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“Well, I just wanted to look good.” I shrugged as the doors opened, and she nodded as she fixed her dress straps. She was wearing a red ruched mid-length dress, and her hourglass body filled out every inch of that dress. I looked at her ass and sighed as I wrapped my arm around her waist. “You’re hotter,” I whispered as I laid my head on her shoulder. I don’t think I want to be here.
“I know, and you should know, too,” she scolded as she pulled my head against her chest and hugged me. It probably looked weird, but Evelyn brought a sense of comfortability around me, and I didn’t feel so anxious anymore. “Now go on and show that man that you’ve been flourishing,” she said, and I raised my head from her chest, looking at her, shocked.
I’d never told Evelyn about Alexander.
“What?” I whispered, and she laughed.
“I’m no idiot. I know there’s a man, and I hope it isn’t Jeff.” She squinted her eyes as if to warn me it better not be Jeff.
“It isn’t,” I confirmed, and she raised her hands happily.
“Then go on then! Make his head turn 360 degrees, girl!” She clapped her hands, and I nodded my head, feeling the confidence build up in me again.
“Want to get a drink first, and then I’ll introduce you?” I asked as I pointed to the bar, and she agreed happily.
“Who am I to turn down a drink?” She giggled as we hooked our arms and walked toward the bar. I hadn’t seen anyone I knew so far, but there were some familiar faces. The building’s lights that surrounded the hotel made the place seem lively. The moderate noise from the people that were also on the rooftop, scattered around on the couches and chairs, contributed to the high-spirited energy.
We ordered our drinks and both took a sip of each other's, approving of our choices. We laughed as the bartender chuckled at us. Living with Evelyn was like living with a sibling; we shared almost everything. “Naomi!” A woman gasped, and I turned to face her. A squeal left my lips as I rushed to hug her.
“Sarai,” I said with a sigh as we rocked side to side together. It felt like I had just reunited with an old friend. I had been in contact with her, but not as frequently as I would have loved to. Work became really busy, and she also had her boutique to run, so we always missed each other's calls. “How are you? This is Evelyn, by the way.” I introduced them, feeling the excitement course through my blood.
“Nice to meet you!” Sarai shrieked with laughter as she hugged Evelyn.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Evelyn laughed as they separated. Sarai was also dressed formally, and now that I thought of it, most of the people I had seen so far were dressed that way.
“So you came.” Sarai put her arms on her waist; she seemed really happy. “And you cut your hair!” she whispered excitedly as she touched my bob hair, and it bounced from the action. “You look so gorgeous!” She clapped her hands, and I looked at her, confused. “I’m so excited for tonight.”
“She almost didn’t come, and I had to beg her because I really wanted to meet Jeff. Speaking of which…” Evelyn tilted her head to the side, and I laughed, understanding what that look meant.
“Okay, fine!” I gave in. I’d really hoped to distract her with just the bar, and when the time came I would introduce her to my father, and then we would sneak out of this party.
“Jeff is handsome. Good choice,” Sarai whispered as she raised her thumbs. “Come, I’ll show you where everyone is gathered.” Sarai grabbed our arms and gently maneuvered us around the people.
“Naomi!” Aaron greeted me happily, and I smiled as I hugged him, quickly introducing him to Evelyn, and she nodded. She only had her eye on one person, and she wanted to get to him quickly. “It’s so good to see you.” He held my hand, and I nodded, smiling.
“It’s good to see you. It hasn’t been that long, though,” I said, and he rolled his eyes.
“You would know, wouldn’t you?” he said sarcastically, and I laughed. “Well, I have to go.” He looked at his watch. “Hopefully you’re staying the weekend?”
“Yes! We’ll see you on the weekend.” Evelyn wrapped her arm around my shoulder and pulled me back. “Sorry, she won’t leave, and neither will you if we keep standing here.” Aaron chuckled and nodded understandingly as he waved and walked away from us, lightly jogging toward the elevator. I wonder what the urgency is. “The next person we meet better be Jeff,” Evelyn said threateningly, and I laughed as I wrapped my right arm around her waist.
“Oh, he’s seated with my husband and the others,” Sarai explained, and my heart started beating a bit harder against my chest.
“Is he there?” I asked stupidly, and Sarai smiled warmly. Of course he is.
“Of course he is—it’s his retirement party!” Sarai laughed.
Fuck, I’m so nervous.
“Breathe,” Evelyn said softly as she pushed my hair back. “You’ve got this.”
“Is that my Sweet Naomi?!” Leo roared as he jumped up from his chair, his steps loud against the tiles as he rushed toward me. “It’s you!” He laughed excitedly as he held my shoulders, inspecting me. “You’re finally back!” he whimpered, and someone cleared their throat behind him. Leo immediately let me go and raised his thumbs. “Nice to see you.” He turned around and walked past him.
“None of these people are Jeff,” Evelyn said in my ear, and I pursed my lips as I looked up at Alexander.
Wasn’t this a bit too soon? I wasn’t expecting to see him so soon. Do I turn around? Are my eyes twitching? We were outside, but had the ventilation always been so poor outside? The hotel should do something about the poor air; otherwise, people might die.
“I’ll introduce you to Jeff,” Sarai said as she held Evelyn’s hand, gently pulling her away from us.
