The nighttime sky streamed by the plane's window in an incessant black band. Inside the corporate jet the dull drone of the engines was broken only by the repeated clack of a keyboard. Below the landscape passed in the same velvet obscurity, punctuated by the occasional pinprick of miniature lights.

A woman's back was reflected in the smooth window surface hunched over the keyboard in front of her, unconscious of the life drifting past below.

The clacking laptop keys paused as a tall brunette grabbed a stack of papers and wrinkled her forehead trying to absorb what she was reading. She swiveled the chair away from the table crossed her legs at the knee and used her lap as a desk. She grabbed another folder and rifled through it, grabbed out a page and ran a finger down a line of figures. Her black pump hung onto her foot by the toe and she absentmindedly played with it, letting the empty shoe back tap the bottom of her heel. Her eyes fastened onto the laptop screen and compared the list of figures on the paper to the ones on her computer. She was, quite frankly, livid.

The pilot's voice broke MacKenna Ward's concentration. "Ms. Ward, we are approximately 200 miles from Las Vegas Executive Airport, we have been cleared for landing. The estimated time of arrival is 7:30pm and the current temperature is 63 degrees."

Mac snapped her laptop off and picked up the files strewn around the table. Zipping her briefcase closed she walked from the office area and took a seat by a window. Outside she could see beginnings of the vast symmetrical grid of yellow lights that announced Las Vegas's presence. It always amazed her how the constant pulse of chaos and life appeared so orderly from the air. Pinching the bridge of her nose she tried to rest strained eyes and experimentally rolled her shoulders biting back a groan at the stiffness.

The city lights became more defined as the infamous strip loomed in a garish display of affected imagination. Pyramids and castles formed from the neon glow and Mac took a moment run a brush through her dark hair and touch up her makeup. She picked up a smooth silver compact and idly realized that the contents were crumbling. Gotta remember to replace the damn thing. She had just raised the sponge to her face when the landing plane hit the runway, sending the open compact somersaulting through the air.

"Shit!"

The plane bounced to a landing and the compact flew across the aisle and landed in her VP of Operation's lap. Claire startled from her light doze and one brown eye cracked open to stare powdered mess in her lap. The other eye opened and she turned her head to glance at her sheepish boss. "Hey Mac" A quick swipe with her hands just made the mark worse. "?for this I'm ordering the lobster tonight." With a wink she closed the compact and tossed it back.

Mac snatched it neatly from the air and with a resigned sigh put it away. "Hah, you would have ordered it anyway. Did you get a chance to look at those specs on SeaSpan?"

Claire unbuckled her lap belt. "I looked, ate and digested the last filing about 50 times in the last hour and I've got the year end report memorized. I can't figure out why they haven't had a profit share from Matt's last report, hell from the business they've done off our docks, there isn't any reason to not hand out dividends. Yet according to filings and the year end the whole operation is lucky to own a paperclip."

Claire Duprey watched her boss and CEO of Ward Stevedoring's face harden and the violet eyes gain a predatory glitter in the low light. Claire felt an involuntary shiver prickle her skin. Claire knew that look.

Both women stood as the plane cruised to a stop and the crew opened the stairs.

"Exactly. This isn't business, this is personal. I want those books Claire. I want that company. I don't know where they are hiding what or who they think they're fooling but the 'ol boys' club' had better wake up and realize this shareholder may wear stilettos but I've got a set of balls a bull would envy."

***************************

"5- 6- 7- 8?. Move it ladies. Johnston I wanna see your leg kick your ear?Leslie rooollll your shoulder." The music changed tempo "Lyons your timing is OFF, FEEL your company? I don't want a group ladies, I want ONE dancer up there".

The dancers twisted and revolved, leapt and curved.

The tune ended and the lead choreographer faced her group. "Nice work people, I'll see you tomorrow for the final run through before opening. I suggest you all SLEEP tonight. Opening night is our night, if we only get it perfect once, I'd recommend tomorrow as the choice. Lyons I wanna see you for 10 before you leave." The woman looked at the heaving dancers in front of her and broke into a smile. "Okay good night boys and girls."

Faith Lyons wiped a towel over her face, grabbed her duffle from her make-up desk and wandered over to the showers. The warm water streamed over aching muscles and Faith smiled. She loved that feeling that came after dancing, when she was aware of each muscle and how they connected. Toweling off her blonde hair and tossing on jeans and a jersey she made her way into the choreographer's office and knocked on the door.

"Brenda?" the compact brunette looked up.

"Come on in Faith and shut the door." The brunette smiled. The young woman looked like she was going to squirm out of her skin. "Relax Faith, I figured the new kid needed to hear my pre-show pep talk. It's your first Vegas 'show' right?"

The slight affirmative nod.

"Well, I just want to let you know you've got it kid?you've got the talent, and now you'll get some of the notoriety for it. But find a way to keep it in perspective eh? Don't take this the wrong way but you seem like the type this town would eat for breakfast and spit out before lunch. Don't trust anybody, and choose carefully where you go and who you go with. Some of the offers you get will be hard to turn down but don't do anything that makes you hesitate for even a second."

Brenda paused for a breath and another level look at the girl in front of her "I don't want to sound like I'm preaching but somebody took 10 minutes to lay it out for me and I've thanked them every day since. Just remember...you're more than Vegas and more than this show."

"Um, thanks."

"Oh and if you ever need anything this door is always open. Anybody who has ever danced under me will vouch I don't judge and I don't care about anything as much as I care about my girls' happiness and safety." A crooked grin made its way across her face. "Simply put, happy dancers are dependable dancers and my job rests on a first-rate show."

Green eyes studied her carefully. "Okay, I'll keep it in mind."

"Uh huh, look lecture over, go home get some rest and be ready to create magic tomorrow. Send Lizette in on your way out. If she gives you any attitude tell her that her ass is in here in five or my ass is on her in two."

Faith knocked on the private dressing room of the show's principle dancer. She heard giggling and something crash. The door flew open and a statuesque redhead tying on a blue silk robe stared back. Faith took in the disheveled hair and noticed Lizette's glassy eyes. "What?"

"Brenda wants to see you."

"Well hell the woman just saw me for three hours on the stage. Tell her I'm?.occupied." With that Lizette turned and flounced back inside, leaving the door ajar.

