I laugh at her response and hang up, rushing back into my room to finish getting dressed. Dropping the towel on the floor, I slip on my bra and panties and head into the closet to grab the dress. The navy blue material clings to its hanger as I slip it off and slide it up my body. Pulling the zipper up along my back, I smooth out any wrinkles. Stepping up to the mirror, I peek at my reflection.
The metallic navy blue material shines under the lig
hts. It’s sleeveless but still covers up my shoulders and neckline. The modest dress stops at about three inches above the knee. Looking sexy and feeling sassy, I’m confident in my choice of style. A pair of black pumps hits the mark, making me look sophisticated and flirty all at the same time. I let my hair down as the soft curls cling to my shoulder blades, cascading down my back. With just a last touch of mascara and a little blush, my outfit is complete.
Glancing at the clock, I see it’s nine thirty PM; everyone should be getting here any minute. For the last minute setup, I gather the snacks, cups, wine glasses, and cocktail napkins, placing them on the dining table. I reach for my TV remote and put on the Times Square New Year’s Eve special. The host of the show announces an upcoming performer as I watch the crowd cheer and roar for the coming of the New Year. A few years ago, I was in that crowd, and it was one of the craziest experiences of my life. I froze my ass off standing in the crowded streets for hours on end, but goodness, it was worth it.
The apartment buzzer rings and I step to answer into the intercom. “Who is it?”
Rob’s voice blares through. “It’s me, open up woman!”
Letting him in the building, I unlock my front door, waiting for him to climb up the stairs. As soon as he gets to the top of the staircase, he freezes and stares at me. “Damn! You got all dressed up for me? Love it, but I prefer you without the clothes.”
I slap his arm and pull him inside the apartment. “Shut up and give me a hug.” We embrace each other for a moment and then head into the living room. “I hope you’re not like that to the women at your job. You’ll end up with a lawsuit.”
He shrugs. “Eh, I’m a lawyer. I have no worries.”
I shake my head. “One of these days, you’re going to meet someone who won’t take your comments as a joke and she’ll bury you.”
His head leans back as he bursts into laughter. “I’d like to see her try.”
I shake my head at his confident attitude and ask, “So, have you heard from Taylor?”
He nods. “Yes. He’s actually still in Vegas. He managed to be the victor of a few fights so he’s pretty stoked about that. He should be back home next month or so.”
I smile. “Well, that’s good for him.”
Heading toward the sofa, we get comfy as we wait for my other guests. Passing him a tray of a few snacks, I ask about his work at the firm and tell him about my new friendship with Roman.
“So, that’s the guy from the fire, and the bakery? Wow, small world. You used to love that bakery. I remember always seeing you with those chocolate pastry things in school.”
I nod. “Yes, they’re called éclairs, and they’re my absolute favorite. I invited him tonight but I’m not sure if he’ll make it.”
Rob questions my invite. “Wait, you invited him here?”
My brow arches at his concern. “Yeah, why?”
Rob shakes his head and lets out a small sigh. “You know for someone so smart you really need to have some common sense. The dude is in a wheelchair. How will he get up to your apartment? There’s no elevator.”
My mind goes blank at my idiocy and panic starts to rise. “Oh fuck. I’m so stupid. What are we going to do if he shows up?”
He rubs his chin while he thinks. “Well, I could always carry him up.”
I place my hand on his arm. “He’s bigger than you. There’s no way you could lift him. Besides, I don’t want to injure his back again.”
His hand covers mine, assuring me it’ll be all right. “Relax, Duke and I will handle it.”
At that instant, the intercom buzzes again and I stand up to let the remaining guests inside. Raya and Duke step into the apartment as Rob and I greet them with open arms. The gang’s back together again and it feels so right. It’s amazing how the four of us have managed to stay in tune with each other after everything that’s happened in the last five years. I’ve been so blessed in finding such an amazing group of people and for them to be my best friends is simply perfect.
“Melanie you look gorgeous! Why all dressed up?” Raya twirls me around as she scans my dress.
Rob chimes in while making himself laugh, “She’s looking to get some action tonight!”
This time Raya slaps him. “Oh, can it Rob! Don’t you dare embarrass her.”
Duke drops onto the couch, flipping through the channels. “So, what’s going on now?”
Breathing with a little irritation and annoyance, I fill in Raya and Duke about the possible appearance by Roman and the stupid obstacle that I completely forgot about. Both Duke and Rob assure me that they’ll be able to lift him up here and tell me not to worry.