I was standing in front of a mansion, there was no other word for it, regretting my decision to come. My best friend, Vivica, who I called Vivitar because I thought that was hilarious despite no one else thinking it was, had invited me to the party here but had gotten sick at the last minute. She insisted I go without her. I protested; I knew no one rich or famous. Vivica made me rich-and-famous adjacent, in a Seven Degrees of Kevin Bacon kind of way, but that wasn't enough to make me comfortable.
I looked down at my vintage burgundy velvet mini dress and shook my head, another decision I regretted. I was about to pull out my phone and see if the Uber that had just dropped me off was near enough to come back and get me, when a masculine voice startled me. I dropped my phone and he bent down and picked it up.
"Waiting for someone?" he asked, handing it to me.
He was what Vivitar would have called a tall drink of water. He was slim like he ran marathons or climbed mountains, with dark hair. He was wearing a brilliant crisp white shirt and navy slacks. In short, just my type.
"I think I made a mistake," I stammered. He looked like a million bucks. Literally. "I don't know anyone and..." I trailed off.
He offered his arm. "I'll introduce you around. Come on."
I took it and we walked up the steps that lead to the palatial Midcentury Modern style house. I was about to let go of his arm to get the invitation out of my purse, but the bouncer at the door waved us in with a simple, "Good evening. Enjoy the party."
As soon as we stepped into the vast entryway, a woman in ivory linen trousers and a flowy top appeared and handed us each a glass of champagne. "Your room is up here, sir," she said.
"Call me Penn," he said easily.
We followed Linen Lady up the stairs and were shown into a small suite decorated entirely in white. It was tasteful and comfortable. I wondered what kind of party had suites for the guests. Linen Lady was explaining that a bartender would be in to create us each a signature cocktail and that we were free to join the others as soon as we were refreshed.
"I would have introduced you, but I forgot to ask your name in the rush," Penn said. "It's all a bit much, isn't it? Gloria likes to pamper those she considers her top tier guests, but frankly, it feels like showing off and throwing money around."
"I'm Cass," I said. I wasn't about to comment on the hostess's pampering. I sunk into a deep white sofa and took a sip of my champagne.