Page 23 of Lillian

“Nicholas Anthony Owens!” Kim belts out, waddling her fastest out of the front door to follow him.

“Nicky’s in trouble,” Grace whispers, like it’s a secret. I bite back the smile at how cute my kid is.

“Yes, he is. That’s why you don’t run out in front of cars, okay? Ever.” I turn around to look her in the eyes and make sure she understands how important safety is.

Her little eyes are wide and understanding as she nods.

“Good girl. Okay, grab your bag. Let’s go.” Our belts both click at the same time as we unbuckle and hop out of the car. Nicky is just finishing getting scolded as I walk up to them holding Grace’s hand.

Kim sucks in a huge, calming breath and blows it out before smiling at us. “Okay. Well. Hi Gracie-Lou. You ready for our sleepover? I got all the things to make homemade pizzas and ice cream sundaes for dessert!”

Grace’s face lights up, and she starts jumping up and down. “Yay!” The brat tries to run off into the house without saying goodbye in her excitement.

“Hey!” I call to her. She turns back and sees my open arms.

“Oh…yeah.” Her little legs move fast as she sprints back to me, hugs me tight for one point two seconds, and then hollers out anI love youas she runs into Kim’s house.

“Wow. I’ve been replaced by food,” I grouse to Kim half-heartedly.

“Yeah, yeah. Woe is you. Open your coat. Let me see what you’re wearing!” Greedy hands start clawing at the buttons on my coat, and I swat them away.

My sister, ladies and gentlemen.

“Would you relax,” I hiss, but unbutton it nonetheless and pop my hip out in a showy way. “Good enough?”

Her mouth pops open as she gets an eyeful. “Dude. You lookhot!”

The shock makes me roll my eyes, but I laugh at her. “Don’t sound so surprised.”

“Oh, hush. I’m not surprised you can look hot. But I am surprised you actually put in the effort. I thought you’d show up half-looking like a potato just in protest.”

Nowthereis an idea. Why didn’t I think of that?

“What can I say? I’m embracing the evening,” I reply, buttoning the coat back up.

“What kind of lingerie are you wearing?” she asks in her ever-curious tone.

“Okay! Bye, sis. Love you. Take care of my daughter!” I shout over my shoulder with a wave as I jump back into the car.

“Will do. Go have the sluttiest time. Love you, too!” she shouts back, way too loud for my comfort. I flip her off as I back out the drive and make my way to the interstate.

Now, I just have to make it the hour drive without turning around to spend the night alone in my sweatpants with a glass of wine and a good book.

The sun set in the sky on the drive over, which cooled me off a little, but I still had to shed the coat. The inside of the car felt like a sauna, boiling me up. Rather than show up to this thing stinking, I tore the coat off and embraced the dressed-up look.

Now, the dark skies and cool wind from my peaceful drive over are replaced by a million lights and the busy sound of the city. Cars zoom past me as I slow to look around. The GPS says it’s close, so I look for a place to park.

I find something around the corner from where it says the club is and walk the rest of the way in my dress and heels. At least I’m in good company. There is no shortage of women strolling through Phoenix in dresses far more revealing than mine. It does help my nervousness and insecurity a smidge.

As I turn the corner, the building comes into view. It’s a black brick building with a “Club Ecstasy” sign lit in purple neon.

“Well, at least it’s not conspicuous,” I mutter to myself as I approach the big black door that I assume is the entrance. I don’t even have time to pull the gold handle before it’s opening for me. A man dressed in head to toe black withsecurityemblazoned in white on his shirt nods his head at me.

“Ma’am,” he says respectfully. I shoot him a nervous but hopefully friendly smile. “Key, please.”

“Oh, right.” I laugh while opening the small black clutch I found thrown in the backseat. All that is in it is my phone, keys, the key for this party, and my license and credit card, just in case. Brandishing the party key so he gets a good look at it, I go to hand it to him, and he opens a black velvet bag for me to drop it in.

“Enjoy,” he tells me as he marks off my name on a list.

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