Queen of the Nighttime World Part 3

Veronica rose from her chair with a start, her sunglasses shielding her widened eyes, and answered, "Oh my God! Tara? Is that you?"

"Yes, Veronica, it’s me." Tara responded smiling.

"I can’t believe it’s you! How are you?" Veronica exclaimed hugging her friend.

"I’m great. Andrew and I are here for a second honeymoon."

"Oh, cool! Are you guys enjoying yourselves?"

"Yes, we are. It’s nice going somewhere scenic and out of Texas for a change." Tara joked.

"I know what you mean. Are you still an editor at Markham?"

"Yes, I’ve been promoted to senior editor which means a pay raise."

"Congratulations! I know you’re doing a great job there."

"Thanks, Veronica. I take it you’re on vacation from Berkeley?"

"Yes, I am. I’m out here with my boyfriend."

"Really? Cool. Glad to know things are going well with you two."

"Thanks. It’s good seeing you, Tara. I miss hangin’ out with you like we did when we were MA students."

"Same here," Tara said looking at watch, "Well, I hate to run, but Andrew’s waiting for me. It was great running into you. I’ll e-mail you when we get back to Texas."

"All right, Tara. Enjoy the rest of your vacation. Bye!"

"Bye!"

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Paul and Gene sat in the hotel room of the former talking after eating their lunches consisting of salad and grilled chicken for Paul and steak and mashed potatoes for Gene. The remnants of their meal remained on the table as the two reclined in their chairs talking about the tour as well as Terri and Veronica.

"What’s Terri doing?" Paul asked as he cleared the table of their finished meals and discarded the trash.

"Oh, she’s at a coffeehouse reading and working on her new script. She wanted to take a brief getaway. What about Veronica?"

"She’s walking along the beach taking some ‘Veronica time’ as she calls it." Paul answered reseating himself.

Gene grinned and replied, "Really? Makes sense because from what I heard last night, it sounds like you got in a lot of Veronica time."

"What do you mean? You’re right, but how did you know?" Paul asked knowing their penthouse-like room was soundproof making it impossible for Gene and Terri to hear anything in their own room situated on the same floor, but quite a distance away.

"Terri and I could hear both of you screaming and moaning all the way down the hall in our room! What were you guys doing to each other," Gene inquired, "I mean, I know what you were doing, but what method to cause all of that loud screaming?"

"You mean you heard us all the way down the hall!" Paul exclaimed in surprise, "I’ll have to tell Veronica. She’ll get a kick outta that."

"So are you gonna answer my question or keep me guessing?" Gene asked.

"Okay, well the night started…" Paul responded recounting the events of the night to Gene.

"Massage oil. Nice touch. I can see Veronica’s creativity extends to sex as well," Gene remarked then joked, "I’m impressed, but not surprised since she’s a fellow intellectual and we all know they make the best lovers."

Gene, noticing Paul’s face fall at the joke, questioned, "Hey man I was only kidding. What’s wrong?"

"I know you were kidding. I just worry sometimes about Veronica and me."

"Oh? Trouble in paradise?"

"No, it’s nothing like that. Things couldn’t be better. We’re happy."

"Okay. I’m not following. If you’re so happy, then why do you look so sad?"

"Well, it’s just that she’s an intellectual. Don’t get me wrong. I love that about her. It’s just that, well, she can relate to everyone on that level but me." Paul sadly answered.

"What do you mean?" asked Gene.

"Okay. She can talk with Terri about feminist issues, have literary discussions with you, but where do I fit into this? I don’t and I’m so worried she’s going to get bored if she’s not bored already and just humoring me." Paul explained.

"Paul, what are you talking about? First of all, Veronica is not about to bullshit you. If she were bored, you’d definitely know it without a doubt. Secondly, yes she can talk to Terri about feminism and politics and yes, she can talk to me about literature, but you and she always talk on an intellectual level. If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it the two of you who were talking about sexual imagery in the Beatles song "Happiness is a Warm Gun"? I also seem to recall you guys engaging in a discussion trying to ascertain the meanings of "Within You Without You" on the Sergeant Pepper album and in that same conversation, talking about the masturbation themes in Madonna’s, "Get Into the Groove"? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe those classify as intellectual conversations. Just because they’re not about politics or literature, doesn’t make them any less intellectual, Paul." Gene explained.

