“Is that your way of inviting me out?” I twist my lips in confusion while chewing a bite of the tandoori chicken.
“It’s more of a mandatory appearance than an invitation,” she giggles, watching me carefully as she studies my reaction.
“Please don’t tell me it’s tonight, because I’m drained,” I plead, unable to muster enough energy for one of Beth’s nights out.
My best friend is well connected in the city and often negotiates our way into VIP rooms and A-list events, so I know a night out with her will be one I’ll never forget. Even still, I can’t bear to spend a night jumping on couches after the day from hell I’ve been through.
“Calm down, drama queen. It’s not until New Years, so you’ve got time to recover from the creepy crawlers,” she laughs before the words are even out of her mouth.
“Don’t bring that up!” I shriek, pausing as I lift the lid of another Styrofoam box, revealing a yellow curry with white rice.
“Okay, too soon!” she chuckles, and this time I laugh with her as I stuff a spoonful of curry into my mouth, my eyes closing with delight as the masterful flavors play on my tongue.
Chapter Two
The New Year really snuck up on us, arriving much quicker than I anticipated. After moving back into my apartment, things seem to be shaping up for the first time in a while. As always, Beth has remained determined to take me out to celebrate the holiday, despite my apprehensions.
Our vacation is only days away, and I don’t want to spend any money until I step on that cruise ship, but Beth isn’t leaving me any room to back out. After promising that everything would be on the house, because her older brother was the investor behind the party, I agreed to go. He’s recently added club promotions to his growing portfolio, so I know it will be top of the line, just like every other event we’ve been to on his behalf.
“You look hot!” Beth chimes, sauntering into her living room wearing a skintight red bondage dress that reveals more than it hides.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and she is determined to go home with the love of her life, whoever he may be. I, being the realist, am just trying to have a good night, ending what I am determined to deem my last year of bad luck.
Everything will improve beginning at midnight if I have anything to do with it. This stint of misfortune will soon be behind me. Manifesting my future success has been a high priority.
“How did you even get into this?” Beth asks while tugging at my black dress.
Hoping to switch it up for the big occasion, I chose to wear my hair sleek and bone straight, allowing my hips and Double-D’s to be the only waves for the night. My six-inch stilettos make my legs look even longer than they are, and I bounce with an extra boost of confidence as I make my way to the front door.
“Knock it off!” I swat Beth’s hand, continuing out of her gorgeous home before climbing into her S-Class Mercedes Benz, ready for another night on the town.
“Finish that,” she warns, pointing to my red plastic cup, filled to the brim with cranberry juice and Grey Goose Vodka.
Knowing she worries about getting pulled over, I chug the drink without question before strapping in my seatbelt and scrolling her music playlist, assuming my job as the DJ for our ride to Hollywood.
“Look at these losers,” Beth sneers, pulling into the valet line as she eyes the seemingly endless line of people waiting to enter the nightclub.
“Tonight is only VIP valet,” the young guy in a black suit jacket yells into the car, his eyes focusing on a Lamborghini, which pulled in directly behind us.
“I’m Beth Matthews,” she sighs, annoyed by his lack of recognition.
“I’m so sorry,” he yelps, and suddenly we have his undivided attention, his hands rushing to open her car door as he apologizes profusely before giving us instructions for entering the party.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll let my brother know you did a good job.” She smiles at the valet, and he releases a breath I’m sure he was holding, afraid he’d upset his boss’s sister.
“You let him have it,” I whisper as we sashay to the front door, gasps of both envy and curiosity at our backs as we make our way into the club.
The atmosphere is electric, women hanging from the ceiling, dancing in lingerie while holding on to a thick silk rope. The men are mostly dressed in suits, the elite of the city, out on the prowl for the biggest night in Hollywood.
Tickets must have cost an arm and a leg, because the party is top of the line – our VIP table comes equipped with unlimited bottle service, delivered by a model-thin blonde wearing the shortest dress I’ve ever seen.
“It seems you two have it all covered, but you’re more than welcome to join us,” a deep voice whispers off my left shoulder.
“Oh, we were just settling in,” I say. I blush. He’s cute, but not really my type.
Wearing a polka dot bowtie and suspenders, his handsome face is a bit overshadowed by his lack of taste. Looking over at Beth, fully prepared to turn down the request, I watch her jump to her feet, extending her hand to the stranger.
“Yes, we’d love some company,” she smiles, exiting our private area in a hurry.