Birthday Wishes

~~Narration~~

Ankh pulls up to the Bellagio Day Spa on Galleria Boulevard. Driving by, one would think it were an exotic car dealership: Mercedes, BMWs, Aston Martins, and Bentleys adorn the parking lot. Two cars really stand out. An exotic looking race car painted a hideous shade of orange tinged with peach, and a Volvo station wagon. As early as it is, apparently Sacramento's elite start their mornings here.

After her car is valeted, Ankh checks in. Past the reception, a plush dining area can be seen, dotted with women. Some wear chic day wear, some the signature robes of the spa, and some in plain old sweats. Designer sweats, though. Mimosas and crepes seem to be the favorite, although quite a few tall drinking glasses appear to have water or tomato juice in them. Closer inspection, particularly by smell, would reveal that they're neither water nor plain tomato juice.

With her appointment confirmed, and a slight curious look given her by the clerk upon inspection of her driver's license, she is turned over to an attendant.

He's hot. Hot enough he doesn't have to take his clothes off at night for fading past prime trophy wives to tip hundreds of their negligent husband's dollars to.

"Hello," he greets Ankh with a warm smile. "I'm Steve, is this your first visit?"

~~Narration~~

"Uh," he squawks, "Yes, at least until an audition pans out." From his poorly concealed surprise at Ankh's words, she knows this won't be any time soon.

"So, we serve breakfast, and with this lovely weather the pool will be opening in two hours," he starts his spiel. "The indoor pool is already open, and of course the hot tubs, sauna, and massages are always available."

Steve apparently likes to list the things that require little clothing first.

"Then there is the salon, for manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair styling. Pilates, yoga, and spinning instructors are also on hand. Did you have anything in particular in mind to start your day with us?" he asks.

(( Wits + Comp -3 please ))

"I show our guests around the facility," he replies, "especially visitors."

He leans forward slightly, "Although I am going to be a licensed masseuse soon." Steve's tone is a mixture of conspiratorial whisper and invitation.

~~Narration~~

"Sounds perfect," Steve replies with a smile.

He leads Ankh through a hall to another area, with doors of rooms. Out of one door comes a matronly looking woman, who closes the door on a small Asian girl who is delicately snoring. She gives Steve a questioning look, to which he shakes his head slightly. She returns the look with a slight raise of her eyebrows and leaves.

Steve shows Ankh into a room with a massage table, motivational posters, and music playing. Towels and a robe are on the table, and a console with a tray containing oils, and other bottles are evidence of the room's purpose.

"Just prepare yourself and then push the button," he says, showing her a button on the side of the table. "Unless you would like assistance changing?"

~~Narration~~

"Into your towel," Steve replies, giving her a puzzled look. "You disrobe, lay on the table, and cover yourself with a towel," he explains. "Afterward, you put the robe on, or your clothes, depending on what you do after this."

The next forty-five minutes are spent with oiled hands under the towel giving a very mediocre massage. He's decent, but misses some muscles, and works others too hard. Still, it's a three out of five. Steve's hands wander a bit, too; apparently undressing in front of him gives him ideas.

"Want to turn over and keep going?" he asks.

Steve gives a confused nod, looking like a hurt puppy dog. After a rather lackluster treatment of her arms, legs, feet, and hands --and plenty of staring-- Steve has finished.

It's about 8:00 a.m. now.

"Many guests enjoy the sauna or hot tubs after a massage," he says. He checks his watch. "The outdoor pool should be open, if you'd like to tan a bit? It should be empty this early -- except Miss A, she swims religiously."

"Was it that bad?" he asked apologetically. "I just started a few months ago... you know how it is. Think you're taking a job for a few months, and a few years later you wonder what happened."

He gives Ankh a curious look. "I know almost everyone, I guess."

"We're not supposed to talk about guests," he said with a head shake. "But I guess it's ok to tell you that there isn't one by that name, isn't it?"

"Usually I just show guests to whichever facility they're interested in," he said. "Then whenever they need an attendant, one of us shows up. This early in the morning, most of the guests are regular members and know their way around," he says with a slightly defensive tone, as if to justify the time he's spent with Ankh.

~~Narration~~

Steve nods, and proceeds to show her the boutique, where they sell swimwear, among other over-priced items. From there, he leads her outside, to a beautiful pool area. High walls ensure privacy from the rest of the outside world, and lush landscaping turn the walls into something beautiful rather than institutional.

Lounge chairs dot the deck around the pool as well as large beach umbrellas. There's a cabana with a man cleaning glasses, and a blonde woman swimming laps like a professional.

"If you need something," Steve says, "There's a phone at the cabana bar that can page the front desk."