Pole Temptation

She glances across the room with almost longing eyes, how she wishes she could throw all inhibition out the window and hop up on that platform.

Tonight I am running so early that I call ahead, to make sure there is a seat for me at one of my favorite spots. Circa is as popular for dinner as it is for cocktails around this time of the night, which equals quite the busy bar. I also place a call to Steve, give him the coordinates, schedule a pickup and give a brief plan for the night. As I walk down the street the sky is cloudy and white the way it gets when it's about to snow, but I knew there would be no snow tonight just the bitter bitter cold. I round the corner and through the large window that line half of the restaurant I see that the bar is quite busy, but that's okay better for people watching. I walk through heavy Red velvet curtains a new addition with the winter season, just in time to catch a corner seat at the bar.

Start the night with a glass of Sparkling Shiraz and mac n cheese between two strangers. The one to my left is a middle aged man, who clearly has food envy for my dinner. Finally he breaks down and ask if that is what the place is known for, I give him a puzzled look the mac n cheese? 'Yes.' I don't know if it's what this place is known for, but it's really good. I get mac n cheese every where and love theirs. Satisfied with my answer he decides that I don't need to eat the rest of my dinner in peace rather keep him entertained with answer any and all of his questions ::thank you tourist, you've ended my golden silence::

'I don't live here, I'm just here every weekend.'

Uh huh, the next line is something about having a favorite hotel I'm sure.

'I come to see my daughter.'

Nice, that doesn't make you any less creepy.

'So you seem to know people, do you come here often?'

No...no I don't.

'Well I think I'll come back, maybe even tomorrow.'

That's great you should.

'Are you gonna be here tomorrow?'

No...no I won't,

now finish your beer and get out of my face, you creepy, old, man/father, you're daughter should be ashamed about how creepy you come across.

Enter C to save my life, and really this guys, because that above line was a thought that came very close to becoming reality. As C enters a previously quite girl at the bar by herself has been woken up into a vibrant one who's laughing a lot. It doesn't take much when we're together, actually just a look can have us laughing for ten minutes straight. My drink switches to my new pre-dance the night away choice, Lattetini with a double shot of espresso. Gets me perfectly perky. C takes the bartenders suggestion and gets some crazy Lemonade drink, always experimenting that one. I give her the rundown of the agenda, nothing crazy pretty low key night, meet up with a small group of friends and their friends from out of the country and show 'em a good time, probably only one spot for the night. But we don't leave before we get our fix of well...all kinds of things, for C it's her take that bartender.

After a few 'where are you' phone calls, I explain to C that she gets to meet Steve, she's excited to say the least. As we leave a familiar face inquiries of where we're on our way to, I answer right out front we're waiting for Steve. As panic sends color up his neck I explain that Steve while not only being our new best friend is the ultimate hookup in the city...my driver. He give a honest laugh and says 'That is the last thing your ego needs!' ::ah, so true:: So we're on our way across town C meet Steve, Steve this is my very close and important friend C... She and I talk up a storm the whole way there and Steve puts his two cents in where ever he can fit, until C tries to get sneaky and get Steve's card. Now I'm all about Steve having lots of business and I would love C to use him, just not when I'm in town. And I mean that in the most caring way, but there is no fucking around here ::sweet smile reaches lips::

We hop out right in front, still amazed by the time we save by not looking for parking we scoot right up to the door, give our names, and of course my id gets such a serious look over that you would think I was applying for a job at the White House. That's cool I understand it's your job to check, but please don't ask me to smile in a mild attempt to hit on me, it's cold and these sexy boots are only keeping my legs so warm ::ass:: Once inside we are greeted by a steep set of red carpet lined steps, really stairs should never be in a club too many casualties to be experienced. On the other end of that thought, stairs always make the perfectly dramatic entrance, everyone gets first a glimpse of the shoes, then of course the legs, followed by perfectly sexy look and hair. What more could a girl ask for...maybe a little wind, spotlight, and the some slow motion to really bring the moment home.

