“It’s perfect, thank you,” I say as I air kiss her cheek.
“Have a great afternoon, Vinnie. I may or may not be here when you get back.”
“I hope you’re not,” I tell her with a smile, and I mean it. She works too hard. Some time off and away from this apartment would do her some good.
Cecilia is thirty-six years old and has hardly dated throughout the time I’ve known her. She’s gorgeous, and longs for a family of her own, but won’t take the steps to actually go meet someone.
Playfully, she swats her hand at me, then practicallypushes me inside the elevator that’s just opened. “Goodbye, Vinnie!” she says with sass.
And as the elevator doors are closing, I shout, “Go get laid, Cecilia!” and I practically hear her laughter the entire ride down.
My mother loops her arm through mine as we step out of the elevator and onto the rooftop terrace of Chez Quatre.
It’s beautiful up here.
Rich with greenery all around, an elegant table practically spans the entire roof, set neatly with place settings and extravagant bouquets. Some women are already in their seats chatting, while others congregate around high-top tables placed around the space.
On the far left, a string quartet plays, basking us all in their soft melody.
“Wow, isn’t this lovely?” my mother chirps, giving my forearm a little squeeze.
Looking around for Raina, I hum my agreement, quickly catching sight of my best friend. She’s standing with her back to me at one of the tables, champagne glass in hand.
“Mother, I’m going to go say hello to some friends. See you when we sit down?”
Instantly, she slips her arm from mine and turns to air kiss my cheeks. “Absolutely, Darling. Enjoy yourself.”Then she walks away, calling out to someone she knows as she waves in their direction.
Walking up to Raina, I place my hand on her back to get her attention, and she wastes no time handing me the champagne flute she has in front of her.
“Thought you might be thirsty.” She grins before taking a long sip of hers. We cheers, and I do the same.
Cold, crisp bubbles hit my tongue and I welcome them. It’ll take a glass or two to get through today.
“Do you remember the Barron twins?” she asks, nodding in the direction of women across the table.
Smiling, I extend my hand to the twin closest to me. “Of course. How are you?”
They both greet me and limply squeeze my hand. I’m thankful they didn’t come around the table for a hug or air kisses. I can only handle so many of those at one event.
Meaningless conversation overtakes the better part of the next thirty minutes before the soft clinking of metal on glass garners our attention.
“Lucky us, a word from the modern day Effie Trinket herself,” Raina mutters so only I can hear.
Stifling a laugh, I look at the woman she’s referring to. Meredith Rochester is standing at her seat at the head of the main table wearing a floral boatneck dress that flares slightly at her waist, accompanied by a large headpiece with what appears to be a fake bird on it. Thin meshing peeks out to create a birdcage veil effect.
It’s a lot, and my eyes widen at the sight.
“Thank you all for coming today!” she exclaimsloudly, projecting her voice so we can all hear her. “If you could all take your seats, brunch will be served shortly! Unfortunately, I left my notes for our meeting portion at home, but my wonderful son, Sullivan Junior, should be here shortly with them. So, let's enjoy a beautiful meal together, then get down to business, shall we?”
“Let’s get this over with, shall we?” Raina mocks, grabbing two more champagne flutes from a passing waiter's tray. She hands me one, then tosses hers back like a shot.
Laughing, I sip mine as she steers me by my elbow to the furthest end of the table. I spot my mother near the middle, but she’s already talking animatedly with the women around her, paying me no attention as I pass.
We take our seats while others do the same, and I help myself to a stick of celery on the vegetable tray in front of me. It’s bland and slightly bitter, and I instantly regret my choice.
“How’s your week been?” I ask Raina while I grab a carrot instead.
“Meh. Aside from me PMSing and literally hating the entire human race, it’s been whatever. Honestly, I’m getting a little old to be an intern. If Shelby doesn’t promote me within the next month, I’m just going to quit. It’s not like Ineedto work.” She swishes her hand with annoyance.