Faith took in a measured breath, from experience she knew Lizette was at best challenging and stepped inside. "She said and I'm quoting 'her ass is in here in five or my ass is on her in two'."

Faith came to an abrupt halt as her voice trailed off. There on the couch a very naked Jason Grant sat holding a half dressed Paige Cameron. Both of them looked at her with the same glazed expression as Lizette.

The redhead turned and smirked at the blonde's stunned expression. 'Oh this one is fresh off the farm.' Jaded eyes took in the Faith's smooth figure and flashed in appreciation. "Fine" She wandered over to the couch and kissed Jason hard and turned to Paige and caressed her lips gently with her thumb before claiming them in a searing assault. "Alright, I'm off to see the Wizard kids, don't visit OZ without me."

Lizette stalked out of the room leaving a very dazed Faith to soundlessly back up until her back hit the door frame. Startled, she spun out of the dressing room and bolted for home.

Brenda sighed as Lizette stormed over, noting the glazed eyes. Here was the perfect example for her recent warning. The redhead was gorgeous. Her talent was boundless. She was a woman who could have it all but would never have a damn thing. It was such a waste.

"You called?darling?." The redhead's hand caressed Brenda's arm. She felt the stirring of awareness Lizette could create in a corpse. Shrugging the offending hand away she forced the woman down in a chair and sat at her desk.

"We open tomorrow Lizette. I don't suppose that you could manage one early, sober night?" Lizette's hand twirled the end of her dressing gown belt. "Christ forget that I asked. Just don't disappoint me."

"Have I ever?"

"Lizette... you're?.look never mind I've got a request from Jack. At the premiere party tomorrow night there is going to be guest he'll introduce you to. I don't know the specifics. The money is supposed to make it worth it and they wanted the best."

"And I am darling?the best." Lizette leaned her elbows on the desk in front of her; aware the motion gave the choreographer a clear view to her navel.

Brenda tried to will away the red flush creeping over her skin. "Best or not, I'm warning you, keep it clean tomorrow, this high-roller is going to want more than your assets and if you piss off Jack you'll be lucky if you can get a job over at Sunset Station." Her voice lowered. "Don't fuck up Lizette."

Lizette stood, and traced a line down the brunette's arm. "Babe, you want Jack happy? Then really, you shouldn't care if I fuck up, down, sideways or otherwise as long as the? job? gets done."

Brenda watched her retreat and felt her pulse slow down. She crossed her arms over her desk and rested her forehead on them. It really was such a waste. She prayed to whatever fate was listening for help.

***************************

By the time the limo had pulled up in front of the casino Mac was ready for dinner and bed. From the look of Claire the VP would probably do the same.

"Dinner and bed?"

The curly haired woman nodded without opening her eyes. "I'm old Mac. Ten years ago?Five years ago a business trip in Vegas would have meant the night was just starting at ?what time is it here?.8pm? Hell, I don't think I would have considered it evening yet. Yet here I am without Phil or the kids, a free woman, and I can't wait to curl up in bed."

Mac gave her a look of empathy. "Well a three hour time change will do that. You're welcome to join me in the suite for room service and a drink. I'm skipping the restaurant, and I have no intention of sharing airspace with anything resembling a human."

"Thanks Mac, my groaning, aged self accepts." Claire sat up and stared at the hotel doors watching them open and close but not producing anything resembling a uniformed employee. "You know, I think we best go to the check in desk and claim a bellhop since one doesn't appear to be coming to us."

Before she had even finished the sentence her boss had slammed out of the limo ignoring the stunned driver waiting patiently for a bellhop to arrive. Claire waited a moment before getting out and following, knowing an explosion was about to erupt. She was more than happy to go rescue the survivors but experience had taught her to avoid ground zero.

Mac stormed across the lobby and up to desk, the wear of the day shredding the last of her nerves. "MacKenna Ward." She watched the clerk's eyes widen as her name registered.

"Ms. Ward, pleasure to welcome you to the Troubadour."

She leaned over the desk and pinned a cool glare on the clerk and waited until the man started to blanch. "I'm sure there was a reason I've managed to go from the car to this desk without assistance, or has the manager decided that bellhops are an extravagance?"

"I?"

"I'm sure the rest of my stay won't be subject to the same service, will it?" Her hand slammed the counter for emphasis.

"Of course not, I..."

"That's I'll I need to know." She plucked her key card from the clerk's nerveless fingers. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm tired. Leave a message for William Cranston that I've arrived and I'll need to meet with him sometime tomorrow afternoon. He can call with his availability sometime after nine in the morning."

"Yes ma'm"

She felt a presence at her side as Claire joined her. "Mrs. Duprey is a business associate of mine. She is allowed access to my suite, please be sure she has an elevator pass and key."

"Yes ma'm"

Claire trailed after her boss, shaking her head at the tall figure. The poor desk clerk was staring at his hands like he'd just had his balls ripped though his throat and handed back to him. Claire chuckled and hoped she made it up to her boss's room before her luggage arrived; it was the man's only hope.

"So boss, I take it you've stayed here before?" She punched the up key for the elevator.

"Hmmm?more like I own part of this place." She smirked at Claire's expression. "Close your mouth Claire, good to know I can still surprise you after 10 years. Will Cranston is my cousin. He needed backing to open this place, I respect his talent and I figured I already had the casino ships so why the hell not? It's his baby I'm just his silent partner."

"At least having the meetings here makes some sort of sense now."

"Ahh?Claire, you should know me by now. Even if I didn't own this place we'd still be standing right here right now." The elevator opened with a chime.

Claire shook her head stepped on the elevator. "Give me a minute to settle in and I'll be right up for dinner." Over the years she'd learned if she didn't get it she didn't need to and frankly she didn't give a damn. It always worked and that was the only thing that counted.

A minute later the high roller's private elevator deposited Mac in front of double doors. She slid the key through the lock and stood in the entry appreciatively. The casino's theme was rigged around the nobility of Victorian England and the suite was a tasteful representation of a country estate's suite of rooms. Thick marble columns lined the sunken "sitting room" and doors leading to the bedrooms were situated to the right and left. Straight ahead steps led down to an atrium complete with park benches. The atrium opened up into an indoor pool designed to look like an English recreation of a Roman bath. Mac completed her private tour. It was ridiculously opulent and it was exactly what the next few weeks called for.

The tall figure crossed the room to the window and rested her forehead against the cool glass feeling the toll of the day wash over her in waves. She closed her eyes against the vivid lights and milling humanity below. For a moment she wondered what it would be like to wake up and spend the day as someone else, somebody with a 9 to 5 and a minivan and a mortgage. ??.. 'Christ! Get a grip.'

A knock on the door and approaching steps announced Claire's arrival. "Lead me to the lobster and a Manhattan and my favorite suit's stay at the cleaners might well be worth it."

***************************

Faith tossed the duffle next to the door and collapsed on the couch.

Lizette Bouchard, the show's principle dancer. She'd been dancing with the woman for the last four months and she just never thought?and Paige? and Jason. Faith suddenly felt naïve for the first time since moving here two years ago.

The phone rang and Faith made a face at it. "Hello?"

"Faith, sugar, Emily has made a stir-fry to die for and we have a lovely bottle of Pinot Grigio chilled and waiting for the guest of honor to arrive, which we have elected to be you. Now get your toned fanny down the stairs and let's celebrate the big day tomorrow in true dyke style."

"I'm guessing that no is not an option?"

"Oh, it's an option, just not one that would be worth wasting oxygen over."

"I didn't think so; okay I'm on my way, bye Tess."

Tess and Emily lived two floors down. She'd met them a week or so fresh out of California lugging boxes up to her tiny apartment. Tess had taken one look at her struggling with a suitcase up a flight of stairs and decided that she needed a hand and a keeper. Tess protected her and Emily doted on her and over the next few years Faith they became ingrained in her life. They were her family now, plain and simple.

10 minutes later Faith took an appreciative bite of tofu, brown rice and veggies letting the teriyaki flavor melt over her tongue. "Em?if I ever can cook half as well as you I will die an accomplished woman."

"Darlin' you..."

"Give it to me baby?.HA HA HA HA?" wolf whistles cut off Emily. "Yeah BABY, I like it like that?" The blue and gold Macaw looked at Faith, tipped his head down and danced back and forth.

"What is with that bird?! Every time I come here I get a full rendition of every dirty ditty that sad excuse for a feather duster knows. "

Tess chuckled. "He's in love and if I say so myself I've raised him to have excellent taste."

"Let's do the wild thing?.Yeah BABY, I like it like that." The parrot bobbed his head.

"Tess, Emily?that bird is not normal."

"You can't blame him, we adopted him from a brothel outside of town and his formative years were spent with ladies of the night. Huh Bruno, you're just mommy's little john." Emily stood up and offered the bird a piece of baby corn and rubbed his head affectionately.

"Yeah I know, I know, but can't you teach him something to say that's less suggestive?"

"We have."

"I've never heard it." The bird saw Faith stare at him and opened his wings and started screeching.

"What can we say; you just bring out the best in him." Tess stretched in her chair. "You could just tell him you play for the other team, but I don't know if it will make a difference."

Faith waived her fork in the air and swallowed "HAH after today I don't think there are teams. Let me tell you what happened to me after rehearsal."

She launched into the tale, starting with Brenda's pep talk and ending with "And here I thought the whole time Jason was just waiting to star on Queer As Folk!"

Emily stopped laughing long enough to mutter "I'm sure he is. Good lord girl you know sometimes sex has nothing to do with sexuality. I'm glad about Brenda though, rare that someone is going to care that much, or at least care that much and still have a job at one of the more affluent casinos. So are you ready for tomorrow?"

Green eyes danced. "Ready?excited?terrified, I don't know how I am going to sleep tonight. I feel like I'm five years old and it's Christmas Eve."

Tess slipped an arm around Emily and sipped her wine. "I'm sure this time tomorrow night the whole world will have a different glow for you. Just don't forget us little people when the world wants your attention."

Faith stood up and walked around the table. Standing behind the two women she let her arms rest on their shoulders and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. "You ladies want to grab your autographs now?"

***************************

"Welcome to Vegas cousin." William Cranston lightly clasped Mac's shoulders and kissed her cheek. His eyes caressed her. Such a shame her looks were wasted on a relative. "Beautiful as always I see."

"Willy dear, you really have to do something about your front end help. Frankly they suck."

William just grinned "I love you too darling. Mac, they probably took one look at you stepping out of that limo and ran screaming for Red Rock Canyon. You really are an Amazon you know."

"Compliments will get you everywhere. I trust you've taken care of what I needed?" Her unyielding expression belied the friendly banter.

William bit back a chuckle at her seriousness, his world was a giant adult playground and his workaholic cousin's intensity was refreshing. He flashed his best playboy smile. "Mac, does Aunt Telly dye her hair? Everything is ready and waiting. All you have to do is pick the temptress of your choice. And speaking of temptress who is the curly haired vision coming my way?"

Mac snorted. "My VP of Operations, Mrs. Claire Duprey, married, two kids. Let me rephrase; happily married and a long term friend. 100% off limits to you Don Juan." When Claire reached them, "Claire my cousin William Cranston proprietor of this illustrious establishment and donor of last night's dinner, William my VP of Operations, Claire Duprey."

"William." She accepted his kiss. "You know I don't think I've ever had a gold leafed lobster, it was a new lesson in excess last night. So, ladies and gentlemen, are we set and ready for the latest Mac Ward strategy?"

"But of course Mrs. Duprey. I was just about to tell Mac here that all that is left is selecting the right people for the rest of her little game plan. There is a premiere party for the new show that starts tonight. A little intimate gathering of my dearest friends and the stars of tonight's soirée. Perfect time for Mac to glad hand the candidates." He winked at Mac. "I'm sure that will just be a hardship for her."

"Willy, I never mix business with pleasure; something I can recommend you trying on occasion."

"Maccado baby, my business is pleasure; something I can recommend you trying."

"Touché. Will you be meeting Claire and I before the show? Say 7:30 in the Court Lounge?"

"I'll count the moments. Till tonight Mac." Will spun around and kissed Claire's cheek. "Mrs. Claire Duprey, it has been a pleasure."

Claire snorted and leaned into Mac watching his departing back. "Well at least I know that charisma tries to run in your family."

