Page 2 of Bright Lights and Summer Nights

I blow out some air, trying to ease the awkward tension. “Don’t judge me, Simon. It was Simon, right?” I add on, worrying that I may have messed up his name.

“Yes, it’s Simon.” He turns around to get the rest of my luggage from the back of his sedan.

Simon hasn’t been my biggest fan since the moment he picked me up from the airport. I had a luggage carrier spilling over with suitcases as I waited on the curb for my ride. I was supposed to arrive in Long Island hours ago, but due to my flight being delayed twice, I’m arriving as the sun sets.

I won’t let the late arrival time and fussy driver burst my bubble, though. I’ve got three bottles of wine I spent way too much money on and a big empty house all to myself. Nothing can rain on my parade.

“I hear Pembroke is having a lavish, exclusive party tonight,” he notes, grunting as he drops my suitcase to the ground.

“Really?” I ask, intrigued. I’ve visited Pembroke Hills—one of the most expensive country clubs in the country—multiple times with my friends, but I’ve never gone alone. I don’t think I’d even be able to get in, but it would be a fun time…

“Yes,” Simon answers. “My wife loves to tell me where all of the events are taking place each night, even if she never wants to get out of the house to actually go to them.”

“There’s nothing wrong with staying in,” I say, taking my last piece of luggage from him. I hadn’t thought about getting all of these inside Winnie’s place on my own, but I know it might be too big of an ask to have Simon help me.

“Not at all,” he responds. “But you’re young and should be attending all the fun parties. If my wife, Trina, was here, she’d insist you go.”

I cock my head to the side. “It’s been a long travel day. Plus, I wasn’t invited.”

Simon closes his trunk with a loud thud. “Something tells me you’ll figure it out.” His eyes travel to my large pile of luggage I’ll have to lug inside. “Maybe try packing lighter next time?” He winks, softening his comment just a little.

Maybe I was wrong about Simon.

“It’s not in my personality to pack light,” I quip with a shrug. I must have an outfit for every situation, and I like to have options. I will always be the person who adds additional bags to my flight registration and will still manage to pay an overweight bag fee.

Simon shakes his head at me. “Have a good night. Stay safe.” Before I can answer, he slides into the car and drives away, leaving me and my collection of luggage alone.

WINNIE

Hope you made it to the house safely. Let us know when you’re settled!

MARGO

Em, that’s Winnie’s way of telling you she’s worried about you.

WINNIE

Me? Worried? Never ;)

EMMA

You always worry.

Made it to the house and enjoying a glass of wine. Thank you again for helping me with my quarter-life crisis, Win!

WINNIE

Let me know if you need anything. Make sure to go out and enjoy yourself!

MARGO

This is where Winnie types a long speech about finding yourself…

WINNIE

Had to delete everything I just typed so I could prove you wrong.

I take a drink of my wine, staring at my phone as I wait for their next text. The house is a little empty without my friends here with me. Every other time I’ve visited the Hamptons, it’s been with them.

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