Chapter 6
Payson
We have been sitting here for what seems like hours, chatting and reminiscing about the past, and I am contemplating whether to bring up the latest drama in my life.
It’s been nice not fighting for a change.
The weight from all the mistakes and regrets seems to have eased some. Jay glances at his watch, then speaks.
“If you are going to the party tonight, you might want to go get ready.”
Oh shit, the party! Cora. We are supposed to meet at my apartment and ride together. Taking my phone out of my pocket, I go to shoot Cora a quick text, then realize she never gave me her number.
“Shit, shit, shit.”
“What’s wrong?” Jay’s voice is full of concern.
“Nothing. I told a friend of mine, Cora, that she could accompany me to the party tonight. We were supposed to meet at work at eight and ride together.”
Jay furrows his brow. He doesn’t ask any questions, but I know what he’s thinking. The guest list was sent to him for approval days ago, and Cora’s name wasn’t on it.
“She’s my friend, Jay. I don’t have many of those.
” He holds up his hands in surrender. Thanking him for the drinks, we say goodbye, and I rush to my car.
It’s at least forty-five minutes back to the city, and depending on traffic, it’ll be another twenty before I make it to my apartment.
I glance at the clock on my dashboard. There’s no time to head home, so I head straight to the office instead.
This isn’t the first time I have had to get ready for an event like this at work, which is why my office is equipped with an emergency wardrobe.
My hair is already styled in a ballerina bun, with a few strands falling loose around my face.
Elegant, yet simple. There is no time to curl it now; it’ll have to do.
I grab one of the silk gowns hanging on the rack in the far corner and slip it on, pairing it with the shimmering golden heels I bought on sale last week.
The ding of the elevator signals that it has reached its desired floor, followed by the faint clicks of heels.
A few seconds later, Cora steps into view.
Her dark brown hair is curled to perfection, and she has just enough makeup on for me to see that her eye shadow matches the royal blue gown she’s wearing.
It’s the most dolled up I have ever seen her.
After touching up my own makeup and double-checking that I have everything I need, we head off to the party.