Whatever is in the Way IS the Way

[continued...]
I spent the next day relaxing at the pool party soaking in the sun at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. It was definitely the place to be during the afternoon. I didn’t know anyone there...it was just me, my manager and 400 other attractive people. It was the pool parties that you’d see in movies like American Pie with a healthy girl to guy ratio. I met this guy, Freddy. He initially broke the ice by asking me for some workout tips. His hair was spiked up 5 inches high with the tips that looked so sharp that he could use it for self defence if he ever got mugged. He was a cool guy nonetheless. He bought me a drink and introduced me to his friends which all happen to be girls. They were all playboy bunnies, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, girls of that nature. While I was having a conversation with them, I was expecting some dude to pounce on me or give me a glaring “fuck off! This girl is mine” look but luckily it didn’t happen. I sat down comfortably on my patio chair with him and his 8 other girls beside the pool. Aside from their good looks, his girls were really well-read, travelled and can hold an intelligent conversation. One of the girls in particular, Stacy and I really hit it off. We didn’t have much in common, however that made it all the more interesting. She’s a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model aspiring to become a nurse. We talked for hours and before we parted ways the ladies and Fred invited me to join them for the night at LAX Nightclub. Looks like we’re in for a lot of fun tonight...
If you ever go to Las Vegas and you get invited to LAX, you HAVE to go. It’s lavish and sophisticated with unrivalled decor, huge oversized mirrors and shimmering chandeliers, creating a modern and luxurious feel throughout the venue. The staff and bouncers really assist in creating the feel that you are of celebrity status. Unlike Toronto, people are more open and friendly. They are able to let lose a lot more, be themselves or be the devil for the night. Stacy kept me busy all night. The night was going perfect...too perfect. Stacy placed her hand softly in mine and led to me to my hotel room. Upstairs, we collapsed onto the bed. It seemed pretty obvious where all this was leading to. So obvious that I saw her begin to get nervous for the first time. I told her a story to calm her down.
The story was not my own of course. It’s about a man and a woman who randomly pass each other on the street one day. They both immediately get the intuition that the other is 100% “the one” for them. And they muster up enough courage to speak to each other. Everything was going well and perfect but a sliver of doubt creeps into their hearts because it’s too good to be true almost. So, to ensure that they were meant to be, they decided to part ways without exchanging contact information and let fate decide. If they run into each other again down the road, then they will know that it’s destiny for them to be together. However, as years pass without them being acquainted with one another again, they eventually date other people who are not their true love. Many years later, they finally pass by each other on the street again, but too much time has gone by and they don’t recognize each other anymore.
“You see,” I told Stacy. “They were lucky that fate allowed them to find each other once. When they both doubting it, it was like tearing up a winning lottery ticket and waiting for another one just to make sure they were really meant to win.”
There was silence between us but not an awkward silence. I could tell the metaphor sunk in. We slept in the same bed that night.
In the morning, I laid on the bed half awake with one eye half opened. She kissed me goodbye and we promised that we’d find each other later since we were hanging out at the same spots in Vegas anyway; we are bound to run into each other again and there wasn’t a need to exchange numbers.
During the day, my mind and body were craving for a workout. I wanted keep my boxing skills sharp. So I paid a visit to the IBA boxing gym for a training session. This is the place where many champions train at in preparation for big fights in Las Vegas. I love going to different places, meeting and training with different people from all walks of life; bringing together diverse ideas and skill sets. Ultimately I love to be around those who have a passion for what they do. At the IBA gym today was IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Steve Cunningham. He was training to defend his world title in February in Europe. He was an athletic specimen...you can’t see a single ounce of fat on him. He was chiselled like the statues of the Greek Gods. We sparred but his 6’3” frame and his 82” reach kept me at bay. He forced me outside where he picked me apart with jabs. He really got the better of me. People can say they’ve met world champions but now I can say I sparred with world champions. It was an honour to spar him and there’s a lot to learn from him even outside the square 4-sided ring. There's no macho swaggering from him. Each day, he seems enchanted by the wonder of the road he has traveled. He goes to great lengths to avoid disappointing anyone yet he came from poor humble beginnings. The ability to fight for survival was ingrained in him as a child. In the ring, he attacks with savage fury. He has achieved greatness as a fighter. But unlike many superstars who rise from poverty to glorious heights, Steve is appreciative of those who helped him along the way and truly grateful for what he has now. His presence is uplifting and he brings an aura of good will.
After training was done, I was in my hotel room looking over the Las Vegas strip. The bright lights almost promised a night of fun and excitement. But I wanted to avoid the big parties or crowded bars and clubs, at least just for tonight. I got in the cab and went to Red Rock Hotel and Casino Resort, just off of the strip. It’s a calmer place to kick back and relax yet still having the sophisticated Las Vegas feel to it. It was very dreamy there. I was quickly seduced by the strong alcohol and hallucinatory music at the banquet hall that was turned into an upscale bar for tonight. As I order another Corona, a woman’s voice to my right asked, “Hey, where’re you from?”
I turned around to see a lightly freckled girl with gingered long hair dressed a pink dress that hugged tightly around her body. She was pretty good looking.
Our conversation quickly turned to stories of sexual adventures and she began talking about an orgy she had recently experienced. It soon became clear that the intent of the story was not just to share but it arouse.
