Wow. I don’t know her ex-husband or her father, but they certainly have done a number on her. She’s so jaded and cynical. I feel bad for her, and I also feel bad for mixing her up in all this. Yet, she seems to get some sick kind of pleasure from it.
We head back to the main lounge. Nicole is wearing a Cheshire cat smile. I, on the other hand, probably look terrified. People have already gathered in small groups. Liqueurs and alcohol are being passed around. I try a chocolate flavored one on ice — it’s delicious, and tastes very much like Baileys Irish Cream. My feet are starting to kill me a little, and I decide to take a seat next to Sarah and her friend, on the sleek grey leather sectional.
I catch Oscar standing at the opposite end of the room, checking me out. Sophie is in conversation with a tall man, who is clearly admiring her cleavage — she seems oblivious. Oscar whips out his phone again and taps away.
My phone dings.
Is this place fantastic or what?
—
It is.
—
You must love it. Everything is orange.
I smile. My heart warms at the thought of him knowing my favorite color. No one knows me like Oscar.
How are you and Sophie getting along? Will you be sleeping with her tonight?
—
Wow, look who’s all curious and nosy, all of a sudden. : )
—
I just wanna know.
—
Well, are you sleeping with douchebag tonight?
—
NOOOO!!! Who do you think I am? A tramp?
I glance up from my phone. He’s smiling as he taps away.
Oh, don’t act so innocent. I know how you love a nice fuck. I’ve been in your bed, Bernie.
—
Don’t call me that. Yes, I like sex. Doesn’t mean I’m about to jump in just anyone’s bed.
—
Cross one leg over the other and hike up your dress a little for me.
I smile and oblige. He shoots me a mischievous grin… he likes what he sees. My phone pings again.
Hot!
I enjoy a sip of my liqueur, and try to ignore him. But… I just can’t.
Check out the bartender, he writes.
I look over at the bar. The bartender is chatting with my mom’s friend. He’s short and slim and has a head of silver hair, slicked back, and a salt and pepper beard. He’s wearing a white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up at the elbows. There’s a tattoo peeking out, but I can’t quite make it out.
