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Dilyn’s Party (Part 2)

Veronica simply said, “No. I’m just trying to get to the bathroom.” She sidestepped the short little weirdo she’d just crashed into and sped off to hide in the bathroom. She locked the door and leaned on the vanity to catch her breath.

He was way, way, way too short. There were plenty of guys here to pick from. She already knew that guys would have a hard time not looking at her chest, but a guy who only stood that high? That’s the only thing he’d ever be able to look at. She thought the dress looked cute in the store but once she got it home and got it on the way it was meant to be worn, it was too late to take it back.

She figured it was one of those swanky parties where people wore ridiculous haute couture stuff they couldn’t pull off in public.

Marcy had given her the invitation as a thank you for staying on the whole weekend.
In fact, she had been at work earlier today in black jeans, a red Woolridge’s polo and her hair pulled back in a red scrunchy.

Anybody admiring the Latin goddess in the little black dress and stilettos would never have recognized the hot mess running around the department store.

She unlocked the bathroom door tentatively and peeked out. The little guy was gone. Thank God!

Veronica smoothed her dress and walked back into the crowd looking around for someone tall enough to at least try to look her in the eye. She was thinking that a shawl or a classy velvet wrap might have been a good idea. Oh well. None of these people knew her anyway, so let them just wonder about the Amazon in the tiny black dress; the tiny black what the heck was I thinking little dress.

Who was she kidding? She was hoping to meet some handsome rich guy who would sweep her off her feet and be her sugar daddy while she figured out what to do with the rest of her life. That’s what she came here to accomplish.

What was actually happening here? A bunch of people who knew each other were all hanging out in their little cliques and basically ignoring her. The only person she’d met in any substantial way had rammed is nose into the middle of her chest and then stood there in a blind panic.

She grabbed a shrimp cocktail off of a platter on a stand and went to find herself a seat. The upstairs was fairly crowded but she spotted an open seat downstairs. She made for the staircase when she saw that guy again.

“Oh, hi there.” He said. “Sorry about that situation over there. I was just surprised. My name is Bryce. These are my friends, Donnie and Marv and Marv’s fiancee, Janka.”

“Hi.” She said. She paused awkwardly and then took a giant step toward the stairs.

“What was that?” Donnie asked Bryce.

“We bumped into each other a moment ago. I wanted to apologize to her for that.” Bryce said, looking down the stairs at her.

“I wouldn’t mind bumping into that.” Donnie said.

Janka smacked Donnie’s arm. He laughed and put Bryce in a headlock. “Batting for the fence, huh?”

“I don’t think she’s my type.” Bryce said, slipping out of Donnie’s grip.

“Really? She looks like a model. Tell her you’re a photographer.” Marv said.

“Are you?” Janka asked.

“Actually, yes. I’ve got a couple of books out. I mostly do landscapes and mood pieces.”

“Marvin, do you have these books?”

“Yeah, you know, the one with the bridges and the black and white one with the architectural close ups.”

Janka gasped. “You took those pictures?”

“Yes.” Bryce said proudly. “It was just a hobby at first, but so many people said they liked my photos that I had those books made.”

“Oh, Bryce. You have a very good eye. Those pictures are so beautiful.”

“Thank you, Janka. I’m glad you like them. It’s nice to know those books are still making people smile.”

“Can you take our wedding pictures?”

Marv’s face lit up. “That’s brilliant. Good call! Say you’ll do it, buddy. Can we count on you?”

“I’d be glad to. I’ll have to study up and get some more equipment. Wedding photos are a whole different kind of shoot than I usually do, but I’m really honored that you asked me.”

Marv threw his hand forward. “Done deal, buddy. Let me know what you need so I can add it to the project plan.”

“You actually have a project plan? I thought you were just talking figuratively about the Gantt Chart.”

Marv and Janka’s faces froze in confusion. They looked at each other and then looked at Bryce. “Dude, why would we talk figuratively about a Gantt Chart?”

Bryce cocked his head and looked at Donnie, who was about ready to burst out laughing. Bryce just shrugged as he tried and utterly failed to form words to express an answer to their question. Marv and Janka exploded with laughter.

“Oh, the look on your face!” Janka cried.

“You’re priceless, man!” Marv was howling.

Bryce rolled his eyes and looked away downstairs. He caught a glimpse of the dusky beauty in the little black dress. She was sitting alone, studying the crowd and working on her shrimp cocktail.

‘Great, now I’m here stuffing my face. Real attractive. Cue Prince Charming.’ She tugged at the hem of her dress. Last thing she needed was flashing a room full of strangers. She looked around for Prince Charming as she nibbled at the chilled shrimp.

“Take that for you?” A waitress reached out.

“Oh, I’ve got a couple left. Catch me on the next pass.”

The waitress smiled and moved on. Well, that was a move in the right direction. At least the wait staff knew she was here. Now, if she could only draw attention from someone in the party.