Is this destiny?

~ Dark Prince gentlemen's club ~

Earlier that evening…

Jeff just left the club with Aiden, Felix and Steve.

Jasper internally rolled his eyes while wondering, why did he book this place? It is his first time to organize bachelor's party. Isn't this what people do one day before they get married: surround themselves with half naked girls and go for one last hurrah before they tie the knot? What a waste… and he actually had to call in some favors to get this VIP room in time.

He is now facing his other friends: Bradley, Christopher, Russel and Vincent, who are all giving him pleading looks to leave this place.

They want to go clubbing?

Jasper exhaled in frustration while thinking how his party-planning skills need an upgrade. Suits him well when he wanted to do this by himself. If he got his assistant or his secretary (or anyone else) to handle this bachelor's party nonsense, it would probably turn out better.

He still remembers that these four people in front of him rubbed in his face how girls went for paintball. How come he didn't think of that? Instead of something fun and active, they spent most of the day on a boat like a bunch of old people. Since everything so far he did seems to be a failure, he might as well listen to what his friends want.

"Fine. Let's go to Illusion Empire.", Jasper squeezed through his teeth.

He has to admit a defeat in this case.

Looking how excited his friends are, Jasper thought that if he knew it will turn out like this, maybe he would coordinate with Ellie and they could plan this day together.

He was half-upset that Ellie made her way into his thoughts, again.

On the way out of the VIP room he bumped into six half-drunk middle aged men who were trying out doors to see if any room is unlocked and unoccupied. Based on their business attire, it seems they came here straight from work.

Jasper looked at the cardkey in his hand.

"Hey, are you looking for a room?"

Jasper's voice startled them.

One man made a step toward him and nodded.

"Here…", he handed him the cardkey. "Last room on the left. You have it for the whole night, and it comes with two lap dances included. Just don't break anything. I don't want additional charges on my card. Deal?"

"Thank you!" The man nodded vigorously, and Jasper could swear that the man had sparkles in his eyes.

"Don't mention it.", Jasper mumbled as he walked away toward the exit. 'Well, at least the room will be used.'

Jasper was pleasantly surprised to see that the limo is waiting for him. It seems that Bradley managed to call Jeff and tell him to turn around to pick them up.

'Nice move, Bradley.', Jasper silently praised his friend.

Benefit of them going together is that when they reach Illusion Empire, they don't need to look for the girls, since Jeff definitely knows where to find Anna. And where Anna is that is where…'Damnit! Why am I thinking about Ellie again?'

…

They entered VIP room in Illusion Empire, and Jasper was checking out the room. It's very spacious with several large sofas, bar-height tables and there is even a wet bar. He has to admit that Ellie did a good job in picking this place. He wondered if she had to call in favors to get this room. Based on his experience, it's not easy to get a VIP room on Friday evening downtown Los Angeles.

Jasper's eyes landed on Ellie, and he is confident that she just looked away from him. Why would she do that? He pressed his lips into a line. 'Well, after last night, I probably deserve it.'

Jasper was upset to see that Vincent started talking to Ellie and she was smiling. Why would she smile at him? Vincent was never a funny guy.

Jasper plopped on a sofa, and he didn't even realize that few seconds later Millie and Sharon sat next to him. When Jasper became aware of their presence, he was grateful that these two girls are too chatty and he does not need to say anything to have the conversation going. They are so noisy, that he can space out and it actually looks like he is participating in the clamor Millie and Sharon are creating. No matter what he was thinking about, his eyes moved toward Ellie. Jasper was grateful that her back is facing him, so that she does not see him staring. How frustrating! Since when does he stare at girls?

The waiter came to get their orders.

"What will you have, ladies?", Jasper's question earned overly-excited giggles from Millie and Sharon. Is it because this is the first thing he said since coming here? Or maybe it is his smile. Well, he can't help it, it's a practiced smile which many years ago turned into a habit.

When Jasper saw that Jeff and JoAnna stood up and that they are signaling toward the door to others that it's time, Jasper panicked. 'Will Ellie leave as well?'

He sighed in relief when he saw that Sarah and Aiden are wishing Ellie and Vincent good night. That means Ellie is staying, right? But what is with Vincent? Hmph… he does not matter. What matters is that Ellie is staying behind. With peripheral vision he saw Ellie waving at the girls who are leaving, and he was almost confident that she is looking at him. His smile widened.

Jasper was contemplating if he should look at her or not for few seconds and by the time he looked her way, he saw that she is talking to Vincent. Again.

Jasper wondered, what kind of a game this is, and why is he playing it? He checked out two girls next to him and saw that they are not bad looking. So, why is he stuck with stealing glances at a girl who is obviously avoiding him? He reminded himself that this is not him. He came to this club to let out some steam and get his mojo back, and these two girls next to him will serve that purpose just fine.

"Say, what are your names?"

Jasper's question caused Millie and Sharon to dissolve into giggles much louder than usual. He smirked. 'These two are such an easy picking…'

Next thing he knows, Ellie walked toward that girl from Seattle who was talking to Bradley. Jasper thinks that her name is Ella, or Emma, or Enna… Less than a minute later, two of them left the room. Based on the fact that other girl got her cardigan and both of them had their purses… they left for the night. Jasper could not stop himself from looking after Ellie, who acted as if he is not there at all. And he was surprised at the realization how much unhappy he is because she left.

Jasper's surprise was replaced with disdain at the sight of Bradley and Vincent looking at him like tutors who are about to punish him for some major mischief. What is up with them?

Jasper turned to Sharon. "Millie, right?"

"If you say so...", Sharon laughed with sparkles in her eyes.

Millie leaned closer to him and spoke through giggles: "I am Millie, but I don't mind if you call me whatever you want."