Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
I blinked.
Once done, Ryan handed the glass to Horace. “I would like some more.”
Horace gave him a tense smile. “You don’t need anymore.”
Ryan kept the glass in front of him. “Still. I want more. So. . .go ahead.”
Horace continued to smile, but his eyes said that he was getting annoyed.
Claire grabbed my attention. “But, Maya, have you ever met Ethan?”
“No.”
“Then, how would he even know about you?”
“Girl, I don’t know.”
Bernard shrugged. “Perhaps, he’s a fan of Maya’s romances.”
“Ethan Vanderbilt does not read romance.” Claire dismissed him with one flick of her hand. “It must be something else.”
“Horace, if you’re not going to pour my champagne then I will.” Ryan began to get up.
“Alright. Alright.” Horace grabbed the bottle. “Since it is that serious.”
“It is.” Ryan crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m just so confused.” Claire held out her hands. “I’ve sent Ethan tons of invitations to our yearly Christmas dinner, ski trips, Halloween galas, everything. And not one response. So rude.”
Bernard gave her a weak smile. “Darling, I’m sure Ethan is a busy man.”
Horace handed his husband a half-filled glass of champagne. “Here you go. . .honey.”
Ryan pointed at it. “Keep pouring. . .honey.”
Horace scowled. “Really? I think that is quite enough in the glass.”
“And I don’t think it is enough.” Ryan extended his hand. “Please pour, or you could just give me the bottle.”
Groaning in annoyance, Horace poured more.
“I mean he didn’t even respond to my invitation for the adult Easter egg hunt.” Claire shook her head. “Yet, Ethan goes completely out of his way to invite Maya to this Gala?”
“Well, honey, she is an up-and-coming celebrity in this city.” Bernard smiled.
Claire rolled her eyes. “Oh really?”
I sighed.
This was my best friend. I’d known her since college. We had our good times together, and we also had our bad times. When things went bad, it usually meant that she was not the center of attention.
At parties, Claire talked loudly, interrupted others that she guessed were more charming, and always told these outrageous exaggerated stories about herself. At times she would even overreact to a situation and create unnecessary drama to draw the spotlight to herself.
It could be exhausting to be around her.
At times, I would end our friendship, needing a break.
Soon, she would return with tears in her eyes, holding some gift in her hand to apologize. And, I would be reminded of her good qualities. She was fun, had a good heart, and more important, she had always been there for me when I needed her.
Claire lifted her hand and ran her fingers through her hair. “I just don’t get what’s going on with Ethan these days. Perhaps, he’s on drugs or something.”
Bernard chuckled. “You think Ethan must be on drugs to send Maya an invitation?”
Claire shrugged. “Something is going on with him.”
I leaned Shi’s way. “Sorry for having you sit in on the most uncomfortable and awkward ride in history.”
“Oh no. This is fine.” Shi grinned. “I’m pretty excited.”
“And entertained.” I kept my voice low. “Welcome to my dysfunctional friends.”
Shi chuckled. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Horace handed his husband a now full glass of champagne and tapped the divider to signal the driver. “Hey there. Can we get some music going?”
“Yes. Music.” Bernard nodded. “That sounds like a tasty idea.”
Claire let out a loud sigh. “Seriously, Bubbles.”
Suddenly, music blasted from the speakers. It was the Michael Jackson song called, Remember the Time?
We all began to sway with the beat.
Then, Michal Jackson began singing about a relationship that had ended.
“Yes. I love M.J.” Claire now in a better mood, gestured at me and pointed to her green purse. “I have a special something in here to relax us this evening. Just let me know at the Gala when you want to go out and have a break.”
Smirking, I shook my head.
Although a prissy designer princess, Claire loved marijuana and all things related to it. At any major event or gala, she would disappear outside behind a bush or building to get a few whiffs of a thick joint.
I waved my hand. “I am not smoking tonight. You know it makes me super paranoid.”
“You must.” Claire snapped her fingers to the song. “It will be so much fun. Just like the old days when we were in college—”
“And I was high and making a fool of myself.” I shook my head. “No way.”
“I agree.” Horace raised his voice over the music. “Maya must be an elegant and captivating lady this evening—”
“Horace, I’m only staying for an hour or so—”
“No. No, Maya.” Horace held up both hands. “At least give Ethan two hours. There’s the silent auction and dancing—”
“Ah!” Somehow Ryan dropped the glass. Champagne stained the front of his gray pants. The glass tumbled along the floor.
Horace glared at him. “Are you serious right now?”
The chorus came in and M.J. asked if the other person remembered all the good times they had, when they were in love.