"You know. You’re right. I hadn’t thought of that, Gene. We do have intellectual conversations." Paul exclaimed.

"Are you feeling better now, man?"

"Yes, much. Thanks for knocking some sense into me."

"You’re most welcome." Gene said.

Paul and Gene heard the door open and Veronica saying, "Paul? Are you here?"

"In here, babe." Paul answered.

Veronica walked into the room and greeted, "Hi, Paul," hugging him then standing next to him with his arm on her waist and Paul greeted her in turn, "Hey, Gene. How are ya?"

"Good. How was your walk?"

"It was good and interesting."

"How was it interesting?" Paul asked wondering what sort of adventures she encountered at the beach.

"It was so funny. I was recognized as your girlfriend!" Veronica exclaimed.

"Really? Did it go all right or do I have to clean up any messes from the bones you broke?" Paul joked.

"No, it was cool." Veronica responded then told Gene and Paul about the fans reactions to her and running into her friend, Tara.

The three laughed when Veronica finished her story. "I thought you’d get a kick out of all of that, Paul."

"Yeah, that’s pretty funny. Speaking of interesting stories, I have one for you."

"Really? What?"

"Gene and Terri heard us having sex last night!" Paul exclaimed eagerly awaiting her reaction to that news.

"Bullshit!," Veronica exclaimed then turned to Gene, "Are you serious? You heard us all the way from the end of the hall!"

"I swear to God." Gene answered calmly with a grin.

Turning to Paul Veronica exclaimed, "That is so fucking cool! We rock!"

Paul and Gene laughed in response as Veronica asked, "Gene, did we bother you and/or Terri?" Veronica basically predicted Gene’s response when he said, "Bothered? That’s not quite the word I’d use. We wanted to watch and emulate!"

"Figures. Just thought I’d ask in case hell had frozen over and you were actually offended." Veronica answered laughing with Paul and Gene.

Gene rose from the table and said, "Well, I’m gonna head out now. Terri’s probably back by now, too. See you guys later."

"All right. Tell her hello for me. Bye Gene!"

"Later, Gene." Paul answered.

"Bye!"

"Well, I need to get out of this bathing suit. Did you plan anything special for us tonight?" Veronica asked removing her sarong.

"I thought we’d eat dinner and check out the hotel entertainment outside by the pool. I think they’re having a contest of sorts. Or would you rather do something else?"

"No, that sounds like fun! Is this just an excuse to get me to wear a bathing suit all day?" Veronica flirted.

"Well, that is one of the fringe benefits. You won’t be alone, though. I’ll be wearing one, too." Paul flirted touching her arm.

"Mmmmm. Even better. Right now, though, I need to eat. I know you and Gene just ate so I’ll order some room service for me." Veronica said sitting on the bed to make her call.

"Are you going to order that rich food you like so much?" Paul asked teasing her.

"Yes, I am. I don’t eat rabbit food like some people I know whom I won’t mention…."

"Hey, there’s nothing wrong with eating healthy!" Paul exclaimed with mock aggravation.

"For you maybe, but the only healthy thing that goes into my body is you!" Veronica joked.

Paul smiled and sat next to her on the bed, "I see. I’m sure the AMA wouldn’t see the harm in that. I know I don’t."

The two laughed then spent the afternoon after Veronica ate her lunch relaxing by watching movies together before the dinner and evening hotel activities…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"This one’s available, Paul." Veronica said pointing to a nearby table. She and Paul seated themselves at a table by the pool area of their hotel anxiously awaiting the entertainment for the evening. Tables with umbrellas surrounded the pool as hotel guests packed the area to see and perhaps participate in the evening’s activities. The guests adhered to the hotel poolside attire of bathing suits and comfortable shoes, including Veronica and Paul. Veronica wore a two-piece leopard print bikini, the top a halter and the bottoms regular cut while Paul wore a black bathing suit each of them wearing their hair down and their usual jewelry. They noticed a table diagonal to the left with a group of three men and three women aged in their late teens to early twenties who were obviously college students on summer vacation.

"I wonder when they’re going to announce the next contest and start it." Veronica wondered after half an hour of sitting.

"I’m sure they’ll announce it soon. Just take it easy." Paul answered.

