![]() “On second thought, I’m going to have to ask you to leave. “So glad you could make it this time after so rudely flaking out on Christmas.” He squinted and held up a hand over his eyes, as Beckett took off his jacket and threw it in the pile by the door, revealing the sweater in all its glory. “Beckett, my brother.” A tall, athletic-looking guy with sandy-blond hair and an Australian accent approached, a petite brunette girl on his arm. Exposed pipes and brick, loud with the laughing conversations of what looked like more than a hundred people. The party was at a loft in the Meatpacking District-a huge, converted industrial space. I shot Beckett another look and a small shrug. ![]() Ready to party.”ĭarlene’s eyes were heavily shadowed in smoky makeup but looked clear, as far as I could tell. “It didn’t work out, but that’s men for you, right?” She nudged my elbow. “I’m totally fine,” she said, and told the cabbie the address. “Dar,” he said slowly, his brows furrowed. I glanced up and exchanged looks with Beckett. I sat wedged in the middle of them in the back of the cab. Shit timing right? But what can you do? I’m ready to start the New Year off right. “Where’s Kyle?” I asked, as we climbed into the cab.ĭarlene flapped a hand. “You look like you should be painting happy little trees. “Oh my God, that sweater,” she said on a burst of high-pitched laughter. She wore tight jeans, a short-waisted faux fur jacket and boots. She hugged me tight, her gold hoop earrings cold against my cheek. ![]() “Happy New Year,” Darlene shrieked, hurling herself at me. “Okay,” he said, and jerked his chin at the window in the front foyer. “I think something like, Your kindness leaves me speechless.”īeckett’s smile tilted a little. “What did she say?” he asked as we headed for the stairs. “La tua gentilezza mi lascia senza parole,” she said, then took the bottle, retreated back into her apartment. Santino stared past the bottle of champagne, her eyes widening from under their nest of wrinkles at the lime green peeking from under Beckett’s jacket. The door slammed, the chain rattled and then opened again. Santino opened and peered at us between the length of chain. He toted two bottles of champagne I assumed were for the party, but he stopped at 2C and knocked on the door. I could dress as a giant taco and you’d get more stares.” “Am I dressed okay? Wait, what am I saying? You’re wearing that sweater. I glanced down at my leggings, ankle boots and oversized sweater. My friend Nigel and…whoever he’s currently sleeping with.” And my buddy Wes and his girlfriend Heidi. “I don’t know them but Darlene and Kyle will be there. “Friend of a friend,” Beckett said, pulling on his hat. Santino’s turtleneck sweater, claiming it hadn’t gotten enough exposure on Christmas Day. Outside, the New Year was being heralded with sleet and frigid temperatures. We layered ourselves in hats and scarves and jackets. Nothing had changed between us, still, even the smallest look or smile had the power to fill me with hope. More than once, I caught him glancing at me then looking away, and every time it set my pulse racing. But his smile was light and conversation easy as we ate dinner. He had plenty of time to relax and eat before we headed out to a party.Īfter the night before, I expected him to withdraw from me again. And poof, she was gone.Beckett returned from work around five, saying the day was cut short by the New Year’s Eve prep in Times Square. Let’s have a scent fiesta!" said the friend. "This is ominously intoxicating! Come on, let's call the others over. There landed now and then a tin can on one of them and gone was he. Sometimes it was really bad for the little creepers. People just threw their trash overboard as they drove by. There was litter all around along that stretch. It was on one of those many dreary rainy days, full of yawning and twiddling thumbs and wait and see there in the undergrowth near the overland route. "Hey, that smells like folklore and adventure," he said to his companion, who was strutting along behind him. One day, crawling along the country road in the bushes, he was suddenly surprised by a breathtaking scent. He was black and inconspicuous on his six thin legs. Once upon a time there was a little beetle. ![]() The feeling of being one with oneself and everything. Feeling at home in your own body, in your home, in the community of like-minded people, family.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |