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I’ve been to parties like this before. It’s a different vibe than a seedy strip joint. Plus, nothing against your run-of-the-mill strippers, but these guys are a notch above. And it’s fun.
One of the men is already dancing in front of Elle, who’s got one hand in the air and both greedy eyes on the man grinding over her.
“Can I give you a lap dance? I want to.” The third guy nods to Annie, who smiles sweetly.
“My husband will kill you with his fists, which is a shame because he’s already messed up one of his hands.”
Kacey turns back to me. He moves closer, a boyish grin on his face. “Is your husband a more reasonable man?”
“If my fiancé got hold of you… they wouldn’t find the body.”
He tosses his head back and laughs.
The guys make their way through the room. I drink more champagne, and we get up and dance with the crowd. Annie wraps her arms around me.
“This is fun!” I shout.
But maybe that’s the pleasant buzzing through my system.
I rarely have alcohol unless I’m on vacation because my schedule is already airtight. The past few years have taught me the best way to stay on my game is to get as much sleep as I can and be conscious of what I put in my body. But without any gigs for the next few weeks, I can let loose.
“I’m glad. I haven’t had a night out in ages,” she says.
“Having a baby must be havoc on the schedule. In a different way than you’re used to.”
“Rose is amazing. Being a mom is this side of me I never expected, and we have a ton of support. But I also miss spending time with adults.”
When the three of us take a break to go to the bathroom, the music muffled by the door, Annie speaks again.
“I’ve been thinking of going back to work. Though I’m not ready to write another musical, I have ideas I want to pursue.”
“Why haven’t you?”
Her eyes are serious on mine. “Everyone says to savor these moments, that they’ll only be small once.”
“I’m sure that’s true, but having a kid doesn’t have to be your entire world.”
“Even for a few years?”
“Not even for one,” I promise. “There’s no judgment here.”
She turns that over as she touches up her lipstick, the shade popping against her glittering mask.
“Ready to head back out?” Elle asks, emerging from the stall to wash her hands.
“Where do you think the guys are?” Annie asks.
“Probably getting a trapeze lesson from Cirque du Soleil,” I decide.
Elle snorts. “Beck would be down for that.”
“Ash too.” I grin. “Harrison’s going to flip when he finds out we came here.”
I’ll have to convince my future husband he’s the only guy I want to see out of a tuxedo. And I’d pay way more than a fistful of dollars bills for the privilege.”
“I think he knows,” Elle says.
My smile fades. “What are you talking about?”