Mac glanced at her and shrugged. "Well I suppose he does grow on you considering he is the only relative that hasn't tried to fuck me over. I really don't think he cares enough about anything to bother." She glanced at her watch. "I'm going to grab something for lunch and then go work on the pile of stuff Greta insisted was going to bring the world to a halt if I didn't deal with it."

Claire turned to face her and put her hands on her hips. "Mac, we're in Vegas; we don't have anything pressing until your 'guest' arrives, have you even popped a quarter into a slot yet? Don't answer, I already know. I for one am going to march my ass over to the nearest slot machine and lose some of my hard earned cash Vegas style. If you need me I'll be between Elvis and an old lady with hair to here" Claire's hand waved the air above here head. "and a carton of cigarettes dangling from here." Her fingers splayed over her mouth. "Wish me luck." She waggled her fingers and wandered off in search of the casino.

Mac cocked an eyebrow, did a mental shrug and went back to her room and back to work.

***************************

The sun was just starting to dip through the window in her room as Mac watched the pen roll slowly towards her for the 50th time. She picked it up moved it back to the top of the desk. She shifted the phone to her other ear and rubbed the freed appendage. "That's great Mom, no really, I'm very happy for Jackie, It's about time Jen gave her a grandchild."

Fascinated she stared as the pen began the trek back down the desk. Her mother babbled on and on about her best friend's latest good fortune. "Hmmm, what? OF COURSE I'm listening Mom. Really."

With an inward groan Mac tried to pay attention. Her mother and Jackie had the strangest friendship. They loved each other to death, talked everyday and would slay dragons for each other. They were also so competitive when it came to the accomplishments of their children it made a tied Red Sox vs the Yankees, bottom of the 9th, World Series game look tame. Jackie's daughters had managed to both get married and as the coup de grace, reproduce. Her mother was fit to be tied. It wasn't that she wasn't proud of Mac's career, she was; you just couldn't dress a business in ruffles and teach it to say, "G'ma!"

"Look I have a report I have to finish by tonight, how about I call you back tomorrow. God, no I'm not trying to get off the phone with you Mom." Mac spared a guilty look at the completed report glowing on her laptop screen. "I'll call you tomorrow. YES I'M SERIOUS. Okay, tomorrow. Love you too, yes I'll give your love to William. Bye Mom."

The sigh of relief echoed off the walls. "Now what?" The completed files silently lay there mockingly. Mac looked her laptop, 5:10, too early to get dressed for the show, way too late to check in at the office again. The time difference between Boston and Nevada was driving her crazy. Mac shrugged and walked into the bathroom spying the enormous tub. Well why not?

As she waited for the tub to fill Mac stood in front of the full length mirror and took stock. Not bad for almost 33. The skin cover her cheeks remained taut and unlined. Full breasts remained elastic and at attention, her waist remained pulled tight over the ripple of muscle. The definition in her long legs a testament to a vigilant workout schedule. She'd been pleased with the casino's gym this morning. The equipment was up to date and numerous. The place was also a ghost town; all and all perfect.

Sinking into the water Mac let a hedonistic groan slip out. The warmth of the water seeped into her skin and washed the tension out. Mac let her head fall against the tub and closed her eyes. She'd forgotten how much she loved relaxing in a tub. When was the last time she'd done something like this? She lifted a leg from the water and idly rubbed a bar of soap across the length of it.

***************************

6:50 had found Mac swirling her martini glass, watching the olive bob and glancing at her watch as her patience eroded.

After her bath she'd carefully chosen her dress for the evening. Sexual illusion was a powerful weapon and Mac took a quick inventory of her arsenal, pulled out a hanger and slipped on the outfit. Black, fitted with a scooped neck and back in a silky, flowing material. It halted mid calf in a slanted scalloped edge, complete with a decadent slit up the side. Conservative with an intangible promise of the forbidden. One look and oh yeah this was it.

Claire entered the bar and sauntered over to the scowling brunette with a smirk. She knew she was a half hour early and she knew she'd find Mac waiting.

"Lighten up boss lady. I heard YOU suggest 7:30 and last time I checked it wasn't quite 7:00. Considering I managed to get here early to entertain you I'm going to let you treat me to a cocktail."

Mac turned from the bar and regarded the woman with half lidded eyes. "You look lovely."

"Why Mac I would have said delectable." Both women looked up at the sound of William's voice. "And you cousin dear are positively edible."

Claire ducked her head and shook it rapidly. "You realize I'm married and she really happens to be your cousin?"

"Beautiful women are no different than a work of art. It doesn't matter who the owner is, its whole purpose is to be admired and appreciated." He grasped Claire's hand and kissed the back.

Mac groaned loudly and held up a hand in truce.

William smirked. "Now what I am thinking is considering my cousin is true to her usual self and therefore well ahead of schedule, I vote we take a quick visit and see some behind the scenes action for tonight's show before dinner."

And so they'd wandered backstage looking decidedly out of place amid the feathers and bright colors and were immediately accosted by the sturdy brunette William had just introduced as head choreographer.

***************************

Nimble fingers quickly coiled blonde locks, pinned them in place and stretched a hairnet over the concoction. Grabbing her eye liner Faith took a moment to glance around. Women and men surrounded her at their own stations smearing on makeup, donning wigs and bustling around their costumes. The atmosphere was eclectic and ALIVE, pulsing with excitement. Inhaling deeply, Faith fancied the place even smelled different. Butterflies danced and fluttered in her stomach trying to batter their way out.

The left eye was quickly outlined and just as she was starting the right Faith couldn't help but focus on the muscular back reflected in her mirror. Paige Cameron occupied the desk directly behind her and at the moment was slipping her own hairnet on. Faith still couldn't grasp it.

Four months ago when Paige had been introduced as her line captain Faith felt as if she'd found at least one other person in Vegas like herself and they had quickly become friends. Paige was warm and caring with an easy smile and natural charm. She was the perfect pick for line captain; a veteran short nude from The Last Folly with an unpretentious personality perfect for fostering a team atmosphere. It was perplexing, this new side to her captain. Lizette's involvement made perfect sense; Jason didn't even seem that out of place, but Paige?

