Page 43 (1/2)

It’s a testament to my crazed state of mind that Michael and I are already lances over dinner as we tell the rehearsed lie we’ve made up when some nosy relative wants to hear about our first date

I shower, dress, and atte it into atoo hard to keep the dryer steady I apply a coat of the oodies, then consider applying lipstick but decide it will probably only end up all overme look like I’ve eaten a crayon I put the tube away and slick on a coat of clear lip gloss instead

Then I look at h My eyes are wild Rebellious little tufts of hair have escaped from the bun and float all around my face like fuzzy clouds I look like I’ve recently escaped from a mental institution

"Screw it," I mutter "This is how I look If Michael doesn’t like it, he can suck an egg"

Ca soo those words would’ve been heresy

I don’t have enough time to take the subway uptown, so I hail a cab I do deep-breathing exercises during the ride, which does nothing but make the cabbie look worried By the ti on the edge of hysteria

This is a moment I’ve dreamed of for a decade Ten years I’ve been in love with Michael Maddox Ten years I’ve pined and daydreaed for hi on the sidewalk in front of the bar where he asked me to meet him for a drink

Well, technically ordered me to meet him, but this isn’t the time to split hairs

A door solearish red chandelier that throws prisht over the plain black walls The effect has a startling rese blood

It seems the Liquid Kitty is, in fact, a portal to hell

"Good evening," says a voice to ht I nearly jump out of my skin

"Oh Hello"

A tall, balda tuxedo has aze flicks over"Are you here to meet a member?"

I looked up the address on my phone but didn’t realize this was a ular old bar Silly ood Please allow me to take your coat" He extends his hand, which is the size of a dinner plate

"Thank you" I shrug offto my chest like it’s a life preserver

Tuxedo Man smiles, amused by my obvious discomfort He disappears behind the curtain for a moment, then returns without my coat "This way, miss"

He motions for me to follow him I do, pleased that he called s

We pass through another black velvet curtain into a large sitting rooia for nineteenth-century French bordellos Red velvet divans are scattered about, fringed with tassels Elaborately carved gilt ainst one wall, lending the roo above the fireplace of the voluptuous nude woe it’s i

We cross the eh another curtain, and I’ot a bulk discount on velvet drapes

We pass through a bar and lounge that looks like so supple leather, glea wood, and polished antiques It reeks of upper-class privilege So do the clientele: well-dressed gentle quietly or engrossed in conversations No one glances at us as we pass, which I’rateful for, because I’m embarrassed by my outfit

I’m sure I’m the only one here who shops at The Gap

Finally we enter a large dining rooe leather chairs On one end of the rooe The other three walls have private booths of tufted care niches with curtains on either side held back with gold tassels