Sheila's face still stung from the slap she received from Lanie. Sheila looked briefly at her reflection in a storefront window wondering if the woman's handprint shown. It didn't but boy did it hurt. Considering what Lanie witnessed she couldn't blame her reaction but still, she wished she had the opportunity to explain. She knew this did not bode well for James but he always seemed to have a way of talking himself out of trouble. It was amazing watching him work back in college. His minions would start out fuming and then end up falling (usually in bed) for him.

Right now Sheila had a much bigger issue to deal with. How to find Christian? How to apologize for not hearing him out? And how to see if he was still interested in taking a chance on her? All good questions and she had a burning desire to see them answered. She got to his hotel in no time flat walking double speed as the thought of seeing him gave wings to her feet.

She walked through the revolving doors and came up to the lobby receptionist desk. "Hello?"

A woman took a quick glance at Sheila with a once over look that said she did not approve. Sheila did not have time to change and thought the look rather ignorant. "May I...help you?" she said in a way that said, "Please don't waste my time as it's obvious by your appearance you can't afford to stay here."

Sheila just smiled her best smile, this day sucked but she wasn't going to give in. "I was wondering if you could ring Christian Orloff's room to see if he is in?"

"And why would do that?" the lobby clerk said continuing to type away on her computer.

"Uh, because I asked you too?" Sheila thought it an obvious answer.

"And you are?" Sheila sighed this was going excruciatingly slow. She should have gone up to his room but she didn't want to spring herself on him.

"Sheila Galloway."

"I see and would he be expecting you?"

Oh, Lord. "No, that is why I am asking you if he's here. If he was expecting me I would know if he was here now wouldn't I?" Sheila was losing the patience battle.

"Miss, I'm afraid I can't do that?"

"And why not?"

"Well..." she began in a huff, "Our guest give us a list of people they expect to visit them during their stay and you aren't on that list. So I am afraid I can't give you that information."

"Seriously?" Sheila thought it was the most absurd thing she had ever heard.

"Is there a problem here?" the concierge asked.

"No, no problem. This young woman was just leaving," the clerk said.

"Hi," Sheila said and then something dawned on her, " a... miss Kaitlin she said reading the woman's name tag, "I don't know if you remember me but I was waiting for Mr. Orloff when his friend brought him in after he was um...mugged."

"Oh yes!" The concierge said, "Sorry I did not recognize you, you look different from before."

Sheila remembered how she had deliberately downplayed her looks that night, so it was understandable. "Is Mr. Orloff still here?"

Kaitlin pushed the ignorant girl aside. "I see we are holding his room for him but he said he may be away for a day or two."

"Really?" Sheila said majorly disappointed to get such news.

"Well thank you! You've been most helpful." Sheila said giving a slight frown to the girl who was now sulking off to the side.

"Not a problem. Hope to see you back here soon!" Kaitlin said smiling.

"You can count on it," Sheila said. She needed to see Christian and this was the only way to get a hold of him.

Sheila's walk back to her apartment seemed much slower. Somehow her energy had depleted and she felt deflated. "Well happy birthday to me, you've lost your job, your chance to find love, what next my apartment gets robbed?"

Sheila opened her apartment door and screamed as two men were standing in her living room. Wes and Kyle urged her to quiet down. Sheila just nodded trying to regain her composure her hand over her chest, and her heart beating wildly. The irony of her last thought was not wasted on her and she began laughing and then crying.

"Oh, Little Sis!" Wes said coming over to her.

"Baby girl," Kyle said approaching her and before Sheila realized what was going on she was sandwiched between to two large gay guys. This realization caused another fit of laughter.

"Sorry, rough day," Sheila said wiping the tears from her eyes. "Not that I'm complaining or anything but why are you here?"

"Well," Kyle said leading Sheila over to her sofa to have a seat. "After we talked this morning I enlisted Wes' help on Project Sensational Sheila."

"Project what?" Sheila said giggling.

"Project Sensational Sheila," Wes said sitting next to her. "You, my friend, have forgotten just how awesome you really are and we are here to remind you."

Kyle sat at her other side and took her hand in his, "Baby girl you are in serious need of fun. We planned to wait until your birthday but considering what happened at the club, Wes and I decided to enact our plan now."

"So," Wes said causing Sheila to turn her attention to him now, "You need to shower, put on your best party dress and we are taking you out to a night on the town, Wes and Kyle style."

"Only," Kyle said practically bouncing with excitement, "we aren't going to party here in Philly."

"Oh No!" Wes added, "We are going bigger. So, get ready, girlfriend because we are going to New York City."