The woman in question looked up and made eye contact. She flushed lightly and her voice carried over softly. "Help me with my tail?" Faith walked over and helped Paige don the awkward feathers, fussing with the concoction trying to set it just right. "Thanks Faith, the wardrobe hosts are running around tonight." Before Faith could leave a gentle hand touched her shoulder. "Umm, hey, I don't suppose you'd like to grab coffee some time after rehearsal? I'd like to explain something."

Faith lowered her eyes to her feet to hide the flush dusting her cheeks. "You don't have to explain anything."

"Of course I don't have to, I'd like to."

"Okay, coffee sometime sounds great." Faith looked up and saw her blush mirrored in Paige's face. Relieved, she couldn't help a grin. "Good luck tonight Ms. Cameron."

"Hey you're the virgin tonight! Good luck yourself. Go finish your makeup before you have Brenda over here in a panic."

Brenda at that moment flew past both women muttering incoherently. She was clutching her swing book like a shield, barely apologizing after nearly flipping Nina Harper on her ass when she stood up in the wrong place at the wrong time during the one woman charge.

Faith and Paige stared after her watching the woman tornado trip, crash and slide through the line of desks before skidding to a halt at the end of the row where a small group stood. Faith cocked her head at Paige's murmur of understanding.

Paige waived her hand in Brenda's flight direction. "Suits."

"What?"

"Suits, you know VIP types. And if I'm not mistaken VIP slash owner types. I believe the one in the charcoal grey- ascot- tuxedo ensemble is none other than William Cranston."

Faith took a new interest in the group of evening clad visitors. William Cranston had that polished debonair air about him and his playboy reputation was up to par with the pair of striking women flanking him. Poor Brenda clutched her swing book like a lifeline as she shook hands and nodded at her 'guests'.

***************************
Mac kept half an ear on the conversation as she took in the bustling chaos of a pre-show dressing room. They were walking around the maze of performers, listening to the steady prattle of their guide when Mac became aware of two things. One was every eye in the room was on them, and two, their guide was becoming distinctly more and more anxious with each passing minute. With a flash of insight she laid a hand on William's arm. "Willy, I hate to cut this short but I haven't had a bite since breakfast."

Their guide practically sagged in relief.

Bingo, right on target. The poor woman probably had a million things to do and touring them around to gawk at her dancers was not one of them. "Actually if you could point me someplace to freshen up before we leave I'd be grateful."

The choreographer practically picked her up and deposited her in front of the lavatory. She was just finishing washing her hands when the door flew open and a blonde woman slammed into a stall.

Faith barely made it to the toilet. She'd been on stage her whole life and still the nerves got to her. She got off her knees and blindly started to wash up. 'You are such a freakin' wimp!' her reflection took the silent abuse.

"Are you all right?"

Faith startled as she became aware of another face reflected in the mirror. Spinning around her mouth opened but no sound came out. The other woman pushed away from the wall she'd been leaning against. Christ it was one of Paige's 'suits'. Faith felt her face burn. The woman took another step towards her. God she's tall. She was now close enough that Faith could smell her perfume; musky, mellow and expensive. The woman's brow was slightly furrowed as she locked eyes with her.

"I didn't mean to startle you. Are you all right?" The voice was as thick and dark as molasses, slowly rolling over Faith. Staring into the violet eyes time staggered to a stop. Her heart started thudding in her ears.

The girl did not look well. The poor woman in front of her was flushed, unfocused and didn't seem able to respond. What the hell was wrong with her? Mac's concern escalated and she lightly clasped her hands on the blonde's forearms, taking in the rosy face with glittered makeup before leveling her gaze into the eyes in front of her. Suddenly the green eyes focused on her.

Mac forgot her apprehension as everything except the intense gaze became hazy. Her breathing hitched. The eyes in front of her were fathomless pools and Mac was sinking. Her legs started to turn into rubber as she fell deeper and deeper. An eternity passed before her body's need for oxygen made her close her eyes, snapping the moment. Taking a deep breath Mac tore herself away.

"I'm going to go get?" What was that brunette's name!? Belinda?Brandi. "Brenda for you okay?"

Brenda's name hit Faith like a bucket of cold water. "WAIT!" Shaking her head to clear it she rubbed her hands along her tingling forearms.

"I swear to you I'm fine." The words rushed out in a jumble. "I just get stage fright before a performance and this is my first big show so it was a wee bit worse than usual." Please let it go. Faith was done with embarrassment for the evening.

"Are you sure? She's right out this door."

"Please, thank you but really, I couldn't be better."

Mac studied the woman and shrugged. "Alright, well I'm going to join my party before they send in a recognizance team. Good luck tonight."

"Yeah, umm, thanks. Enjoy the show." Faith watched the door swing close and expelled the air she'd been holding in a rush as she leaned her weight on the counter and took a moment to compose herself.

***************************

The applause rippled across Faith again and again. Her breath came in deep gasps and her face glowed with the sheen of sweat. Her cheeks hurt from the jubilation stretching her mouth into a face splitting grin. Christ this felt good. She hadn't realized how much she'd been homesick for the stage until this very moment. It was all she could do not to skip with the pure joy of it.

In a daze she made it back to her desk and reached down for her duffle and garment bag. Straightening up her eyes fell to the picture adorning the mirror. She was surprised at the prick of tears and swallowed around the lump. A finger reached out to trace the face of the dancer captured forever en Pointe.

Paige's voice broke her trance. "Hey the deflowering went well huh?"

Faith took a deep breath and pushed her melancholy down. She was grinning by the time she turned around. "Hell yeah, I feel like I could open my arms and just SOAR. Leap the Palms in a single bound. Stop the monorail with my bare hands?.." Her arms pantomimed the dramatic actions.

Paige laughed. "Come on superwoman, let's fly over to the showers and get ready for the party."

20 Minutes later Faith was yelling over her blow dryer at Paige. "Hey I met one of the suits Brenda was with."

"Really? How did you run into him?"

"Not the guy, one of the women. The tall brunette." Faith flipped of the blow dryer and applied some Citre Shine to the smooth layers.

"One of the women? I don't know if I'd call window dressing a suit." Paige shook some hairspray and showered her head with it.

"Can I borrow some of that?" Faith caught the tossed bottle. "Window dressing?" a mental picture of violet eyes brimming with intense intelligence popped into Faith's head. "Trust me, I don't know what she is, but window dressing is not it." She pulled out her garment bag and unzipped it. Faith slipped into her dress and appraised herself in the mirror. The hunter green dress picked up the color in her eyes. She wound a matching, sheer scarf around her neck and let the long ends trail down her back. Okay, not too shabby.

