The young woman lies motionless on the oversize bed, its six walnut feet buried deep in an antique Persian rug surrounded by walls beautifully covered in brocade fabric. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, unlit in the early morning hours. At her feet is an Italian silk comforter, carelessly thrown back in reverence of summer.
A sudden gust raises the curtain, allowing the morning sun to shoot through the briefly opened aperture. A capsule of sunlight briefly illuminates her slender hand, held willingly hostage between shapely and well tanned inner thighs. Cast in alternate light and shadow, her knees straighten slightly, while farther up the exquisite nude body, disheveled copper-colored hair spills across the satin pillow.
The alarm begins its annoying buzz and she groans, rolling over to hit the snooze. She pushes the hair from her face and squints at the clock. It can't be time to get up yet. Grumbling, she rises from the haven of her bed and pads naked to the bathroom for a quick shower.
She emerges from the steamy bathroom wrapped in a thick towel. She moves to the kitchen and fetches a cup of aromatic coffee and returns to her bedroom to dress for the day. Tossing the towel aside, she quickly brushes her long copper-colored hair and slips on a simple black lace bra and panty.
Standing in front of her closet, she first chooses a mid-length skirt and blue blouse before deciding on a pair of smart black velvet heels. Surveying herself in a full-length mirror, she adjusts her hair until she is satisfied with her appearance.
On the way out, she grabs her purse, checking to see that her cell phone is in its assigned pocket, and her keys. She steps outside, into the warm sunlight, locking the door behind her.
She drives the short 3 miles to her office, the trip uneventful as always. She sighs, wishing her life had more excitement. Her friends led exciting lives, she thought to herself. Why can't I?
The first half of her workday goes by fast and lunchtime approaches. She and her two best friends, Lila and Nick, always have lunch together at a little restaurant called Gaston's. She saves her files on the computer and grabbing her purse, she heads to Gaston's.
Her friends are already there when she arrives and the waiter quickly shows her to the table. A quick round of hugs and they all sit, perusing the menu.
"How's work today, Jess?" Lila asks.
"Oh, the same old, same old."
"Yeah, I know that feeling," Nick laughs.
Jessica smiles at them, deciding how to word her question. "Guys, I have to ask you something."
"Shoot," they say in unison.
Jess blushes slightly, "Do you think I'm, uptight?"
"No!" Lila quickly protests.
"Come on, Lila, be honest."
"Well," Nick starts, "you are a bit on the conservative side."
"Great," Jess mutters, hanging her head, "just what I thought, I'm a stick-in-the-mud."
Nick laughs, "No, Jess, you are far from that. You just haven't quite learned how to leave the work you at work and let the real you out to play."
Lila nods. "Exactly! Hey, Nick and I are going clubbing tonight, why don't you come along?"
Jess starts to protest but changes her mind. "Ok, sounds like fun. How about you pick me up about 7?"
"Great! It's settled then. Let's order." Nick motions their waiter over.
After placing their orders, Lila says, "Hey, Jess, when was the last time you went clubbing?"
Jess blushes again, "College. Why?"
Lila giggles, "Then I think I'll come over about 6 and help you pick out an outfit. I'll bring some of my clubbing clothes as well."
