“Freya! I’m so happy you’ll join us for the holiday. Everyone will be so excited. Will anyone be accompanying you?” Doris, Freya’s mother, thought she was stealthy in her questioning. Freya sighed as her mother’s lackluster attempt to fish for information without being obvious failed, yet again.

“No, mom. Listen, I really need to get back to work. I’ll put in for a leave and task the girls at the studio with instructions during my absence. I think I can get away for a week.”

“Excellent! Oh, everyone will be so excited. I let you go, dear. Love you.”

The line went dead, and she leaned back in her chair, hoping she’d made the right decision to join her family. Determined to turn a new leaf, she reminded herself, I’ll be okay.

Freya left in a rush, remembering she was going out with Marissa and Justine after the evening's classes. The Friday commute didn’t bother her as she got on the Sounder Train. She put her earbuds in and turned on a new audiobook she’d just purchased by one of her favorite authors, Brenda Novak.

My life is predictably dull, she thought, drowning out the narrator. I need more excitement.

She spent the ride thinking about the possibilities. She’d have to start the book over.

Justine was already at the studio when Freya arrived, which was a relief. She still needed to figure out what dress to wear, and she relied on Justine’s taste. Not that she didn’t trust Marissa, but she was more eccentric. She smirked, remembering a number she’d worn to a dance recital. It was neon, and she looked as if she’d stepped out of the 80’s, which was hilarious since she was born in the mid-90’s. The parents didn’t mind, but the dancers had a hoot.

“Hey! I’m so glad you are here early. I need help to figure out what to wear,” Freya said.

“Oh! Let’s go raid your closet.” She giggled.

Freya unveiled the shoes to Justine, and she gawked over them. “These are amazing! Now I know why you are having a difficult time. Hmm…” Pushing clothes around, finally coming to the back of the closet, Justine reached the garment bag and pulled it out. “What’s this?”

“That old thing? A dress I never wore.”

Justine unzipped the bag, pulling out the beautiful white dress.

Freya had to admit, she loved it as much as she did the first time she’d laid eyes on it.

“WOW! This truly is stunning. I think you should wear it with those shoes.”

“You don’t think it's too much?” Freya wondered.

“Not at all. There is no way you’ll go unnoticed.” Justine said as she ran her hands over the simple satin fitted top and the soft tulle. “I can see why you like it. This screams of a prima ballerina.” She grinned, laying the dress on the bed. “You have to wear this.”

Freya stood back, taking it all in. “Why not?” She grimaced and said, “Time to live it up a little.”

“Yes! We’ll do your hair up in a beautiful bun. You have a beautiful décolletage, and the neckline screams to showcase it,” Justine excitedly stated.

A gust of fresh air swirled through the open window while Freya took it all in. That excitement which Justine exerted now penetrated every fiber within Freya.

Justine reached for her phone on the modern Ikea-ish nightstand; a text from Marissa alerted them it was time to head back to the studio. Justine eagerly chatted with Freya about the evening when they found Marissa stretching. One student was already there, taking a tumble when she noticed Justine and Freya join them. She was a newer student and still shy; there was the promise in her, as Freya had stated to Marissa who wasn’t so sure, but Freya could see it.

Marissa tried to contain a laugh as Justine scowled at her. Freya rushed to the young girl’s side. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” she said with the sweetest smile that melted Freya’s heart.

Freya loved children. She’d always dreamed of having her own someday, but with dating not one of her favorite activities, she recognized maybe the traditional route to motherhood might not be an option.

Options. Now there’s a concept, she thought, recalling upon a conversation she’d had with her mother.

“I think I’ll consider IVF in the next couple of years.”

“IVF.” Her mother had continued busily through the kitchen as Freya sat on a stool at the island enjoying a cup of Matcha tea. “Oh! Freya. No. Why would you?” Her mother’s slow reaction immediately had put Freya on alert.

“Why wouldn’t I? If I chose not to get married or be in any kind of relationship, I have the option of motherhood.”

“Freya. Stop being so negative. You are a stunning young lady. If you are not married or in a relationship, that is entirely on you. I can think of a handful of men right now who’d take you for a wife in a hot minute.”

“Mother. Really? You’d have me married off to someone I possibly didn’t love and barely knew?” She’d pushed her tea aside, and her mother absentmindedly grabbed it, dumping it in the sink.

“I think you are just trying to argue with me. That’s not what I meant, and you know it. But since we are on the topic, I think you don’t try hard enough. It's almost as if you purposely push anyone away who’s remotely interested in getting close to you. Now this ridiculous notion of IVF. Look, I think the option is great for those with no other options. But you? Without even considering trying harder to work on a relationship?”

Freya shook the conversation out of her mind as she focused back on the task.

“Good. And don’t stop trying, okay?” She winked at the precious little girl, and turning to Marissa, knew she disapproved of her reaction. She’d have a talk to her about it later. For now, more students were joining them.

 

 

Class had gone as expected, but now they were getting ready for the evening. Freya had given Marissa a stern talking-to, and it went well. She apologized to the student even before Freya had spoken to her, recognizing her own mistake, making it a tad easier for Freya to address the issue.

“OMG! Freya, where’d you get those shoes? They are absolutely adorbs!” Marissa shrieked.

