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I mean, clearly, but damn if she doesn’t have to be this brutal about it.
“That’s fair” I reply, still feeling uncomfortable.
“So, the bar. Tonight. We have a date with Jack Daniels and Patrón that we won’t be missing. I already invited Candace and Henry, and told them to head over once they’re done overworking themselves at the office.”
Sighing dramatically, I concede and wave her toward the living room. “Okay, make yourself comfortable, I’m going to resume my shower then and get an outfit suitable for the occasion. You can use my shower and we can pick something for you to wear out of all this.” I say, gesturing to her two giant suitcases.
“Deal!” She calls out while I walk down the hall to my bedroom.
After showering, I pick out a tight black dress adorned with white lilies around the hip and rib cage before heading into the living room where Tammy sits, fully absorbed in a movie. “Alright, shower is all yours.”
“Sweet!” She chimes out cheerfully, snatching her toiletry bag and scurrying into the bedroom. Moments later I hear the squeal of the shower turning on, and I move to the liquor cabinet, pouring myself a shot of whiskey. Tossing my head back, I wince at the burn in my throat, choking down a cough.
Normally, I can handle my liquor more than most, I always assumed it was due to my aggressive appetite absorbing all the alcohol. That said, there’s no way I’m going to let Tammy go shot-for-shot with me. That wouldn’t be fair to her and I won’t risk my friend being hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, nonetheless for it to happen on my birthday.
Two shots later Tammy returns wrapped in a white towel and eyes the glass and whiskey in front of me.
“Anything we need to talk about?”
I shake my head, “No, want one?”
“I’m okay right now. Once I’m dressed, sure.”
I nod, walking over to help unload her suitcase.
“Tammy, this is insane” My eyes are wide as I pull out more dresses than I’ve ever seen in my life. Her sole response is a satisfied grin as I begin to dig around for attire appropriate for the evening.
“I think you have more dresses in here, than I own of clothing entirely.” I hold up a tiny piece of fabric that looks like it wouldn’t even fit on a teenager and blink at her with pure concern in my face. “Did you have a child I’m not aware of?!”
“It’s shapewear, Lara! Sheesh. Have you been under a rock for the past year?!” She snatches the tiny clothing from me, but my jaw drops.
“Don’t tell me you squeeze into that and wear it. Actually, don’t answer that.”
Tammy cackles, tossing it in the suitcase.
“I do. Not all of us are blessed with the body of an ethereal goddess, little miss ma’am.” The sass in her voice makes me roll my eyes and shove her playfully.
I grab a little red dress that has gold stitching and hand it over to her, snatching up some red heels as well and tossing them her way. I watch her face light up, and she holds them to her chest.
“These would look great. We might stand out but that’s fine.” I say, and she squeaks excitedly before hurrying to the bedroom to change.
I decide to stuff her clothes back in the suitcases while I wait. Having removed two items, one would assume it would be easier to zip them shut, but I have to use all of my body weight, and it’s still a struggle to close them.
Two and a half hours later we are done getting ready, sitting at the kitchen island making some mixed drinks and listening to music when the doorbell rings.
Tammy jumps up to answer, but my arm automatically shoots out to grab her, and she winces from my death grip on her arm. “Sorry..” I mumble, walking past her to look through the peephole as Candace’s voice sounds from the other side. “Lara Ray, if you don’t open this door and let us drink with you, I am going to skinny dip in our precious lake as your punishment.”
I giggle and unlock the door, opening it to see Henry’s eyes wide at her statement.
“Ah, sorry Henry, I should have kept it closed. I’m a poor wing-woman.” Both women choke out laughter and Henry shakes his head.
“Come in, shots for everyone!” Tammy shouts over the music, while I close the door behind them.
After a sloppy three-hour pre-game party, Henry, as the official designated driver, delivers us safely to the bar. As we step out of the jeep, the crowd of people smoking outside send a glimmer of excitement down my spine.
This isn’t a true club like the big ones in the city, and we are all slightly overdressed, but I doubt anyone truly cares.
We pay our cover fees and step to the darkened room with neon lights, the bass pulsing into our bodies as we slowly weave through the crowd toward the bar. Henry and Candace lead the way to an open spot large enough to fit two people. Tammy and I stay close as they order a round of lemon drops, and Patrón.