Josephine's is all about expensive luxury and as I type those words is there any other kind? Lush fabrics on the couches, detailed textures on the wall and chandeliers adorn the ceiling. The club is broken almost into two separate clubs, the backroom bar has a HipHop DJ separate tables and really it's own vibe. Wanna do some dirty grinding? You'll have no problem finding it there. The main room and larger bar is more House music mixed with a little top forty, a main area of tables when you walk in, then a sunken in level of more tables, ample space to dance, people watch, and platforms complete with gogo dancers ::good ones too:: C and I make a round through the club, pass the bar and run into a few friends. A shot? Sure, why not! Now on to meet our table, we get there a bottle of ciroc has already been poured down about a quarter ::this is the type of night it's going to be:: All the guys know C but have had limited contact so the introductions are re-made and the festivities begin. We chat a little, make our drinks, and find out that the guys are on the prowl tonight. Inviting any girl who makes just the right kind of sexy eye contact to the table, which is quite entertaining to me. Especially when over my shoulder I catch C with her eye on someone already, let the games begin. My drinking is slower than usual, long night last night, but I can amuse myself just fine while the other enter vodkavision. The night goes as follows... M finds a table full of girls and makes nice with of course the bitchiest one, don't bring her over here she might meet my boot before she meets your goodies ::the b is the queen b:: HS is a equally dear friend that well I have to say is racist in the worst way, before him I had no concept of color, after...let's just say there was an after. His line to me is it's okay not only am I of color, but I racist against everyone. He is the poster child for 'single and ready to mingle', humoring all the girls he's in with the first giggle you let slip, a sneaky one that one. I'm glad I get to stay on the good hearted side of him, otherwise we would seriously hate each others guts. Dancing and taking pictures he stays close the table and the vodka, he and C should join DWTS as a pair with the moves I saw that night. C has the need to see what is going on in the shall we say more urban area of the club, we walk into a great song and can't help but bust into the middle of the dance floor, dance are butts off, then keep it moving, we've got things to see ::or something like that::
We make it back to the table and HS has managed to order another bottle and half of it is already gone, I'm confused to what has happened so what better way to figure it out than make myself another drink. I sit onto the couch exhausted from dancing and he looks at me, eyes hazed over and says 'we gotta finish this bottle'. Just as I get ready to explain how that is not going to happen, C pulls me off the couch spins me around and points all in one motion. Before I know it I'm faced with a woman who is too old, to be in a club wearing that outfit and on that pole. What?!
I ask a little more concerned that I'm missing the point 'look at her! I could do so much better, she's a mess!'
Oh yeah? I bet you could. Why don't you then?
You come with me.
Okay...let's go.
I want a front row seat to this show anyways, she grabs my had and leads me down the stairs to the platform right next to the gogo dancer. 'Look at her she is doing such a great job, I can't this.' An about face turn, up the stairs and we're back at our table. When I catch her looking over again, this time I'm standing and dancing with KindSalt&Pepper, she comes over and stands next to me. I look over knowing the look I would meet was one of determination, and of course we're down the stairs and at the base of the platform again.
Alright, hop up.
'I should right.'
Before I knew what was happening she was leading me back up the stairs, this time the bouncer that has been eyeing me up all night makes a comment 'Better stop distracting me by going up and down my stairs.' A polite smile reaches my lips, I don't think it's us using the stairs that's distracting you, because I'm pretty sure while I was over there sitting at my table you were just as distracted with us. ::next, get a better line:: We get back to the table and KindS&P has found a nice girl to dance with, recently re-released onto the market we're happy anytime he gets the chance to have some fun, so I pass by and snap a pic just in case he wants to remember in the morning. Back at the table C and I dance, make HS into a sandwich and laugh for a while. Until yep, there it was again the look, she goes to grab my hand and I move it away. If we go down there again you are getting on that pole. The serious look in my eye makes her think about it for half a second and then she's leading me back down the stairs and towards that oh so familiar platform. This time no one is up there perfect timing, I give her a push and tell her to go on up. She hesitates until some guys gives her just what she needed, at compliment and a shot. With that she was on the pole, knee high red boots, dress and all. I shout out woohoos and sexys here and there, people notice her right away and before you know it she has a little following, money could be in this night after all. The DJ hits the perfect stream of music and she dances and dances, tapped out she steps down into the waiting arms of quite the fan 'Need a drink?' He ask her, a whole new chapter to the night flashed before my eyes, followed directly of thought that we planned a early night and I interject we've got drinks thanks for the offer though. I navigate her through the crowd and back up the stairs, we take a much needed break on the couch and I notice this night is over. I observe C to see if she was feeling the same way or if it would be hard to get her out. With quite the content look I see this was definitely the end of the night, I place a quick call to Steve and we start to say our goodbyes. Hugs and kisses across the board, she and I make our way outside to where smokers are huddled under the heaters, we make our own space and one of the bouncers comes over to talk to C, 'Saw you inside.' he explains 'You have some great moves.' ::vomit, original material only please:: Steve pulls up with perfect timing, C and I just in.

I look over at her and can read all over her face, it was worth throwing caution to the wind and I can't help but agree. We have this one life - do it right.

-n

Photo of taken through out the night at various locals

Girls In The City

More often than not you see a group, we'll call that four or more of girls out in the city and it's always the same thing "Woooo hooo! Shots! Where doin' it up!" But if you really listen to the message it's 'Yes, there are only girls in our group, but we wish there were guys and hopefully we'll get picked up tonight.'

When did this happen?!
When did the time of women going out to have a chill time end?

Of course there is always the group that is attempting to have a 'Girls Night' that is always spoiled by some guys who insist that this is what you're out for ::Paper bag please::

We started our night at Circa in Dupont, the crowed is always pretty good, good looking at least. Even mix of guys and girls which is always a plus, there is nothing worst than walking into a big ol' sausage fest for girls or guys. Circa, relatively new to the Dupont scene, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. The bartenders are friendly, approachable and quick to remember a regular face. The restaurant itself not very large, but if you are lucky enough to snag a spot at the bar it is definitely worth it. Circa has a elaborate wine list with favorites such as Sparkling Shiraz and fun infused vodkas for their specialty cocktails. Large TVs adorn both main walls playing news, and sports during happy hour and correlating music videos later in the evening.

