sure they have a dress code. I don't think I could make it past the front door." Elisa stated looking down at the burgundy dress she wore.


It was the same as the black one only the color was different.


Fox picked up a white mink next to her. She held it open for Elisa to slip into.


"You can put this on." Fox suggested.

Elisa unzipped her bomber revealing toned arms and slender shoulders. She could feel Fox watching her as she removed the jacket.


Elisa hadn't worn a bra because of the halter style of the dress.

The cool night air had hardened her nipples.

The swollen nubs pressed against the thin fabric of the dress "You look beautiful." Fox whispered. "I doubt anyone would turn you away from their dooorstep."


The chauffeur opened the door flooding the interior of the car with light. He helped each woman out of the backseat.


Fox placed a hand on the small of Elisa's back maneuvering her inside.

Heads turned as the two women made their way to the front desk.

Elisa looked around the hotel in awe. It was one of the oldest landmarks in the city and its reputation for extravagance was legendary.

"Send up a bottle of Krug Clos du Mesnil." Fox requested. The registration clerk keyed in the order along with Fox's credit card number.

"What year Madam?" He asked.

"I'd prefer 95. Nothing earlier than 90." Fox stated.


It only took seconds for a receipt to print out. The clerk looked between both women an unreadable expression on his face. He handed Fox a key card. "Enjoy your evening ladies." He said.


(tbc)