"But I want to know now. Don’t these people realize the universe revolves around me?" Veronica joked.

"I guess I’m the only one who received the memo the day you became Queen of the Universe." Paul joked back grinning placing his arm on the back of Veronica’s chair.

"Then I guess we’re the only smart, informed ones here." Veronica said laughing.

Paul laughed at her joke, nudged her observing, "Hey, I think your wish is about to be granted."

Veronica diverted her gaze to the stage where a young woman approached the microphone welcoming the guests and announcing the upcoming contest as karaoke and the prize for the winner as a bottle of expensive champagne.

"Do I have any volunteers?" the woman asked. People began raising their hands including a young man at the table seating the college students, aged around 20, who waved his hand high and determined in the air, wanting to win the bottle of champagne.

"That sounds like fun!" Veronica exclaimed to Paul.

"Why don’t you enter?"

"I don’t think I will, this time." Veronica answered.

Paul gasped and clutched his chest saying, "Veronica Lee passing up on a chance at being center of attention!"

Laughing Veronica said, "Well, I want that college student to win the champagne and I’d hate to ruin his chances, though me entering it is not as bad for him as you entering it. He and his friends deserve to win it since they were so disappointed about losing the last contest."

"True. I see your point. That’s nice of you, sweetheart." Paul answered kissing her on the cheek.

"Yeah well, don’t let this get out that I was nice. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking I’ve gone liberal softie." Veronica joked with a wink.

"Oh, no. We wouldn’t want anyone thinking any such thing about you." Paul joked back.

At this moment, the conversation of a couple aged in their mid-sixties became within earshot talking about the previous contest.

"Honestly! Can’t this hotel have one contest where the prizes aren’t all alcohol of some sort? Oh! That evil substance," the elderly woman exclaimed placing the back of her hand to her forehead.

"It’s a shame, what this world has come to. Let’s say we take this immoral fluid to our room and flush it down the toilet," the elderly man exclaimed.

"Say if you don’t want the rum, my friends and I would be glad to take it off your hands. That way, it doesn’t go to waste and you don’t have to drink it," a young man from the party of college students politely suggested.

The woman gave him the once over answering, "No, we can’t do that. Unlike you, we have morals and values. We’re paragons of virtue and refuse to associate with your kind much less help them!"

Backing away and holding his hands in the air the student answered with a crestfallen gaze, "Sorry, lady. It was just a suggestion," then returned to his table dejected.

"What assholes!" Veronica exclaimed without concern over the audibility of her comment.

"Yeah! That’s so mean!" Paul agreed then turned to the elderly couple shouting, "If you were gonna decline, why didn’t you guys do it respectfully? That kid was just offering a solution to your problem!"

"Yeah. What crawled up your asses and made you such jerks? Veronica bellowed.

"What crudeness! I’ve never been so offended in my life," the man answered, especially by a harlot such as this!"

"Who are you calling harlot?" Paul angrily demanded.

"I think you know. That leopard print she’s wearing that only prostitutes wear says it all," the man answered.

Before Veronica could process the insult Paul exclaimed, "That’s it. You’ve just crossed the line," and clenched his fists ready for a fight conjecturing the man would refuse to fight Veronica in hand to hand combat.

Noticing Paul’s muscular form and the height difference between them, the man raised his hands in defeat, "All right. Now, there’s no need for physical violence. We were just returning to our room, weren’t we dear?"

"Yes, we were. Honestly, the nerve of some people…" the woman commented as she and her husband exited the pool area.

"Jeez! You’d think we had a loser magnet with all the imbeciles we attract!" Paul exclaimed reseating himself along with Veronica.

Veronica merely smiled answering, "Thanks for standing up for me, Paul. I know there was no way that guy would’ve fought me since he claims the status of paragon of virtue."

"You don’t have to thank me. I consider it an honor. No one gets away with that shit without facing the consequences," Paul exclaimed the continued, "Anyway, you’re the one with both verbal and physical fighting prowess. I admire your courage and articulation."

"Thanks, Paul. I appreciate that. Besides, those so-called Christians competed in that contest to win a bottle of rum with no intention of even drinking it. Instead of accepting that others don’t share the same values system, they acted with cruelty and wouldn’t give those kids, people who would put it to good use, the rum they wanted to win so badly, and won it simply to throw it away. Some Christian benevolence, eh? Damn Gentiles!" Veronica vehemently remarked, "And I can say that because I am a Christian and a Gentile!"