I'm greeted by one of the many favorite bartenders, this time instead of being late I arrive ahead of C he sees me and points to two seats in the middle of the bar ::my lucky night:: Another nice thing about a seat at the bar oppose to the middle table is the staff behind the bar doubles as a show. Hellos aside, everyone is interested in who I might be saving the seat for, their happy as long as its not a guy. I start with a Lattetini, might as well get my caffeine fix right away. To my left are a couple of guys kind of quite, my first thought is gay but who knows. If they are gay I'm immediately excited, maybe my search for a GBF is over?! To my right is a larger group of young people, they've been here for a while or maybe they're loud all the time who knows. C arrives after forty-five minutes of trying to park and one martini for me.

'Better catch up, it's no fun being tipsy alone.'

She starts with my normal trade mark of Sparkling Shiraz

::one try you're addicted::
and a specialty pizza, Chicken and Artichoke heart I believe. C, a vibrant and confident women takes the attention of the bar upon entrance and to my surprise the once assumed couple to my left takes notice as well. Who would have thought? Greetings are exchanged and possibly a shot, but let's not get hung up on details. We speak of DC vs. VA vs. MD, each claiming home town as our favorites. Out number by residence of the newly donned Blue state of VA wins the conversation. A surprisingly witty banter is exchanged, in which we all take part more or less. One of the guys could definitely be consider the 'quite' one, but that's not a problem the two of us speak enough for everyone. Our girls night plan was to start at Circa for a drink and move on, but as the lights are turned up and everyone is forced to shield their eyes we realize the night, at this location at least, is over.

So the logical next step, go home. ::never::

On my bright suggestion the group moves to another venue, a later night, much darker venue.

The Russia House, also in Dupont is the destination now. The guys go ahead of us, so we say our goodbyes. With lite objections from some, 'You're meeting up with those guys?'. The statement was really made with more surprise than anything, the normally unbreakable duo, meeting up? What was happening? We were bored, a boredom that doesn't come along all the time but when it does something better entertain us!

Our unlikely new friends are placed expectantly in a dark corner of the main floor bar. Russia House is a row house converted into a modern day Russian Mafia hang out. With a not to disappoint Vodka list and very authentic Russian staff, heavy dark drapes on the windows and heavy antique furniture to go with, you take a step back in time. This is also one of my favorite winter spots because all of the walls have fireplaces, cozy and dark what more could you want on a cold Dec night, oh yes the Vodka ::complete::

So my bold and beautiful C has picked quite guy, and boy has he risen to the occasion. By the time I order our drinks Starka on the rocks, his tongue has manged to get all the way down her throat. Guy number 1, looks to me 'Now I know why the waitress gave me such a weird look, we didn't order our Vodka straight.' Yup that's why, at the Russia house if you brave the Vodka list there is only one way to do it... We chat the night away, C is given a though oral check and I have had almost all the complements I can take on my favorite green stilettos.

Not keeping up with the others, my haze is not quite as thick and I see the need to end the night. C its late we should go, don't you think? When really I mean this guys is sooo boring lets find something different to play with. Panic reaches the guys faces, as we stand. We'll go too ::great:: As we step out of the Russia house we're met with a brisk fall night and somehow in that night C has decided to drop her new 'friend' off at his house. Which, of course leaves me to drop of friend number 1 at his house. You have never seen a better use of divide and conquer. As I use the whole walk to the car to convince her that his house is out of her way, she hops in her car and the famous last words of the night are...

'Don't worry I got this!'

My mind races for a way to stop this, but then the thought comes to me. She is a big girl and we were bored... Everyone deserves a pass. Luckily for me guy 1 lives a couple of blocks away and his sad attempt to find a reason that I should see his headboard don't have time to get worse. I stop the car oppose to parking it and say goodbye. One last attempt, 'I really enjoyed tonight, this was so much fun we should as least trade numbers.' Sure sounds great whats your number I will put it right in my phone, with all the other numbers that I don't plan on saving once you step out of my car. ::girls are so cruel:: Finally home, I call C to make sure her drop went as planned, of course not... 'What you're changing?! Changing into what?! He's there?!'. After that the drunken slurs were to much to sift through. I fall asleep...

Ugh, clock 9:30a no wait damn time change 8:30a must call C. I dial and hold my breath as I wait, she answers and the breath is let out into uncontrollable laughter. Are you alive?! A tandem question. I'm home and well behaved, what happened to you? I'll save the real grit and give the review. C took home 'quite guy' after lots of kissing they fell asleep, well she fell asleep. And it seems quite guy had a sweet streak, he got her a blanket, put a pillow under her head and tucked her in. Then left...well we don't really know what happened but he wasn't there.

We met later for lunch and the uncontrollable laughter continued, a night that well what can I say. Definitely blog worthy.

-n