Paige turned to Faith. "Zip me?"

Faith pulled the up zipper on the black dress. "Ready?"

Paige slipped her feet into some pumps. "Ready. Let's go have some imported cheese and champagne."

***************************

Mac tried but she couldn't stop from searching the crowds, looking for what, she had no friggin' clue. She did know that she should be paying attention to the animated little man beside her. She also knew she hadn't heard a word since she first shook his hand. Needless to say, the insight of the Company Manager should have had her riveted. What Jack Monroe was telling her about the dancers was crucial.

The man cocked his head to the side with a chipper grin on his face. She watched him flit and twirl as his mouth moved a mile a minute. Black liquid eyes were a sharp contrast against his salt and pepper hair. Images of a fuzzy, grey rodent in a tux started dancing in her head. Mac almost snorted champagne as she bit back a chuckle. The poor guy, it wasn't his fault he reminded her of a vocal chinchilla.

God the man was now bouncing in place with an inquiring look on his face. What in the heck did he just ask her? She nodded distractedly and watched the bubbles rise along the sides of the champagne glass.

Mac snapped out of her haze when she felt her world suddenly pitch forward. Whatever she had just nodded yes to had the little man grabbing her elbow and dragging her through the crowd.

Lizette spotted Jack making his way across the room dragging about six feet of gorgeous with him. Her tongue darted out to wet her top lip. If this was the high-roller Brenda had been grousing about she really needed to send the woman a thank you card.

Jack approached her and reached up to kiss her cheek. "Lizette, you look magnificent. I'd like to introduce you to MacKenna Ward. Ms. Ward is a guest of William Cranston. Ms. Ward, Lizette Bouchard is our principle dancer."

Mac watched the redhead sweep her green eyes in speculation up her length before speaking in a lazy drawl. "Ms. Ward, it is always a pleasure to meet one of Mr. Cranston's guests. I hope you enjoyed the show?" She artfully extended a hand out to Mac.

Mac accepted the hand. "Please, call me Mac. The show was superb; you are very talented Ms. Bouchard. Have you danced all your life?"

Lizette held Mac's hand a moment longer than necessary, caressing the back with her thumb. "If you're Mac, then I'm Lizette. And no, I started dancing in my teens."

Mac raised her eyebrows "I'm sure there are many that would not believe that, there must be a secret to your success?"

"Secret? Not quite." She took a step into Mac's personal space and let her eyelids droop seductively. "I'm just a quick study when it comes to using my body."

Mac fought the urge to step back. Apparently the woman didn't know it, but Mac was not here for her charm. She was obviously a pro, that was what she'd told William she wanted right? Somebody quick, efficient and professional, Lizette was everything he'd promised she would be and more. So why did she feel like she'd rather go for round two with Chinchilla Man?

Even so, Mac was surprised she didn't feel the urge to take the beauty up on her offer. Hell she really must be getting old, not even sex was perking her interest these days. Time for a vacation or something ol' girl.

Her eyes went back to scanning the crowds as she zoned in and out on the conversation about Vegas and the show.

Over Lizette's shoulder Mac noticed a familiar blonde standing alone by the champagne fountain. She was struck by how lost the young woman looked amid the revelry. Mac turned her gaze back to the striking redhead barely a foot away from her. She was here on business so she was going to forget what she wanted to do and stay right where she was. She just didn't have a moment to spare and ... She looked back at the blonde and watched the woman duck her head to forlornly stare into her flute of bubbles before glancing up, her whole body going rigid at an approaching tuxedo-clad, playboy wannabe. Well, she really should go congratulate the girl right? Make sure she was okay, right? Right.

Mac downed the last of her drink in a healthy swallow and held up the empty flute. What she was about to do didn't make any sense. "I'm going to refresh my drink." She gave Lizette a slow sexy smirk. "Lizette, I am sure you've been told I am in need of some assistance during my stay. Jack, why don't you fill Lizette in on the generalities? If she is interested we can meet for breakfast at 8:00, leave a message at the front desk."

Before either of them could even open their mouths Mac stepped around Lizette and sauntered off.

Faith sipped her champagne, feeling the bubbles tickling the roof of her mouth and the back of her throat. She and Paige had entered the party and within five minutes a group of well tailored men recognized Paige. She was over by the gaming tables with them right now. They tried to convince Faith to join them but the familiar way their hands covered Paige's shoulders and their disregard for personal space gave her the overwhelming urge to escape. She'd excused herself with a promise to join them later. Paige had understood and linked her arm through the man on her right and unobtrusively led them away.

Now she was alone at a large party and uncomfortable as hell. She didn't want the glitter that came with job of showgirl; she wanted the dancing and the stage. The 73 other dancers seemed at home with the VIPs and suits that milled around the food, lounge and gaming areas. She looked up from her glass just in time to see a bulky tuxedo-clad VIP head towards her wearing his version of a rakish grin. Oh shit. Faith wished the wall would open up and swallow her, with everyone else busy networking she wasn't going to get rescued again.

Faith cursed again and felt her hands get clammy. God Brenda was so right about her; she was not ready for this. Faith darted her eyes around the space trying to find the closest exit. She spotted the side door by a large palm fern?could she make it?

She swung her head around but instead of her tuxedo she was staring at a smooth swan-like neck. Her eyes traveled past a square chin, past full lips, past defined cheekbones and fastened onto the violet eyes of the woman from earlier tonight.

Faith blinked hard. Nope not her imagination, the woman was still there?okay so now she should say something?no sense in being an idiot twice in one night?so speak idiot, open your mouth, speak? something witty and intelligent.

Faith drew in a nice deep breath opened her mouth and squeaked out, "Hi."

Mac hitched an eyebrow up and felt a smile tug at her mouth. The girl was standing there like a thief in a searchlight. Really, what is it with her? Last time she checked she had a glass in her hand, not an Uzi.

Mac cleared her throat, "Hey there. Good show tonight. I take it the nerves passed?"

Passed? The woman had to be kidding. Every nerve in her body was rippling in different directions. Faith felt the familiar heat of a good blush creep over her face. "Umm, yeah? once I'm on the stage I forget about everything except the dancing. Thank you by the way, you just saved me from making a run for my life."

