Page 21 of Both Sides Now

With a groan, I cave to my friend’s demand. “You owe me.”

A happy whoop sounds from the other end of the phone. So glad I could make his night. “When have Inotowed you, Callista? Put it on my tab.”

“Do you ever plan to pay your tab?” I ask the question in jest, knowing full well that neither of us will ever be out of debt to the other.

Such is the joy, and price, of friendship.

Shawn chuckles. “It will be paid in full by the fifth of never. Does that work?”

“Sure,” I grumble.

“Come on, we’ll have a good time.”

“Or wind up snookered.”

“Either one works for me. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

I heave out a sigh and toss my phone on the coffee table. My plans for the evening included cookies and binge watching Law and Order.

A fancy medical party never played into the script.

Seems the script got a rewrite.

Time to get ready for this shindig. With a final grunt, I shrug off the blanket and head for my bedroom. I scan the contents of my closet, poking through the assorted dresses hanging in a line like neat soldiers. I haven’t worn anything beyond loungewear or jeans since Charlie’s funeral.

Here’s hoping my clothes still fit. Hey, a steady diet of ice cream and crying can make you a bit soft about the middle.

True to his word,my best friend stands outside my door at seven on the dot. “You look lovely, Calli.”

I eye my emerald cocktail dress, unsure if I look good or that I’m trying too hard. “I really hoped yoga pants would beacceptable attire. When you told me I had to wear heels, you threw off my entire game.”

“It’ll do you good to get out for a bit.”

“Ah, the truth comes out,” I declare, grabbing my coat from the hall closet. “Suzanne isn’t sick, is she? This was all a ruse to force me into commingling with the living.”

Shawn, never one to back down from a challenge, pulls out his phone. “She is indeed sick. I can call her, and you can hear her nasally squeak for yourself. She’s likely sleeping, but since you don’t believe me?—”

“Put your phone away. I’ll make an exception for you. Consider yourself lucky I like you.”

It’s a short drive to the restaurant, a five-star deal that I occasionally attended with Charlie’s banking buddies. If I remember correctly, the food is top notch. The wine list? Even better.

Besides, Shawn is right. I need to start wading back into the world again. This dinner is a harmless way to start.

We stroll into the banquet room, and I plaster a smile on my face. Although I don’t know a soul here, save for Shawn, it’s important to play the part. I played that role for years with Charlie.

I’ve never been comfortable in large crowds, choosing to seek solace in a darkened corner or balcony, where the din was manageable. A quick glance tells me there are no balconies available. Bad luck.

But there is something else.

Or rather,someone.

Across the room, looking devastatingly dapper in a navy suit, is Dr. Keegan Russo. I swear, there isn’t an outfit the man doesn’t fill out to perfection.

“Look who it is,” Shawn murmurs at my side, indicating toward the illustrious Baby Maker. “Have you met with him yet?”

“I’m sure your wife told you I had.”

“Yes, but she didn’t tell me any of the good stuff. I knew I’d have to hit you up for it directly.”

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