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

If You Were Roofied, I'd Come Get You

You can touch it! It looks hard but it's not, everyone always thinks it's hard!
All signs point south at this point, there is no way I'm getting out of this night without first enjoying the downhill slide it was taking.

I'll take you to the beginning of this story. AA has miss scheduled and no longer has a event to attend this night, I call just in time to find all this out. I was in the mood for a drink or two, who better to join me than someone with no plans. She was not very easy to get out of the house, it took lots of convincing and in the end a guilt trip always seems to work. That and a small deal of me picking her up and driving her for the rest of the night, since I was going there anyways. I dress casual thinking a couple of drinks and home again, I have a couple of places I want to stop by but nothing too crazy.

She hops in the car and describes a possible plan B option; Meet her friend and his guests have a drink then back to my plan. It was in the direction we were going and they were waiting for us, so I couldn't really say no. We arrive after a few intros, we are informed that there is a larger group to meet in the City. I am hesitate but leave the decision up to AA, after all I did beg her to come out. A quick shot and we're on our way to Mate` in Georgetown, front row parking a good sign. Out of the car and right in, Mate is a Sushi restaurant and lounge close to the park and water of Georgetown. It boast unique rolls, signature drinks and great happy hour specials. In the evening it turns into a lounge complete with DJ, there are lots of tables so its a good place to get together and talk with friends, also the lack of cover makes it all the better. AA friend scans the crown in search of his friends, nowhere to be found. We order our drinks and from a quick phone call find out the group has already moved on to another venue. Again the decision is left up to AA, my only stipulation that I am not paying a cover at the next location.

New destination, Josephines (cover $20 for guys and girls a like) unless you buy a table. We park in the worlds smallest spot, then walk down the longest alley of my life. Once at the door our new friend is confronted with $80 worth of covers, he was warned that all there is to it. Josephines is a new this past summer to the Vermont Ave & K Street area, it boast the most exclusive club but only because you'll not find many people shelling out $20 to walk through a door with so many choices right around the corner. With bright Red Damask print on the pillars, over abundance of table and two bars there is a lot of space. The group we're meeting is at a table in the sunken in section complete with Gogo dancer on your way down the stairs ::great ass, I'm not afraid to comment::
As we make our way to the table, AA and I are stopped twice at other tables. Seems tonight was a popular night to be out, and since it is a rare occasion to see AA out and about everyone needs some face time. Drink and quick dance at this table, drink and kisses on the cheek at that table, finally back to the new table for what else a drink with some meet and greet. As I look around I relies that the 'Clubbers Elite' are out, Clubber is another work for Lifer, people who loved clubbing when they were younger and now have the money to really club how they want since they're older. People 'staples' of clubs you see them everywhere...I suppose on night like this its good to have a few friends here and there.
The night goes by rather quickly, couple rounds of drinks and lots of dancing to what seemed like the highlights of Old School House, perfectly fitting the crowd. As I take a look around, the most perfect gay man Voguing on the dance floor caught my eye. Later we would meet by chance in the restroom, he would ask about my ethnicity and I would return the inquiry, then we would both comment on how gorgeous each other were and I would compliment on his perfect hair. Then the line of the night is born...

"You can touch it! Everyone thinks it's hard but it's not!"

With that we have a conversation about his elite facebook club and how I should so join. My night is soo done I can home happy as a clam after this ::My obsession with a GBF is finally fulfilled:: But of course the night doesn't end there it goes on and on and on. I leave the restroom with my new GBF and we dance until I'm prompted for another group shot, where I notice AA is looking a little...well intoxicated. I ask her if she is ok and with a nod she turned and made way for the closest porcelain pony. I have a thought to get our coats before following her, since clearly we'll be leaving now. Once in the bathroom I have to wrestle her off the floor and tell her to pull herself together. Your walking out of here! I am not carrying your ass! Heartless, maybe a little but she would have done the same for me. Finally, I get her out of the bathroom, but only to find that she's gotten as far as a couch and her friend is trying to coax her out of her child like pout. 'She can't walk.' She's fine, she's walking because no one is going to carry her. 'What's wrong with you? She can't walk' Are you going to carry her? I didn't think so. With a huff he stormed off ::nice friend:: So I look AA in the eyes and tell her to put her coat on because we're leaving. She hops up, puts her coat on and is up the stairs in no time ::that's my girl:: We make it to the car with only stopping once for her to chuck, once in the car we're on our way. She makes me pull over once, with no results so I tell her she holds everything until we're back at my house.

Two signals from my house we're on the side of the road again, but only because AA has opened the door while the car was moving. I look in the rearview mirror and blue light confetti explodes everywhere ::just my luck::

I role down the window and turn to threaten AA to act somewhat sober, by telling her that we're going to jail. She bites back something along the lines of I'm not going to jail, I return with if I'm going to jail so are you whore. By the time I turn back around a female patrol officer has both elbows perched on my window, 'How's it going?'. Good, good. 'Friend having a little trouble?' Um, yeah had to go pick her up, my house is two lights away... 'Have a bag in the car?' Uh, yes. 'Why don't you give that to her.' Ok. 'Good luck getting her home.'
With that she walks away. Yes, you just read that right, she walked away without another word. My first drunken thought, is this a trick? Are there more of her friends down the road waiting to pull me over? Whats happening. She drives past us and waves to me. I think to myself what is the safest way out of this, and then a more prominent thought pops into my head DRIVE WOMAN DRIVE! Parked at last, AA falls out of the passenger seat and is stumbling up the stairs as I pass her for my urgent need to pee. Get her in, undressed, and in a bed with trashcan close by. I'm ready for a bedtime snack of fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and a nice long slumber. Hope this one doesn't hurt too much in the morning.
In the morning over hang-over coffee and croissants, AA asks me how I got her out and then declares that she not doing that again for along time. When she looks to me with an expectation of an answer I simply state, I'm one of your best friends...If you were Roofied, I'd come get you. Just like when you're smashed, I'll get you home. She sticks her tongue out at me and I laugh while I tell her that she has to come with me to my hair appointment before she can go home.

These are the stories we won't tell our children, but definitly make our friendship stronger.

-n