Page 94 of Emergency Exit
“Going to hang out with your favorite human and eat noodles?”
“You don’t know that,” protested Harper. They squared off, glaring at each other like gunfighters in a Western—waiting for the other to blink first. “I could eat other kinds of food,” said Harper, caving.
“Like what?” asked Piper with a chuckle.
“Chicken nuggets,” admitted Harper. “Although, I’m actually hoping Ash will make me a smoothie. He has one of those smoothie shop blenders that will go through anything. It’s loud, but I find the way it pulverizes fruit very satisfying.”
“I invested in one of those,” said Piper. “I’ve figured out how to make an Orange Julius.”
“I don’t know what that is.”
“It was a food court smoothie shop that’s always paired with the Dairy Queen. They make some sort of meth-based, orange-flavored smoothie. I have discovered that the secret is egg whites.”
“I will have to get the recipe. Egg whites sound full of protein. It’s probably very healthy.”
“You would think so,” said Piper enigmatically.
“Um,” said Harper. “I’ve been meaning to ask if you’re doing anything for New Year’s. Ash is throwing a party.”
“Do I have to dress up?” asked Piper suspiciously.
“More than work, but not high heels. I would help with the outfit selection.” Harper didn’t add that she planned to pick out an outfit that included Piper’s Dungeons and Dragons t-shirt and a glittery mini-skirt that showed off her legs. Because Piper did not need to know that she was being dressed to attract Mel, who would also be in attendance.
“I could be into that,” said Piper.
“Also, the view is fabulous, and I have seen the guest list, so I know there will be fun people we will like talking to.” Harper wasn’t sure how to lay the groundwork for introducing Piper to Mel, but she suspected that if she said it outright, Piper would freak out and not come.
“Like people who won’t mind if I talk about engineering and rocks?”
“They also have thought-provoking subjects of interest,” said Harper. “And, at minimum, will tolerate ours politely. In fact,” Harper hoped she was being casual, but she didn’t really know. “I believe that Ash’s IT person, Mel, also has a shelf full of pretty rocks, just like you do. So, if nothing else, we can stick with them and form a rock band.”
“Sweet. OK, I’m in.”
“Great!” Harper waited until Piper was out of view before grabbing her phone and texting Romeo.
I’m bringing Piper to New Year’s. Mel is still planning on coming, right?
Yes. Is this a setup?
YES.
Great. I’m in. Give me Piper’s favorite music, and I’ll put it on the office playlist to make sure Mel has heard it. Also, favorite foods and beverages, so I can make sure we’ve got them at the party.
Well, I know she likes someone called Chapel Roan.
They’re queer – that’s a given.
Oh. She apparently likes something called an Orange Julius. And we both like mimosas and waffles. But she has very strong feelings on Eggs Benedict. She loves it but only if it’s done well.
And now we’re doing Belgian waffle bites with pearl sugar as one of our appetizers.
Harper hadn’t known waffle bites were a possibility, but now she wanted them more than noodles.
Well, I’ll be happy then. Fingers crossed for Mel and Piper.
Romeo sent back a fingers-crossed emoji.
“Harper!”
