Page 56 of Book Boyfriend
“Yes, he’s running late with work.”
“Oh certainly. Can we get you a drink?”
I shake my head and roll my eyes as I walk to my table. I’ve known her for years, and she and I both know I’ve never brought a date. I’d bet money that she’s thinking I said I had a date just so I could not look pathetic. I bet she feels sorry for me. Heck, I feel sorry for me.
Reaching into my purse, I pull out my phone and text Luna.
Me:Where are you?
Luna:It started at seven. Please tell me you and Mr. Smolder aren’t already there?
Me:I’m here alone. As uz…
Luna:What? Okay, I’m rushing. We’ll be there in a jiffy.
I slide my phone back into my purse. This should be a blast. A man carrying a tray of champagne walks by. I take two. He frowns.
“Don’t judge me,” I say as he walks away. This night can’t possibly get any worse.
I watch couple after couple enter the room. I start to feel uneasy, so I decide to make a trip to the restroom. It’s really nice inside. There’s even a couch. I sit on the couch near the door and make myself comfortable. There’s no one here. Shit, I could stay here all night. I smile to myself at the idea.
I’m not sure how much time passes, but the bathroom starts bustling with activity. I sit on my couch and watch woman after woman come in to fix her makeup or spray her hair. An older woman leaves her purse on the sink as she turns to exit. I tap her on the arm when she walks by me. “Excuse me, I think you forgot something.” I point to it and she gasps.
“Thank you, dear.”
She whispers to her friend, “They always have such nice help.”
She hands me a five as she leaves the room. That’s when I decide it’s time to go. I bypass the hall and head straight to my car. I’m just about to climb inside when I hear my name shouted across the lot.
“Macy! Macy, don’t you dare!”
I cringe as guests eyeball me and Luna as she sprints toward me in her gown. I can see from her date’s expression that he doesn’t know what to think.
“What the fuck?” she huffs as she approaches. She stops and bends at the waist to catch her breath. She’s holding her shoes in her hand. “Were you really leaving?”
“I don’t want to do this. I don’t belong here. Some lady thought I was staff and tried to tip me.”
“You don’t look like staff to me. Is that Fisher’s dress?” she asks, eyes wide. “That man is going to bust a nut when he sees you. Is he here yet?”
“I have a feeling he’s not going to show. He had to work late. There have been nights he didn’t get done until two in the morning. Knowing my luck, this will be another of those nights.”
“How many times have I told you about the law of attraction? Think positive, sister.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
A man walks up next to Luna and she leans on him as she puts on her shoes. “Tiger, Macy. Macy, Tiger.”
“Tyler?” I ask for clarification.
“No, Tiger,” he corrects. “Like a lion.”
“Got it. You two go ahead. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“Oh, hell no. If I turn my back, you’re going to leave. Come inside. Now.”
I sigh and walk with her because she’s right. I would have left. I wish this night were over.
Luna knows a lot of people. She stops every few feet and introduces me to everyone she knows. If the pronunciation of Tiger’s name was a drinking game, I’d be wasted by now. I pass the time making mental note how many times he has to correct people from Tyler to Tiger. At one point he claws the air to get the point across to an older woman. She nods politely and then cringes as she struts away. I find myself actually having fun. It might be at Tiger’s expense, but he doesn’t seem to mind.
