I shout. “Bonnie! Let’s go.”
“Oh.” She titters. “Right.”
Carl watches the doors close, and just before we’re sealed off, he says, “I’m looking forward to dinner, Bonnie.”
“Me too.” She stops the doors from shutting, adding, “When I come back, I’ll give you my digits.”
Digits? I want to crack up, but I know she didn’t mean it to be funny.
“Can’t wait.”
When the doors shut, I’ve got to give her props. “Wow, good for you, Bonnie.” I chuckle as the elevator ascends. To the penthouse. Ugh. More rich people.
“He was cute, right?”
“He was. Sort of like an old Michael Douglas.” Then I laugh—no, it’s more of a cackle.
“No way. I’d say he was more of a current day George Clooney.”
She’s right. “He was.”
When the elevator reaches the top floor, it chimes and opens right into the apartment. There are people and children everywhere. I guess it makes sense since the party is for a six-year-old. Clutching the gift, I follow Bonnie into the grand foyer. “This place had to have cost millions,” Bonnie’s says it like she’s awe.
“Probably.”
Walking through the foyer, we enter a large living room. There’s a table setup that is piled high with gifts. Setting mine on the table, I’m suddenly nervous.
Being the genius she is, Bonnie suggests, “Let’s see if there’s any booze in this joint.”
“Good idea.” I could use a drink. We slowly make our way through the guests to the kitchen. Gazing through the entrance, all I see are people in those white chef’s coats running around like crazy. There’s a giant pink birthday cake on the counter along with dozens of trays filled with appetizers and other treats. We stare as servers pick up those trays and walk in our direction. I quickly step out of the way so they can do their work.
“Let’s try the balcony.” Bonnie takes my wrist and pulls me in the direction of the patio doors.
The sliding doors are open to a humongous patio that I’d guess spanned the entire building. There are several seating areas throughout and a bar setup in the center. Bonnie makes a beeline for that, but as I attempt to follow, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I come face to face with that tall woman, Monica.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, rudely. “Hudson isn’t here.”
I had a feeling I’d run into her here. It was a risk I needed to take though. “I was invited.”
“By whom?”
Is this woman for real? It’s none of her business, so rather than pointing that out, I ignore her instead saying, “It was nice to see you again.”Not.
I take a step toward the bar because now I really need a drink. “I asked you a question, Wendy.”
Wendy?She knows my name. I’m sure of it. I detest when people do that, you know, make you feel less than by not recalling your name. “And I answered you, Mindy.”
“I see you’re wearing the same dress as last weekend.”
Why wouldn’t I? It was expensive. I’m going to wear it every damn weekend until I die just to make sure it was worth the investment. I tried to Venmo the money to Hudson, but he has yet to accept the payment. Maybe I’ll run into him again someday and I can just hand him some cash. “I like it. It’s pretty.”
“Just another reason you and Hudson will never work.”
“Because I wore a dress more than once?” I snicker. “I feel a little sorry for you.”
“Excuse me?” Monica acts affronted. I bet it happens to her a million times a day.
“Never mind.”