Paul laughed heartily at her comment and answered, "Damn, womyn. Note to self: Never piss off Veronica Lee unless you’re armed and ready."

"Ah, you’re learning." Veronica joked joining Paul in laughter.

Their conversation was soon interrupted by the female hotel employee approaching the microphone announcing the 20-year-old male as the upcoming performer.

"All right, ladies and gentleman. We’ve got a real treat tonight. Give it up for Rod Stewart, Jr.!"

The audience clapped as the young man took the microphone and gyrated attempting to sing "Do Ya Think I’m Sexy" on key, but failing miserably.

"This is so funny!" Veronica exclaimed laughing hysterically, Paul joining her, "That poor guy can’t carry a tune and he’s definitely a straight man from those offbeat gyrations!"

"Yeah, it looks like his chances of winning the contest and the champagne are pretty slim," Paul noted.

"Yeah, poor thing. Too bad they’re allotting prizes to those with talent. I always thought the point of a karaoke contest was to see who had the least talent and the least shame in showcasing it." Veronica answered with a smile.

"Yeah, me too." Paul agreed.

"You know what? I think I will enter the contest. If nothing else, it’ll be fun." Veronica decided.

"Hey, go for it! What song will you perform?" Paul asked.

"Well, that’s a surprise."

"Aw, c’mon. You can tell me."

"Wild horses and tall, dark, handsome men with puppy dog eyes couldn’t drag it out of me!" Veronica exclaimed grinning at Paul.

Laughing Paul said, "All right. I’ll try and be patient."

As Veronica went to enter the contest, Paul pondered her song selection. He knew she liked to hum "C’mon and Love Me" and "King of the Nighttime World" when she thought he couldn’t hear her, but knew she wouldn’t choose those songs as they are too predictable and easy guesses for him. "There’s no telling what she’ll choose to sing, Paul thought, "I’ll guess I’ll just have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, Veronica waited in line to enter the contest deliberating over her song decision. She often overheard Paul humming "I’ll Survive" and "I am Woman Hear Me Roar" when he thought she was out of earshot and considered performing one of those, but thought, "I’ll just stick to my own choice. I don’t wanna ruin Paul’s fun with humming those songs thinking I don’t hear him." Veronica returned to the table relating to Paul, "Hey, I think I’m on after this woman," referring to the current performance of a young woman’s own rendition of Elton John’s "The Bitch is Back."

"Really? I was afraid the womyn onstage right now stole your song," Paul teased.

"You think you’re funny, dontcha?" Veronica teased back.

"Seriously, though, good luck and may the best person win," Paul told her.

"Thanks. Now, its time for me to dazzle them with my inimitable Veronica charm," Veronica joked giggling.

"Go get ‘em!" Paul yelled.

As Veronica entered the backstage area the announcer yelled, "Introducing Veronica Difranco!"

The crowd responded in various ways when Veronica appeared on the stage--some polite applauding, some thunderous applauding, some whistling and giving other catcalls, but none rivaled Paul’s enthusiastic applause and screams, which Veronica noticed and appreciated with the exception of the catcalls, which she just took in stride and ignored.

She aggressively grabbed the microphone to sing the equally assertive and aggressive Ani Difranco song, "Gravel."

As Veronica began singing Paul recognized the song thinking, "Ah, Ani Difranco. I should’ve known."

Veronica swayed from side to side on the stage as she sang the opening stanza then threw three punches in the air during the "fight, fight, fight" line of the song. She continued the song striding confidently on the stage pointing at the audience while she sang. Paul regarded her with amusement and admiration as she held the audience captive with her performance. Veronica eventually left the stage, walked into the audience, and sat in an empty chair next to a man during the "and I sat you down and offered you a beer" line of the song, then moved throughout the audience pointing at individuals during certain parts of the song, but managing to cast Paul an occasional wink out of vision of the audience members during the performance. Paul enjoyed watching her perform the song and liked the way her bathing suit conformed to the dimensions of her figure.

Veronica eventually made her way back to the stage as she finished the song, returned the microphone to the stand, and bowed in response to the standing ovation and shouts of approval she received from the audience.

