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Vickie’s heart pounded hard and fast in anticipation of what she was going to see when the elevator doors finally opened. How was the room going to be organized this time? Were they the only couple invited for the second time? She had no idea why she and George would be so important to these people she didn’t know and had only heard about a few days ago. Excitement rippled through her, and she took hold of Ruby’s arm to help steady herself. Ruby squeezed her hand as the elevator opened.
“This way,” said a solemn Otto who Vickie remembered from last night, the man who had to clean up the broken glass at her table. He was dressed in a tight-fitting tuxedo, showing off his toned muscles. Ruby raised her eyebrows, and Vickie elbowed her. She couldn’t flirt when parading as her husband. It could blow their cover.
Walter and Bessie hurried forward, leaving Vickie and Ruby to follow as they walked down an industrial corridor, turned right, then left, following a trail of fairy lights hung on the walls. Stairs took them up to the rooftop. Bessie gasped with enthusiasm as she saw the entertainment area decorated with a magical ambiance.
“It’s beautiful,” said Bessie.
Vickie agreed. It was a very different vibe than last night. There were large trees placed strategically to create an intimate area in the center of the rooftop. More fairy lights were strung between the trees helping to create a magical atmosphere, and there were a few lit candles giving off a soft light, pushing the night away. There were large cushions of neutral colors arranged in a circle and a small rectangular wooden table that was barely off the floor, in the middle of the space. Vickie was immediately curious as to what this was going to entail. Clearly, it was going to be different than last night, which she was glad.
“Welcome,” said the presenter. He bowed low dramatically, opening out his arms toward a waiter who stood holding a glass of champagne.
“Please take a glass, enjoy yourself while everyone settles in. You’re all in for a real treat tonight.” He smiled broadly.
Bessie squealed with glee, stopping short of clapping her hands and jumping up and down.
“Settle down, dear,” said Walter, humor in his voice as he too was obviously enjoying the evening’s events. “We want to be invited back.”
Vickie took a glass of champagne and held it politely as they stood to the side waiting for whatever was going to happen next. Walter and Bessie had moved further into the rooftop setting approaching the only other couple present. She was glad just to be with Ruby to collect her thoughts.
Vickie noted that the couple already here were well-dressed, wearing the most up-to-date fashions. Was it because they were wealthy that they were here? Since Ruby had given a generous amount of money last night, were they hoping for more? Was that why they were invited back?
Once more, it was couples only. What was that about? Maybe it was nothing, just part of keeping the numbers even. Though, it niggled at her mind at what it could be about. What were the organizers up to?
Vickie scrutinized their faces until she was certain they weren’t anyone she knew, and she was confident that they were not present last night. It made her uncomfortable knowing she and Ruby were the only ones and that tonight it was a very intimate gathering. She felt safety in numbers as it would hold the chance for her to hopefully sit back and observe what was going on instead of being involved. She didn’t want to be part of the entertainment tonight, whatever that may be. It would make it harder for her to get information about this club.
The cool night air caused Vickie to shiver, and she wished she’d worn a jacket. Emma, wearing a simple white dress that almost glowed in the dull light, came up to her, holding a blanket.
“Thank you,” said Vickie, putting down her glass of bubbles on a nearby table. She took the green woollen blanket and draped it over her shoulders and pulled it tight, the warmth easing into her body.
“That’s better,” she mused, picking up her glass. There was no way she was going to be able to concentrate effectively when feeling cold and shivering.
“To a good night,” said Ruby, holding up her glass.
“Absolutely.” She clinked her glass with Ruby’s and took a sip. Tonight, she was going to keep her wits about her and not drink.
“What do you think is going to happen?” asked Ruby.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” answered Vickie. “You’re the lady in the know.”
Ruby shook her head. “Not on this one.”
Vickie was hoping it had nothing to do with talking to spirits, but she didn’t want to say that and cause any distress for Ruby.
The presenter clapped his hands quickly, demanding the attention of the people here.
“Please make your way to one of the pillows and sit down. We’re about to begin.”
Bessie giggled nervously as she eagerly made her way to the nearest pillow, Walter following close behind.
The other couple sat, leaving no choice but for Vickie and Ruby to take the pillows at the furthest end of the small circle. Vickie had hoped for more information other than the entertainment was about to start. It took the women a moment to sit gracefully, arranging their dresses so they could settle comfortably on the oversized pillows. There was one remaining pillow at the other end of the circle. Who was going to be sitting there?
I knew I should’ve worn my leather pants, thought Vickie, hoping she wasn’t exposing too much of her herself since her dress was so high-cut at the front. She put her legs together to one side, leaning toward Ruby on her right, glass balanced in her hand. It was a miracle no liquid was spilled.
“Thank you for being so organized,” said the presenter standing on the outside of the circle. “Now, you’ll need your hands for this, so please drink up and give your glasses to Otto.”
Vickie was about to do just that, but instead, she decided to give up the full glass. She glared at Ruby, who, like everyone else, downed the bubbly liquid.
Ruby shrugged and mouthed, “Relax and enjoy.”
