Page 78 of Cakes for the Grump

I tell my friends about Sistine. How she’s like a ghost in that I never see her around the apartment, but I can tell she’s still here because most of what I bake gets eaten by her.

One particular evening, she snuck up on me and blew into my ear. I almost shriveled to the ground, my heart pounding away.

“You’re okay,” she announced with a nod, before slinking out for the evening.

I think this admission is tantamount to a shouted declaration of devotion from other women.

I guess I’m still safe living here with Luke. His sister hasn’t stabbed me.

“What’s the card say?” wonders Kiren.

“Read the details,” demands Noor.

“It’s fairly vague, actually. There’s an address on it, and this one rather dramatic sentence.A night of spectacle for those who dare.”

As I put down the invite and start my nightly ritual of making tea, I realize I’ve messed up because both of my best friends go very quiet.

“Youneed to be more daring on your trip,” drawls Kiren.

“A night of spectacle, huh? Whowouldn’twant to see that?” adds Noor.

“I haven’t been invited,” I tell them firmly, hoping that’s the end of it.

“Sistine isnice, isn’t she? That’s what you told us unless you weren’t honest about that,” says Noor.

“No, she is!”

“Great. She’ll be happy to see you.”

“Guys—”

“Don’t you want to network?” asks Kiren. “What if tonight is the night you meet the head chef of some really fancy restaurant and you slip in how great of a cook you are, and he is intrigued enough to give you an interview the next day? Think about it. Anything could happen, butnothingis going to happen if you always stay inside, Rita. Your dreams are out there?—”

“I doubt any of that will happen atthisparty?—”

“But it might,” says Noor. “Plus, when was the last time you went out and had a fun night to yourself? Like old Rita used to? You remember? Literally every night out, you somehow made a new friend. That’s how we got that airline discount. And we can’t forget the fake Prada dude! He still sends you a holiday card. Like c’mon, Rita.”

“And if the party isn’t fun, you don’t have to stay,” argues Kiren. “Or check it out from the outside and if it’s not your vibe, find yourself a cool bar and have a drink in the city, at least.”

I open my mouth. Maybe to argue, but my friends get serious before I can. They say they care about me, and I don’t have to go out tonight, butthey are worried I’ve isolated myself in a new city. Every time they call, I am either working, cleaning for some reason, or about to go to sleep.

“It’s like you don’t have a social life anymore,” says Kiren quietly.

“At this rate, I’m going to fly to check up on you instead,” warns Noor.

“No, it’s fine. I’mfine,” I insist. “And to prove it…I’m—I’m going out to this party.”

They can’t believe it, but I assure them I will. From there, the night unfolds like a train set on a track with no brakes. They insist on staying on the phone as I get ready. And they get more and more excited as I start getting dressed and do my makeup. Numerous opinions are thrown around regarding an outfit until a sequin, body-hugging, twinkly blue dress is chosen. It compliments my curvaceous bum very nicely.

Putting the finishing touches on my mascara, even though I have no idea how I’ve let them convince me, I can’t help but feel energy tingling down my spine. When was the last time I’d properly done this? Gone out with no idea where the night will take me? By myself?

There’s been no chance to do it. Specifically, no finances to accommodate for it.

But one of the unexpected perks about staying with Luke is that he won’t take any rent, so I’m accruing spare money. After accounting for emergency savings, there is enough excess…for this one night.

Fueled by the loud persuasion from my friends, I actually do it. I attempt to have a good time, even in the middle of my housing and career crisis.

This is fine. It’s okay. Let’s go with it!