Saturday, July 19th
A good representation of the upwardly mobile younger generation milled about in Roger’s apartment. Most lived in the District; couples with two incomes, unencumbered by children. The rest represented the single demographic, and did the mating ritual that only singles do well. She looked over the prospects, keeping in mind that what she wanted was a married man.
Roger approached, exuding his trademark charm and seductive manner. “Hey, Perri. How’s the hunt going?”
“Just lovely, dear, but I need to concentrate if I’m to succeed at a grander adventure. Be a dear, and mingle with your guests.” She smiled politely, but grey-green orbs of ice concentrated on their mission.
He remained quiet for a few moments, and looked hurt. “As you wish.”
“Thanks. You’re a dear.” She thought a moment, and called him back. “Roger?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be callous, but I have to stick to my plan. You understand, don’t you sweetie?”
“Of course.” He turned and left.
She turned back to the crowd, taking in the candidates. Then her eyes stopped on a young man and a woman who appeared to be his espoused. Her mind clicked into stealth mode, honing in on her next victim. “Roger.”
He walked back in her direction. “Yes, your evilness. What do you require of your servant?”
Poisonous ignored the subtle verbal jab. “You know, that man over there appears to be married. Is he, and if so, what’s his name?”
He followed her gaze, and saw a young couple in the corner near the door to the terrace. “That would be Kyle Barrett, and his wife, Amanda.”
“Thank you, Roger. You’re a dear... as always.”
She gave him a perfunctory peck on the cheek, and fastened her sights on Kyle: a fair man, blonde and blue-eyed; very European. His wife stood near him, a pretty woman, but not with the mental dullness typically assumed to accompany those looks. Kyle’s wife and another gentleman and his wife talked animatedly. “Oh, good; pretty and sure of herself…for now.” Her grin belied the caustic thoughts churning though her wicked mind. “I’m going to make sure I knock her down a few notches.”
Moving in closer, exchanging pleasantries with various people in her path, she finally stood right next to Amanda’s arm, which zigged and zagged as she spoke. Poisonous moved close enough to be sure to be in the path of that errant arm, which, conveniently, held a drink.
“…I was appalled. The woman wouldn’t leave me alone. So I turned around and—”
Poisonous gasped, as the Mojito cascaded down the inside and the outside of her dress, leaving her to experience the smooth, refreshing coolness of rum, lime, and bubbles, with a touch of mint. The longer she stood there, the stickier she felt.
“Oh! I’m so sorry! I’ve ruined your dress...” Amanda grimaced. “Oh dear. If you need, I can drive you to your house, so you can change. I’ll even pay for the cleaning.”
She smiled too sweetly. “Oh, that’s perfectly all right. I’m sure you just didn’t see me; and don’t worry about the dress. I’ve left a few here at Rogers’s condo. I’ll just go change.” The menace in her eyes spited her smile. She turned away slowly, and walked towards Roger.
“Roger, could you be a dear, and let me change clothes?” She pointed in Amanda’s direction. “That klutz over there spilled her drink all over me.”
Roger’s face remained expressionless. “And I’m sure you had nothing to do with it.” He looked towards his room. “Help, yourself. Mi casa es tu casa.”
Upstairs, Poisonous found the clothes she had left with Roger, ‘just in case.’ The drink had spilled all over her, and the sugar in it now made her sticky. “Hmmm. Maybe I’ll take a quick shower.” As she dried off, she looked in the mirror, and admired her bare body. “By Lucifer, Perri. You’re very attractive. If I weren’t you, I would hit on you myself.”
She donned an outfit, and headed back downstairs. As she walked towards the hors d’oeuvres, a woman came up to her, and flagged her down. “Hi. I’m Shelby. I saw the whole thing. Are you all right?”
“Yes. But it’s annoying to have someone be so clumsy that they spill their drink all over you.” A disparaging glance in Amanda’s direction underscored her ‘incensed’ look. Following the look, a tasty tidbit fell into the mix. “You, know... I can’t be sure, but it seems like Kyle only enjoys talking to other men. In fact, he looks like he’s flirting with them. I think he likes them a little more than usual.”
The other women who had gathered around her looked in Kyle’s direction. Then in unison, they turned discretely away.
“You know. I never noticed, but you’re right. Kyle always seems to be talking to men... and enjoying it.”
“Yeah,” said another. “Kind of odd, if you ask me.”
“I’ve heard he’s seen a lot with this guy named Joe. They’ve been very chummy lately... if you know what I mean,” added another.
The hen party continued for several minutes.
“Excuse me ladies. But I need to catch my friend over there before she leaves.” She positioned herself at a perpendicular angle behind Amanda’s back, and then motioned Roger over, who obediently came. She whispered in his ear, “Stay here and talk to me.” He did, and as planned, Amanda turned around and bumped into her, knocking her over.
“Oh dear! I’m so sorry. I’ve not had very good luck with you tonight. Are you alright?” She offered her hands to Poisonous.
She took Amanda’s hand and got back on her feet, purposefully maintaining a sunny disposition. “Oh, I’m just fine. Just a little shaken up, that’s all.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” A glance at her watch indicated that the hour had become late. “Actually, I must be going. I’m sorry we met by ‘accident.’ My name’s Perri; yours?”