Sheila got pulled off the couch and pushed in the direction of her bedroom. "Alright, Alright! I'm going," Sheila said as she entered the bedroom Kyle followed her.

"I'm sorry what happened at the club today?" Kyle said.

Sheila just smiled a sad smile. "It will be okay. I've got a great reputation and one altercation isn't going to change that." Or at least she hoped it wouldn't change that. Lanie did travel in some pretty powerful circles.

Kyle chuckled and smiled at her. "I sure am going to miss you though."

"Me too! Going to miss everyone there."

"Okay, enough of the blah, blabbity, blahs," Wes said coming into the room. "Get those clothes off and into the shower. "Kyle here will pick something out of your closet he feels will best suit this evening."

Sheila laughed, "Fine, I'll leave my clothing decision in your very capable hands."

The shower felt good and Sheila could feel the craziness of the day washing away. She couldn't help but wonder where Christian may have gone. Perhaps it was for work or maybe James sent him on an errand for the wedding. The wedding? She wondered how that was going to work out. Hopefully, James had something up his sleeve although she didn't believe he expected Lanie to be there. Boy, that will be a nasty surprise when he gets home.

Sheila took time to get all dolled up. Her hair lay in soft curls, her makeup was done to perfection, and all she needed now was some clothes. She came out in her red silk robe to find a wrapped box sitting on her bed from Nordstrom. She always admired the clothes in the window of this store but knew she could not afford them, they tended to be a bit pricey and she had no occasion to wear them. She gingerly opened the box to find an over one shoulder, sexy little black party dress. It was amazing! Sheila tried it on and it fit like a glove, leave it to Wes and Kyle to know her exact size. She had to rethink her hair this was far too elegant for curls she needed a sophisticated updo.

Ten minutes later she was satisfied with her appearance she came out to the living room expecting some fanfare but the room was empty instead, sitting on her coffee table was a beautiful beaded clutch purse and note that said, "Meet us outside."

Sheila felt the excitement of the moment starting to sweep over her. She threw her keys and wallet into her purse and headed down the stairs. Outside was a long stretch limo. It felt like prom night, or at least she figured this must be what prom felt have like, as she didn't actually get asked to her prom.

Wes popped his head out of the sunroof. "Wow! My lady your carriage awaits." And Kyle opened the door to let her in. "I told you, she'd look amazing in that dress," Kyle said admiring his handy work. She was a dream.

Inside the limo lit up by different color changing LEDs embedded in the ceiling. Kyle gave her a glass of champagne and Wes handed her a single red rose. "You boys are spoiling me rotten." Sheila giggled "and it's not my birthday, not yet."

Wes laughed, "Your only job is to totally enjoy yourself tonight. Sit back, relax and have fun. We have everything covered."

Sheila smelled the sweet fragrance of the rose and then took a sip of champagne. "Okay, I am at your mercy."

Kyle knocked on the window between the driver and its occupants. "Driver to New York City, please." And just like that, they were off for an adventure.

Sheila stared out the window of limo watching as the city of New York came into view in its entire splendor. She loved this city. No other city could match it in the world for vitality, it practically sang to her. She could feel its rhythm coursing through her and she wanted to dance.

Thankfully she did not have to wait long as the first place Kyle and Wes took her too was a dance club in the Meatpacking District. They pulled up outside and Sheila's jaw dropped. "The Boom Boom Room? There is no way you are getting into there."

Wes and Kyle just smiled knowingly. "No, but you will."

"What?" Sheila said completely confused.

"Just stay with us and work them stilettos," Wes said with a grin.

The driver came around and opened the door Wes stepped out first looking rather impressive in a tailor-cut suit that showed off his muscular form instead of hiding it. He wore no tie just a crisp white shirt that lay unbuttoned at the collar and when he reached for her hand she saw the French cuffs and onyx cufflinks. She smiled at him and he linked his arm with hers soon to be joined by Kyle whose dreadlocks were tied back with a black leather restraint, his suit looked silky if that was even possible and the dark purple shirt looked just as decadent. Sheila in her new party dress was now window dressed with these two men on either side of her.

They took the elevator to the Top of the Standard. The door girl took one look at Sheila and an appreciative smile curved her lips when she took in Wes and Kyle on either side of her. "It's nice to know one of us girls made it," she said to Sheila and they didn't even have to wait in line she motioned for them to enter almost immediately.

Step one of Project Sensational Sheila in place.

Remind her how beautiful she is. Complete. On to step two, take her someplace where her talents can shine. Wes and Kyle deliberately chose this club. They wanted a chance for her to dance. They would drop in for a few drinks and enjoy the ambiance.

