“They aren’t together,” Barry confirmed.
Clarice asked, “How do you know?”
“Because he’s been largely ignoring her,” Barry explained. “If I brought a woman who was inthatdress and looked that good, I wouldn’t leave her alone in a room full of musicians.”
“That’s why you don’t bring Eliza on the road then?” Alicia joked.
“Nah. She’d never wear anything that… intense. It’s more that the twins have school.”
Revenge dress or not, Betty looked like sex on two legs. Her sparkly green dress was everything I would have hated towear—short, low cut, and as subtle as a mirrorball. She shone like the sun. She texted that she was coming, but hadn’t said anything to me since her arrival—not even made eye contact.
“Go over there, act normal, imply you’d like to chat, and leave. She wouldn’t have shown up looking like that if she didn’t want to provoke a reaction, darling,” Bea said. “I mean, I am sure if I had her tight little arse, I’d wear all manner of things, but?—”
“Maybeyoushould pickyourjaw off the floor,” Alicia giggled. “Look at you.”
“Please go over there or I will yeet you out of this place,” Clarice pushed me.
I climbed to my feet which now felt leaden as I approached Betty. She was laughing heartily about something when I reached the couch where she sat, legs politely crossed at the ankle. I opened my mouth, but as I did, the lead singer of Giftehode started speaking my mother tongue in a very strong accent.
“Oh my God! I love you! Can I say that? I love you!”
I blushed. “You can say it, but I will never believe you.”
“Oh your work with Mark Johansson is amazing!” She continued. “Hi, I’m Kiersten. And this is Ole, Ivan, and Mikkel.”
Three blonde men raised their hands and said in the creepiest unison, “Nice to meet you.”
“You all… look similar,” I said.
“Kiersten is our cousin. We’re brothers,” Ivan explained.
“Oh, cool.”
Not at all weird.
I turned to Betty. Our eyes met and I sensed a defiance in her that wouldn’t let up. She had the upper hand. I hated it. Still, all I wanted was to pull her aside and tell her how I fucked up and it wouldn’t happen again.
“Do you know who Marit is?” Kiersten asked in excited English.
“Yes, we’ve met,” Betty was sweet as pie. “She’s very talented.”
Betty uncrossed, then recrossed her legs, never dropping my gaze. I couldn’t read if she was nervous or trying to throw me off.
“I’m going to get a drink,” Betty said. “Excuse me.”
She walked to the bar. I debated whether to follow, but realized this was my only in. I chased her like a puppy, finally catching up a few strides in.
“You know, I don’t understand how you can walk so fast in those things.” I caught my breath.
Betty turned, looking unamused. “We’re born wearing them.”
I furrowed my brow, confused.
“It was a joke, you can laugh,” Betty said flatly.
“Look, I know this is awkward and you showed up here to make me feel bad, but I really am sorry, Betty. As I said?—”
She crossed her arms, pushing her cleavage even further towards the sky.Don’t look down! Don’t look down!
