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“No. But Audrey added our names to the list. We’re going in as a couple.”
London glanced around her room, wishing for coffee to magically appear. “Why am I going?”
“These people have seen Audrey with Jared. If he hasn’t been invited, they would question her showing up.”
“Why can’t you go alone?”
“We agreed to use the buddy system.” Nikki’s voice sounded as if she was reciting from a manual. Which she probably was. Between Audrey and Wade, Nikki always had someone telling her to be more careful. “Besides, if I need a distraction so I can get closer to the Taggert painting to check it out, you’re it.”
She sighed. She’d wanted to be included more, right? She should be overjoyed. But she was too tired to think. “Fine. Is the same black dress I wore when you took the Leach okay or do I need something fancier?”
“Dress should be good, but don’t be sloppy. This one isn’t a wardrobe malfunction kind of party.” Nikki giggled. “Unless we turn it into one.”
“No!” Audrey yelled from the background. “Low profile.”
“Got it. When time are we going?”
“I think we should get there around eight-thirty or nine. Party will be in full swing and people will be too buzzed to pay attention to the fact that no one knows us.”
“But it won’t be so late that we look like party crashers,” London mumbled.
“Exactly.”
“Fine. Call me later. I’m going back to sleep.” She dropped the phone and stretched back out on the couch. She should go upstairs to bed. But that required a level of effort she didn’t have.
At some point in the afternoon, London rolled off the couch and made herself a bowl of cereal. While she chomped on the chocolate crunchies, she suddenly remembered her date with Ezra. If she could call it a date. She shot him a text.
Something came up and I have to go with a friend to a party.
Too bad.
I can text when I get home, but it might be late.
I’ll be around.
See? This was what she liked about keeping things loose. He wasn’t going to try to make her feel guilty for having to change their plans. And he was still on board for a hook-up. She spent some time working on the paintings they needed for upcoming jobs, but she was still distracted. Maybe seeing the real thing up close might inspire something in her.
Before she knew it, it was time to get ready for the party with Nikki. She decided that instead of the slinky black dress, she’d wear a gold one that she’d gotten on vacation with her mother one year. She scooped the sides of her hair up and let the back trail down. A full makeup routine covered what was left of the dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. Turning in front of her mirror, she knew she looked good.
Nikki was picking her up in a rideshare since a big black van would look a bit suspicious. With her phone tucked into a tiny clutch, she headed out to meet Nikki.
The door of the small silver car popped open and Nikki yelled, “Oh girl, you’re hot!”
London smiled and waved her friend over.
“That dress makes a statement.”
“Is it too much?”
“Uh-uh. It’s perfect. People won’t be able to keep their eyes off you.”
“That’s not the low profile that Audrey was talking about.”
“Sure it is. You’re just an amazingly beautiful woman. You think they’re going to pay attention to specifics?”
“You talk like you’re not as beautiful.”
“Well, thank you, but I know how to play a role. I can blend in anywhere. Go unnoticed.”