It worked.
She puts her arms around me and pulls me in closer. She leans in for a kiss but suddenly a woman taps her on the shoulder. I pulled back to see Stacy standing there.
“We’re leaving the club now,” she told the girl coldly. “You coming with us?”
“Yeah.” The girl said, grabbing her purse off the counter. Then, to me: “Sorry, my friend’s usually not this rude. Nice meeting you.”
It all happened so fast and unexpectly that I didn’t have time to explain myself to Stacy. I had no idea she’d been in the bar the whole time, just as she had no idea I was there...until she saw me making out with her friend…well not exactly making out but about to get caught in the act. I suppose there was nothing I could say to her anyway, other than she was right when she said that meeting me was too good to be true. I’d already hurt her.
I walked back to my hotel room; I took the long way…taking every step to reflect on what just happened. I always try to be a man of integrity but I fell short this time. As I opened the door to my hotel room, I noticed a box of chocolate on the bedside table. I guess Stacy left it behind for me. Damn, it made me feel even worst. I was disappointed in my susceptibility to my lower impulses, of the fact that it was I and not her who so recklessly tore up the lottery ticket we’d been given.
The next day, I got a call from Freddy. “There’s a sick party…I mean SICK bro!” He proclaimed. “You gotta come check it out!” The tone and sound of his voice was really convincing.
“Did you hear anything from Stacy?” I asked.
“No…why? I thought you were hooking up with her bro.”
“I’ll explain later.” I got ready and went to the lobby to the passenger pickup area where he was already there waiting for me. He was rocking a pink sombrero to match his colourful personality, I guess but I was more impressed by his black Mercedes SL 63 AMG convertible with matching rims. I told him what happened with me and Stacy and I apologized for it because Freddy was the one who introduced her to me. It was also his personal friend too.
“Don’t worry bout it bro,” he said as he shifted gears. “Shit happens right, you know better for next time...” There was silence between us for a bit, just the sound of the wind as he accelerates. “Don’t worry, she ain’t coming to the party today. So just stay positive and have fun. It’s your last day in Vegas ain’t it?”
“Yeah.” I said under my breath.
We parked underground at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. It’s the place where historic events in combat sports have taken place. I’d like to compete at MGM Grand Garden Arena one day myself. It would definitely be one of my greatest achievements.
The event we were going to was Wet Republic. It was the ultimate ultra pool party with the ambiance of South Beach combined with a seductively modern vibe. They had two huge salt water pools and this was by far the biggest pool party I’ve been to yet. Freddy seemed like he knew almost everyone at the pool party and he was introducing me to all these beautiful women, models, actress and high profile/successful people; making me almost forget about Stacy and the whole incident.
“Every girl goes around wanting to be treated like a princess,
but I don't need someone to do that…I want a partner in crime," says one girl with a flirty wink as she applies her lip gloss on.
Another girl tells me, “I’m not special…I’m just limited edition,” with a devious smile.
We all have the same mindset here; we enjoy the outdoors a lot more than late night bars and clubs. Instead of the drunk guy dancing on the dance floor, we were keeping it classy here, soaking up the sun sipping cocktails.
For my final night in Las Vegas, I took it easy and headed down to Cleopatra's Barge lounge with some friends. It was a luxurious floating lounge at Caesars Palace. It was an ornate replica of the sturdy but graceful craft that transported the royalty of Egypt on the Nile River in the time of Julius Caesar. The view, décor and the beautiful and cheerful people made it quickly become very dreamy. People were very open and we were able to meet a lot of different from all over the world. In the corner of my eye, I saw a girl that resembled Stacy. I looked again and there she was standing there talking to her friends. I rubbed my eyes just to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.
I walked up and talked to her. She surprisingly was happy to see me; as if the whole incident never happened. My friends seemed pretty interested in talking with her friends. So as hours passed, eventually, it was just the two of us again.
She tells me she’s in a serious relationship. Yet we still get along perfectly.
“I’m sorry,” I finally say, “I’m sorry for making out with your friend. I was being stupid. I regretted it every day since.”
“You’re just a man,” She sighs.
“Are you saying my behaviour is excusable because of my gender or are you disappointed because I acted like a typical man?
“I guess both.” As she let out another sigh. I watch her lips sip her cranberry vodka drink. “I should’ve told you that I had a boyfriend when we met.”
“Is it the person you are with right now?”
“Yeah. But it’s not perfect...not true love.”
“Then why stay with him in the first place?”
“I guess...” She pauses, looks down to reflect, “It’s ‘cause it’s convenient love.”
An hour later, we find ourselves at the Luxor hotel where I’m staying.
She had a taste of some of my culinary skills and then, tired and tipsy, we fell asleep on the sofa.
When I woke up, she was gone. I search the living room, kitchen and bathroom for a note. There was none. The only memory of her in the room was the box of chocolate on the bedside table top. Once again, I have no way to reach her. For some odd reason, I have a feeling that’s the way she wanted it.
That was a few months ago. I’m back in Toronto now. I’ve been studying all night and there’s nothing to eat in the house to keep me going. I opened my cupboard and there it was, the box of chocolate that Stacy left behind while I was in Las Vegas. The candy has turned brittle from age, lost its shape and faded from brown to inedible gray. There is no point in keeping it anymore. It will only attract bugs.