Looks Can Be Deceiving

The doors of the elevator opened exposing all the elements of the room. The huge chandeliers that hung from the ceiling stunned Pandora as she looked up to them and soaked up all the action that was happening. Colored lights ran across the walls, lighting up the faces of people who were dancing in the huge crowd. Girls in neon outfits danced on poles and in cages, entertaining the groups of men who surrounded them, throwing dollars. A table of wrapped gifts and party bags filled a whole table that was against the back wall by the bar. Balloons floated into the air, roaming freely among the large swarm of people on the dance floor. I kept Pandora close to me as we slowly walked around. A few people from past tours smiled at me and shook my hand before going back to dance. Some held short conversations with me, leaving Pandora to listen and nod as if she knew them. Tally ran towards us, already pumped up from a few drinks.
“Austin! Pandora! It’s so good to see you guys!” he shouted over the music. “Have you found Ryan?”
“No, I’m assuming he’s preoccupied with the ladies over there,” I nodded to the dancing girls.
“Oh,” he chuckled. “You’re probably right. Do you two need drinks?” he asked, pointing back to the bar. I looked down to Pandora who smiled.
“I’m good, but thank you.”
“Me too,” I nodded.
“Are you sure?” Tally frowned. “No whiskey or shots?”
“Maybe a bit later… Has Dingo arrived yet?”
“Yeah!” he nodded. “He’s over with the bunnies.”
“Of course,” I chucked.
“Oh, and before I forget,” he dug around in his pocket, pulling out two key cards. “These are for your room!” he shouted.
“Room?” I asked, taking the cards from him.
“Yeah,” he nodded, smiling. “I rented a hotel room with a sick view for you and your lady!”
“Thanks man! Are they local?”
“Of course they are! Right across the street! Warwick gave me a bundle package. They let me rent out the whole seventeenth floor for the Dingo’s party guests and gave me a discount. And here is a parking pass to get into the hotels valet parking.”
“Wow,” I smiled, pulling Tally in for a hug. “This is great! Thanks for getting us a nice room. We’ll enjoy it!”
“Great! I’m gonna go find Ryan and let him know you two are here. Meanwhile, are you sure you don’t want anything to drink?” Pandora and I both shook our heads.
“Alright, I’ll send Ryan for you!” he smiled down at Pandora, pulling her in for a hug. “Nice to see you again, beautiful!”
“You too, Tally!” I slid the key cards into my pocket and leaned down next to Pandora’s ear.
“Do you want to find a table to sit at?” She nodded, following me to the other side of the room where people sat in booths, whispering to each other and making out. We picked one away from the crowd where it was a bit more private and quiet.
“So, I didn’t quite catch it,” Pandora started, resting her elbows on the table. “Did Tally rent a room for us?” I nodded.
“But we don’t have to take it. I can drive back home if you’d feel more comfortable staying there.”
“No,” she shook her head, “staying in a room sounds nice.”
“Are you sure?” I raised an eyebrow, surprised.
“Of course,” she smiled, leaning against me, lacing her hand with mine. I wrapped my other arm around her, pulling her close.

Notes