Mac watched as the woman turned another shade of crimson. "You're welcome, didn't seem like you wanted him and I needed a drink." She held up the empty glass before setting it down on the provided tray.

Faith felt a brief stab of disappointment. Okay so the woman hadn't come over to act as her personal savior, she needed a drink. "All the same, I owe you. I don't think I should have come tonight. I don't fit in, I don't know what to say, and I don't know what to do."

Faith gave herself a mental smack in the head. "Did I just say that? Of course I just said that." She let out a groan "And I just said all that aloud didn't I? For your information I'm not normally this brainless. I mean I'm brainless for the talking aloud not for thanking you for rescuing me." Faith saw the twinkling mirth in the violet eyes and wanted to melt into the floor. "I'm babbling aren't I? Don't answer that. I am thinking it is past time I went home." She had just made herself out to be a nerveless idiot and a social dolt all in one night.

Mac wanted to laugh. She liked this young woman, she really did. She opened her mouth and spoke before her brain registered what she was saying. "Home already, on your opening night? It doesn't seem right, I say we ditch this place and go find a quieter place to toast you in style?" Christ, did she just ask this woman for a drink? She watched the green eyes in front of her widen with surprise. Yep, I guess I just did?well hell.

Faith felt a smile crinkle her eyes in the corners. The woman wanted to go for a drink, with her? After she'd made such a wonderful impression, not once but twice? Was the woman sane? Probably not. Did it matter? Not at all. "I'd like that?on one condition."

"What condition would that be?"

Faith stuck her hand out. "You tell me your name. I'm Faith Lyons."

Mac stared for a second before breaking into a grin of her own. "Forgot that little detail huh?" Mac slipped her larger hand into Faith's. "MacKenna Ward, Mac to those who know what's good for them."

Faith looked down at their clasped hands, surprised at how warm Mac's hand was, warm and strong. Reluctantly she released it and gestured in front of her. "Okay savior, lead on."

Mac stared at her hand for a moment, tried once more to rationalize what she was doing, gave up and walked past Faith.

***************************

Mac debated taking her into the high-roller's club until she had a vision of the party ending and the club filling up. Instead they were seated at a corner table in the Court Lounge partially blocked by a tree twinkling with white lights.

Mac was staring and she knew it, she couldn't help herself. Faith was lovely. Years of dancing had toned her muscles and the gentle ripple of them under her skin worked to hypnotize her. It occurred to her that they were sitting there in silence. She should say something? "Do you have a preference or do you trust me?"

Faith looked at her, puzzlement clear on her face.

Mac let a lazy smile grace her face. "The champagne, do you have a brand you like or do you want me to choose?"

Oh, that's right the drink they were here for. "I trust you." Faith watched Mac signal to the cocktail host and murmur their order and her room number. His eyes widened for a moment before he rushed off. Then violet eyes turned back to her.

Faith wondered if the woman knew how stunning she was. Faith's life revolved around beautiful women and none of them came close the sheer magnetism of the woman sitting across from her. She realized that they were just sitting there looking at each other. She should be uncomfortable. More surprising was she wasn't.

Their cocktail host walked over with a chilled 1990 Dom Pérignon Rosé. He struggled with the cork for a second before it shot out, startling him and hitting the wall behind Faith.

Faith jumped at the noise and looked at the cork in her lap. Looking from Mac's stunned face to the host's alarmed expression the last of her nervousness faded away as laughter bubbled up and overtook her.

The sound was musical and Mac let it wash over and through her. At that moment Faith became more than lovely, more than beautiful, she was radiant and Mac wanted nothing more than bask in her presence.

Their host poured a small amount into a glass and handed it to Mac. She nodded her approval, let him fill their glasses and leave the rest in the bucket on the table. She held up her glass, "To a wonderful performance and a successful run."

Glasses chimed together and two pairs of eyes met and held.

Faith took a sip. "Wow this is really good! I'm glad you chose. So Mac what brings you to Vegas? You don't look like the gambling type."

"I don't look like the gambling type? You're right, I'm not, I don't have the patience for it. I'm here on business." Okay enough about me. "How did you find yourself in Vegas, did you grow up here?" She silently prayed Faith would take the change of subject.

"Good lord no. I'm not convinced anybody grows up here. I grew up in Modesto, California. I came to Vegas a couple of years ago in order to find work as a dancer. Didn't know it was going to be as hard as it was. I spent the first three years as a card dealer just trying to get an audition. So I better know a gambler when I see one, I spent hours staring at them."

"But did you see Elvis?"

"Pardon?"

"Elvis, I figure if you work in Vegas eventually you are going to see Elvis. Every movie I've ever seen about Vegas involves Elvis. I've been on the lookout since I arrived. I thought you were supposed to be able to have him marry you or something." Mac rested her chin in her hands tried to look serious.

Faith stared for a second before she realized Mac's mouth was twitching. Ahhh so she has a sense of humor. She started laughing again, "Urban legend, Mac I hate to break it to you but the man really is dead. I did work during an Elvis impersonators convention, does that count? There were sideburns involved and men that thought they were my hunka hunka burnin' love." Faith curled her lip in Elvis fashion and made a crude grabbing motion with both her hands.

Mac couldn't help laughing and it felt wonderful. It occurred to her that she was actually enjoying a night out for the first time in years. "Close enough. So was showgirl or Elvis impersonator your childhood dream?"

Faith snorted. "Neither, I was going to be the next Anna Pavlova. I've taken everything from jazz to tap, but ballet is my love."

"How does a ballerina end up in Vegas?"

For a moment Faith could feel the memories war for release, blinking her eyes she stamped them down. Mac watched her expression ripple with emotion. She reached out her hand "Hey, forget I asked, I suck at small talk. We all have reasons for where we end up in life." Lord knows I do.

Mac's forehead wrinkled drawing her eyebrows together. Faith almost wanted to laugh at the expression and a warm feeling washed the old hurt down to where she could lock it back in the past.

Faith reached out and rubbed Mac's arm. "Oh, no it's fine. I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was 12. After that the owner of the ballet school I took lessons at became my guardian. I stayed with her until she passed on when I was 23 and her daughter took over the studio. I could have stayed with Bee and worked the school, but I wanted a little bit more than that. So one morning I opened up the paper, saw a travel ad for Vegas and was here a week later."