"Thank you," Veronica answered then returned to her table and seated herself closer to Paul who answered, "Damn, womyn. You’re gonna put me out of a job! You were great, especially when you went out in the audience!" then kissed her briefly deepening the kiss then ended it.

"Thanks, Paul. But don’t worry, I won’t be quittin’ my day job any time soon," Veronica answered then returned Paul’s kiss. He’d moved her chair closer to his so he could put his arm around her. At this moment, the employee from the hotel approached the microphone.

"Oooooh. They’re about to announce the winner. Wish me luck," Veronica told Paul who crossed his fingers and squeezed her shoulders.

"First, I’d like to thank all the performers for entertaining us tonight. Let’s hear it for each of them," the employee announced as the audience clapped.

"And the winner is…Veronica Lee!" the woman announced as Veronica screamed and hugged Paul, then reached the stage to accept her prize of a champagne bottle.

Veronica thanked the employee, then approached the young college student at his table.

"Excuse me, guys," said Veronica, "I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’d just like you all to have this bottle of champagne. You deserve it."

The young man’s eye lighted while he and his friends grinned at the news.

"Are you sure you don’t want it for yourself? I mean, your performance beat mine by a long shot."

Veronica smiled and answered, "Yes, I insist. I’ve got plenty of champagne at home. You guys deserve it more than I. Now, pop the cork and enjoy it."

"Thanks so much! We’re forever indebted to you," the young man answered with a smile.

"You’re welcome and enjoy!" Veronica answered leaving the students to their fun.

When she reached the table Paul smiled and said, "I knew you had ulterior motives when you entered that contest. Good move with the prize."

"Well, I figured they deserved it more than us. I mean we can afford it. We’re good for it," Veronica answered linking her hand with Paul’s as they listened to the band playing music during the intermission of hotel activities.

"Very true. It was still nice of you, though." Paul said squeezing her hand under the table, then kissed her on the cheek. He enjoyed watching her in his usual role of singer and wondered if she had any other hidden talents wanting her to reveal those as well.

Veronica smiled as she squeezed Paul’s hand under the table. At this moment, Paul leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Let’s get outta here." Veronica slyly smiled as the two rose from their seats to return to their hotel room…

………………………………………………………………………………………………

"Paul, quit pinching my ass!" Veronica giggled as she and Paul ran down the hall to their hotel room while Paul teased her by grabbing her bottom while she fished the room key out of her purse.

"Why? Am I making it hard for you to concentrate?" Paul teased while he reached around and briefly cupped her breasts.

"Just a little." Veronica said in a sarcastic tone, but retaining a grin as she tried to unlock the door each attempt becoming failure as Paul planted kisses on her neck and reached into her bathing suit top to caress her breasts.

"Dammit! I can’t get the damn door open and I DEFINITELY want in!" Veronica exclaimed.

"Heh heh. So do I," Paul said into her ear while he reached around this time rubbing under the waistband of her bikini bottoms causing Veronica to gasp as the door sounded as if it were about to open, but remained closed and locked.

Turning to Paul Veronica said, "Oh, fuck the door," and put her arms around his neck claiming his lips in a passionate kiss causing Paul to moan against her mouth. Paul pressed Veronica against the door as he kissed her his hands roaming over body. They continued kissing and caressing one another Paul feeling Veronica’s nipples harden through her bikini top and Veronica fingering Paul through the fabric of his shorts.

Still pressed against the door, Paul held Veronica close to him while keeping her pressed against the door as she wrapped her legs around him. Once she wrapped her legs around him they continued kissing and exploring one another’s bodies when the door gave way to the force of their bodies against it causing the two to fall onto the floor.

Their fall did not stop their passion, though, as Paul simply kicked the door closed and Veronica kept her legs wrapped around him. Paul moved his lips down to Veronica’s neck while removing her bikini top while Veronica ran her fingers through his hair and massaged his chest. Before long, they found themselves naked on the floor pausing only to place protection over Paul’s throbbing erection. Veronica held onto Paul with each impassioned thrust as they both moaned and screamed in ecstasy. Paul kissed Veronica and held her until their pleasure soared to immeasurable heights causing them to erupt with only a latex barrier stopping them. As they climaxed and their passion ended, Paul and Veronica smiled at one another walking hand in hand to the bed still energized ready to embark on their next sexual adventure….