Sheila admired the spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and Mid-Town from both the bar and the tiered seating they chose to sit from along windows. She felt free, alive and adventurous and when the music began Sheila felt her body come alive and thrum with the bass from the song the DJ was spinning.

She took her cocktail and Wes' and put them both down on the table. "Come dance with me?" She looked over at Kyle, and asked, "You don't mind do you?"

"Not at all, he's all yours," Kyle said and Wes winked at him and Kyle laughed. "Next dance is mine," he called after them.

She led Wes out to the dance floor. The music was moving; the club was starting to fill up. She grabbed his arm and placed it around her they began to move to the rhythmic thump. Wes watched as all eyes turned to them. Sheila was an accomplished dancer, who specialized in belly dancing but her talents were far greater than that. Wes smiled as every man looked on covetously as she moved her body in time with his. She made him look good as she moved her body in ways that made men go wild and women become green with envy. After they danced several sets, they made their way back to Kyle to partake of their refreshments.

They returned from the dance floor both laughing and breathless. Sheila was flushed, a few tendrils managed to escape the confines of the updo she had put it in. She needed to catch her breath and then it was Kyle's turn. Only he didn't get his chance as a very well dressed, model looking man sauntered over. "May I?" he said and put his hand out to her.

Sheila looked at both Wes and Kyle. Kyle's eyes were wide and his smile was huge and Wes just nodded his head toward the dance floor telling her to go. Sheila nervously took his hand, "Okay."

"I've never seen you here before?" the handsome man said.

"There's a good reason for that. I have never been here before," Sheila replied as they walked to the dance floor.

He chuckled. "That must be it."

"You're a regular then?" Sheila asked.

"Yes. I love to dance and the music here is pretty hot," he said taking hold of her waist.

It was a slower song with a bit of Latin flare. Sheila was impressed with the way this man moved. He matched every sway of her hips, the dance picked up with a salsa beat and the two them fell into a perfect rhythm. People had begun to stop and stare it was like watching a professional ballroom couple, and when the music turned into a Rhumba their dance was downright provocative. People actually clapped when they were done and Sheila and her mystery man took a bow.

"You're perfection on the dance floor," he told her.

"Thank you, so are you. Are in the trade?" Sheila asked as they walked to get drinks.

"Yes! I'm a professional competitive dancer and teacher I have my own studio here in New York. I love coming to the clubs because it gives me a chance to scout out new talent and perhaps a new partner?" he said the last bit like a question and it was hard to miss.

"I too am a professional competitive dancer but my dance of choice is usually belly dancing," Sheila said wanting to keep the conversation going on a more professional level not really feeling comfortable with anything else.

He pulls a card from his inside breast pocket. Sheila looks down at it, it said Monte Cooper Dance Group and had the address of his studio in Manhattan, and had his personal phone number. "I need a partner for my next competition, it is mostly Latin Dances, and I think you would be perfect. So, please. Consider dancing with me again?" He took her hand and pulled her in close to give her a kiss on the cheek and then was handed his drink by the bartender and he moved on.

Sheila stood there shocked for a moment or two and then was brought back to reality when the bartender tried for the second time to hand her, her drink. She worked her way through the crowd and found Wes and Kyle deep in conversation she felt a little awkward by how intimate they appeared and half thought of walking away again but then Wes' head shot up and he smiled at her.

"So how did go?" Wes asked leaning back away from Kyle.

"I'm not sure but I think I was just offered a job here in New York."

"What?" Kyle said intrigued.

"That man was Monte Cooper!" Sheila said. She had heard of him before. He was well known in the trade. She couldn't believe he was dancing with her.

"Monte Cooper? As in the dancer who was named Best Male Dancer, Best Choreographer, and Best Technical Dancer?" Kyle said super impressed.

"Yes! And you forgot he also won People's Choice," Sheila said practically jumping up and down.

Wes laughed and he and Kyle exchanged a knowing glance. Step two of Project Sensational Sheila, complete. Kyle knew Monte and he knew he was looking for a partner. Monte and Kyle had once been involved in a relationship and it ended on good terms so they remained friends for quite some time. When he lost his last dance partner, he really felt in a bind as he had a competition coming up in just a couple of months.

Kyle had shown him one of Sheila's competition videos and he had been most definitely intrigued. It was now only a matter of getting them together. When things fell apart for Sheila at the club Kyle thought this the best time and when Monte said he would get them into the Boom Boom Room for an audition Kyle jumped at the chance. Monte wanted to be certain they had the chemistry that was so very important in a dance partner. Obviously, his friend agreed Sheila was perfect and step two of showing Sheila what a talent she is, had been completed.

Now on to step three...