Mac had a feeling that was the short and sanitized version. "Seems like it ended up being the right choice. So for the first three years you were a card dealer?"

"Yeah, I came here and had some savings but I had to work while I figured out how to break into the show circuit. There was new casino opening up that was desperate card dealers. I was the perfect fit. I don't gamble, I'm blonde and I have an IQ above 100."

Mac just laughed. Faith went on. "I might have gotten a dancing job a bit faster had I been willing to be a short nude, but I wasn't quite ready to bare it all for the masses so I had to wait to find a call for a bluebell."

Mac rested her elbows on the table and let her chin rest in her hands. "But surely your dancing skills would give you an edge up?"

Faith warmed to this question, so many people didn't understand what it took to actually be in a Vegas show. "You'd be surprised at how many of these women have spent their lives studying dance. There isn't anybody up there that hasn't worked their ass off to get there. In fact, most of them could have been professional in the classic arts had something not held them back. Height, weight, body build?."

Black eyebrows rose. "Height matters to be a professional dancer?"

The blonde just chuckled. "You have no idea. Talent plays a major part but you have to match the other requirements. In ballet petite is essential. Naturally the opposite is true for Vegas. Here height is gold. Which leaves me at 5'7 somewhere else; I'm too tall for ballet and too short for most of the shows here. One less inch and I would have been out for both. Excalibur and I have a tenuous relationship."

"Excalibur? Like in Arthur and the Round Table?"

"Not exactly, more like the evil stick that measures how tall you are when you try out for the shows. Trust me, when I passed for this show I felt like I'd just pulled a magic sword out of a stone." Faith appraised her companion. "Now, you?you'd have no trouble passing the height requirements around here. How tall are you?"

The frank scrutiny made Mac squirm a bit, people always stared at her, but this time she hoped she met with approval. "About 6'1?out of my heels."

"Oh they'd love you then. Beautiful, tall and legs to spare." Faith noticed the color dusting her companion's cheeks. Oh?I'm embarrassing her, not so tough eh? "So Mac, I know business brought you to Vegas, what is it that you do?"

"I own a stevedoring company based out of Boston, MA and I'm having some meetings here in Vegas."

Mac poured some more champagne into both glasses. Yes she did own the company and cargo liners and dock sites. She also owned partnerships in some casino ships, dockside malls, cargo airliners and part of this casino. But that wasn't an answer to the direct question now was it?

Straight, brief and to the point. Faith could feel that there was more but Mac just sat there looking at her without another word. Which shouldn't matter, it was none of her business. She should just let it go, the woman in front of her obviously wasn't used to explaining anything. The light shined off the dark hair in front of her and sparked in the luminous eyes. But what were her chances of sitting across from this woman again? She probably had a plane out of here in a day or two.

"What does a stevedoring company do?"

"Well you know the giant ocean liners that are used for cargo?" Faith nodded. "Well I own some of those and supply docking to other companies' ships."

Faith pressed on. "Why hold the meetings all the way in Vegas?"

Mac sipped her champagne while she considered how to answer. Revenge and corporate takeover was not her choice of first impressions. As she deliberated she traced the tile on the table for a second before making up her mind. The worst thing that could happen would be Faith running from the room. Mac sighed. She wasn't here to make friends anyhow. Okay honesty it is.

"I'm here because I am an investor in a company called SeaSpan whose largest stockholder thinks I'm either an idiot or imperceptive. I've decided to show him I'm neither and I'm going to take it over while he watches and wonders how I've done it." She leaned over the table so she was barely a foot away. "And I'm going to do it here because Vegas is just what I need to magnify his deepest flaw and when I find it I'm going to exploit it. By the time I'm done he'll do anything to make me go away. Only I'm not going anywhere, I'll be the last thing he thinks of before going to sleep and the first thing he thinks of when he wakes up. If I'm lucky enough I'll ruin him and finally get some sleep myself."

The cultivated woman in front of her had transformed into something wild and scarcely restrained. The feral heat from the violet gaze was famous for making the powerful crumble and its full power ensnared Faith. Adrenaline rippled down her body and she parted her lips unconsciously.

Mac saw the shock and part of her regretted causing it but if Faith couldn't stand the heat, she shouldn't jump into the fire no matter how much Mac wanted her to. She leaned in closer letting every feeling course to the surface.

Faith felt the raw emotions emanating from the woman. Anger, resentment, authority and strength were frightening in their intensity. But hiding under everything else Faith could sense pain and a great deal of anguish. Her anxiety dissolved under a wave of protectiveness.

Mac was expecting several things but nothing prepared her for the gentle hand that reached out and cupped her cheek.

Faith traced the prominent cheekbone under her thumb, gliding the digit over the silky surface. She stared into the confused eyes and her voice came out softly, not wanting to break the moment "What can I do to help?" She watched the rigidity of the body in front of her in front of her relax and lean into her touch.

Mac swallowed hard and closed her eyes savoring the caress. Opening them she realized she was inches from Faith and an overwhelming need to be closer shocked her to her feet. "Why don't you meet me for lunch tomorrow?"

Her hand still hung in the air. Faith snatched it back into her lap and clasped her hands together. She didn't know what to say until she noticed the twitching of Mac's fingers as she pushed in her chair. If Faith didn't know any better she would almost say Mac wanted to run away. Run away from her?! She wasn't certain about what was going on but she did know she wanted lunch tomorrow. "Where and when should I meet you?"

"I'll have lunch delivered to my suite for privacy if that works at 1-ish? Check in with the front desk and they'll give you a pass for the elevator."

"That's fine, I'll see you then." Mac turned around to leave and Faith placed a hand on her arm "Thank you for the drink and the company it meant a lot, I didn't want to spend the night alone on my sofa in front of the TV."

Mac turned her head back to Faith. Caught again at how innocent the woman seemed, she realized she was leaving without a goodbye. She forced herself to calm down and turned back around.

"The pleasure was mine, thank you for sharing your night with me." Mac gently grabbed Faith's hand between both of hers and squeezed. "I'll see you tomorrow, sleep well Faith."

Faith grabbed her glass off the table, gulped the remainder and headed home.


Continued in Part 2...