“We’re not going to prison, geez.” She waves off the notion. “If anyone shows up, we’ll run.”
I was more invested in the plan when we were just going to crash the office party, but I was willing to go along with Sarah’s suggestion when she told me why we were really going. She’s gone through a lot because of her father’s issues, and she blames it all on the fact he lost his job; even though he’s
found a new one, and nothing has really changed. I understand wanting to get some revenge, but I’m not sure this is going to accomplish much. Maybe it’ll make her feel better; I guess that’s something.
“See, look how awesome this room is. Great view!” Sarah walks to the window and opens the curtains.
“It’s nice…” I walk up beside her. “I always wondered what it would be like to live in the city. The energy feels so much different here.”
“It’s because everyone here has something to do besides meth.” She gives me a nudge with her elbow and laughs.
“I think it’s more than that.” I turn away from the window and sit on the bed. “So what are we doing until the party?”
“Well…” Sarah walks over to a small fridge in the corner of the room. “There’s a mini-bar.”
“Doesn’t that defeat the point of getting free drinks at the party?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Maybe, but I’m still having one.” She grabs a small bottle of vodka. “What’s up with your costume anyway? I thought you were going as a zombie cheerleader?”
“I was hoping you’d help me with my makeup.” I reach into my bag and pull out the kit I got at the Halloween store.
“Alright, I can make you ugly.” She giggles as she walks back over to me.
Sarah’s costume isn’t nearly as complex as mine. She’s wearing a dress that she found at the thrift store and a masquerade mask. Maybe I should have done something like that. If my mom’s reaction was anything to go by, people are sure to notice me at the party. That might not be the best thing considering why we’re going.
It’s too late to change it now.
Sarah and I wait until the party is well underway before we leave the hotel to walk to the office building where it’s being held. Part of me hopes we’ll be turned away at the door and won’t get a chance to go through with her plan. I see that isn’t going to happen as soon as we get inside. There is a large open room where the party is being held, and nobody is checking to make sure unwanted guests don’t wander in.
“See, it’s going to be simple.” Sarah gives me a friendly nudge with her elbow. “We’ll go in, have a few drinks, and then we’ll head upstairs.”
“Alright, so the bar is our first stop?” I glance over at her.
“It’s probably best if we split up and pretend to mingle.” She looks around the room. “I don’t think they’ll question one person that they don’t recognize wandering around, but if it looks like we’re here together…”
“Yeah, good point.” I nod in agreement.
“Remember, you’re here with Bob from Accounting.” She smiles and walks away from me.
Hopefully there really is a Bob in the accounting department.
Sarah can mingle if she wants, but I need a drink. I didn’t have any at the hotel, and I’m sure I’ll feel a whole lot better about her plan once I have some alcohol in my system.
I smile and nod to the people that I pass on my way to the bar. A few guys take a second look when they see my costume. It’s certainly not appropriate for the office, and judging by what the others are wearing, it’s out of the ordinary. Sitting at the bar instead of wandering around might be a much better option for me.
“What can I get for you, ma’am?” The bartender walks over as soon as I sit down.
“I don’t know. What are my options?” I tilt my head inquisitively and smile.
“If you can name it, I can make it.” He picks up his drink mixer and rattles it.
“How about a…” It occurs to me that I don’t have any idea what I like. “Cosmopolitan?”
“Sure, that’s easy.” He gets to work making it.
My mom likes those. I took a sip once when she wasn’t paying attention, and it was pretty good. It takes the bartender less than thirty seconds to whip up my drink, and I give him a nod to let him know that it’s good before he moves on to someone else.
I look around the room and wish for a moment that I had a reason to actually be at the party. There are a few guys in the room who look like my type—no surprise there, most of them are older than me and well into their careers—which means they have a girlfriend or wife and a family to boot.