I press the 2 button. “Fabulous,” I reply. “Going for tea at my friends.”
Going to get so stoned.
“Sounds fun,” he says. “You’re sure dressed for it.”
“Thank you. You like?” I ask, my words flirty. I haven’t had a sip, but it’s like I’m already high.
He smiles. “Very much.”
We reach Claudia’s floor and I wave bye. I think that might have been the longest conversation any of us have ever had with the man. I can’t wait to tell the girls. I scurry to Claudia’s, excited.
Claudia squeals like a junior high girl when she sees me. “You look fabulous. That dress…”
“You’re not so bad, yourself. Amazing dress.” She’s elegant in a striped quirky sky blue capped sleeve dress. There are bright pink flamingos frolicking all around the skirt. The dress is paired with butter yellow vintage-looking pumps. “Love the shoes.”
She kicks up a leg. “They’re Juicy Couture. I’ve had these forever.”
“Nice.”
“Come in,” she urges.
The place looks amazing. Claudia’s apartment has always had a very artsy bohemian vibe; warm colors, textures and patterns abound. It’s like walking into a big warm hug. But today, it’s even more special. The round dining room table is covered with a pretty embroidered white tablecloth. A lovely arrangement of hydrangeas sits at its center, surrounded by tea sandwiches and adorable colorful square desserts. Whimsical floral tea cups and saucers are set on paper doilies.
I’m wide-eyed, tickled pink. “It looks amazing,”
“It’s all about us girls today,” she tells me. “The boys are in Chicago at a ball game. Special boys weekend. I figure I might as well have a girls weekend.”
“Great idea.”
The door swings open and Abigail swoops in — she looks fabulous in a pretty sleeveless checkered yellow dress, paired with simple white pumps. She’s even wearing a little white retro hat and long silk gloves. Her long blonde hair is tucked into a bun.
“You look fantastic,” she tells me.
“You too. Love it.”
She’s carrying a bottle of red wine and sets it on the counter as she takes in the table. “So when do we drink?” she asks. “I can’t wait.”
Claudia fiddles with her iPod. She puts on some Michael Bublé. I stand by the tall windows looking out into the street — her apartment is very similar to mine — all these units have the same views.
“Just waiting for Gretchen,” she tells us. “Her mother-in-law was sitting for her. She’s a little iffy about the whole thing. She doesn’t want the woman to see her stoned.”
I smile. Sounds like Gretchen. I don’t think she’s ever done drugs either. Abigail and Claudia are another story though.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Gretchen finally arrives. She’s adorable in a pretty pink dress covered with black roses and a black silk bow. Her hair is curled and up, and she’s wearing her bookworm glasses and ballerina flats. “Sorry, guys. My mother-in-law loves to talk.”
Abigail bends down and gives her a kiss on the cheek. I reach in for a hug. “Twinsies,” she says. Yes, our dresses are very similar — mine has polka-dots, hers has roses and is a little longer.
She turns her gaze to the table. “Wow, that’s so pretty.”
Claudia’s eyes grow wide with excitement. “Okay, we can start!”
We all settle down at the table, full of barely contained excitement. Gretchen taps her red-tipped nails on the table. Abigail slowly removes her elegant gloves, one finger at a time, and I perform my usual ritual.
Claudia is all smiles as she serves us tea from a lovely flower printed teapot. “This is a serenity infusion. It’s meant to make you feel relaxed, light as air,” she explains. “There are all kinds of infusions. One’s actually meant to make you horny.” She smirks. “But I don’t need that one now.”
We all laugh. Yes, I definitely don’t need it either. I’m frisky enough as it is these days. Visions of Joel all over me still assault me on a daily basis. I know they will eventually fade, but for the moment, I’m still enjoying them.
“I could use a little horny tea,” Abigail jokes. “I’m practically a nun these days.”