Freya didn’t answer. The comment was more a statement as Marissa rushed to try them on. “I must borrow these from you,” she said, now standing in front of the body-length mirror purposely propped in a corner, posing to get the best views of her feet and legs.

Marissa took all of a half-hour to be ready. Justine rolled her eyes as she babbled, moving from the shower, into her dress, and doing her hair and makeup. Freya watched in amazement. It had been a while since she’d gotten ready with anyone. She was enjoying the affair. After spending almost a lifetime in the company of fellow dancers, sharing dressing rooms, it was nice to have the company again.

Freya turned back to the awaiting dress Justine had carefully hung from the handle of a dresser. It waited patiently for its owner to slip it on and make memories.

“How do I look?” Freya asked, turning from the vanity toward her friends.

Both stared at her and said nothing, causing Freya a slight panic.

“Oh, come on! I can’t be that bad?” She quickly turned back to the mirror to stare into her reflection.

“Bad? Hardly. Freya, you are stunning,” Justine quietly stated.

“Damn girl, you will turn lots of heads tonight. Just make sure you leave a couple for us.” Marissa laughed.

Freya smirked as she turned back to get another glance in the mirror. “I guess it’s time... Are we ready?”

Marissa and Justine nodded, standing back as Freya took a few steps toward them in the alluring white number. She then sat on the chair of the vanity to put on the beautiful red shoes with the gorgeous bow at the ankle.

Standing now, she took in the woman staring back at her in the mirror. She could hardly believe it, but something about her seemed transformed. Perhaps it was the inner pep talks she’d been having.

“Cinderella. But in place of glass slippers, we have those gorgeous red shoes.” Marissa walked over and helped adjust the zipper at the back of the dress. “Yes, a modern-day Cinderella.”

“You realize she needs a prince for that. Don’t you, Marissa?” Justine paused. “Well, I say we get this show on the road,” she said as she led the way.

The Uber ride to the first bar was hectic. Seemed something was going on downtown, and traffic was atrocious. The driver tried to make small talk with the trio but gave up when he realized Marissa’s non-stop communication skills drowned out anyone else’s attempt to get a word in; Freya often wondered how she breathed and spoke so efficiently that you couldn’t even tell she was taking in air.

When they finally arrived at Alchemy in West Seattle, Freya looked at her friends. “Why here? When there are so many places downtown?”

“You really need to get out more. Alchemy is like one of the best places,” Marissa stated.

It surprised Freya how amazing yet quaint the place was. Leather lounge chairs distressed wooden floors, gorgeous farm-style tables, chandeliers that looked to come from a medieval castle, and an exposed ceiling all somehow came together elegantly.

Justine had made reservations; therefore, a host seated them immediately. Freya looked over the menu. It wasn’t an elaborate affair, but it had a lot of promise. They listed the mixed drinks as “potions,” causing her to chuckle. The ‘Parklife‘caught her eye, specifically the basil and ginger in the drink.

A server had already been by the table, but Marissa had asked for a few more minutes.

“I’m famished. Didn’t have time to grab lunch at work. I’ll have a bite, what about you two?” she said.

“I want the cheese plate, but I also want the cured meats,” Justine said without lifting her eyes. “What about you, Freya?”

“Well, I want nothing too heavy. So, the meat and cheese plates sound divine. How about order both, and we’ll go halves?”

The waiter reappeared to take their order. Marissa went first.

“I’ll have a Mezcal Margarita, the Fingerling Potatoes, Cheeseburger Sliders, and for dessert, I want the Lemon Curd, Chocolate Panna Cotta, and Almond cake.”

Justine looked wide-eyed at Marissa. “You are seriously contemplating eating all of that food?”

“What? It's not different from having a burger and fries with something sweet to finish it. I don’t see the big deal.”

“I don’t know where you pack all of that food. You never cease to amaze me, your bottomless pit.” Justine laughed.

Marissa lifted an eyebrow, proud of herself.

Justine placed their food order, and they each ordered drinks.

“This is a cool place. Thanks for the invite and encouraging me to get out, for once.” Freya grinned. “I don’t know how I feel about all the more casually dressed, staring folks.”

“Don’t worry about them, we are only here briefly. Besides, I wanted you to come here. It's kind of cool and not so overcrowded. I figured it was a great icebreaker,” Justine offered.

The server brought their drinks, and Freya carefully sipped on hers. She rarely drank alcohol, and when she did, she preferred a nice Shiraz or Syrah. This was something refreshing and very different.

The pre-party food and drink hit the spot. The trio was ready to hit the party scene.

“So, where are we off to next?” Freya inquired.

Justine gave the Uber driver directions, then turned to Freya, pressing her fingers against her lips. Freya gave her a quizzical look but decided she’d tuck the topic away until they arrived at their destination.

The ride was quick as traffic had died down, except for the lit-up streets of downtown.

When it seemed, they’d headed more to the business area of the city with the tall skyscrapers and the many shops now closed, Freya looked again at Justine who was smiling. Marissa was obvious as she wore a cheesy grin.

How that girl does it, I’ll never know, Freya told herself, regarding Marissa’s ability to always be happy.

The driver pulled up to one of the tall, elegant buildings. Freya was unsure of which one it was, but a red carpet greeted them at the entrance, along with a doorman.

Once the driver pulled away and the all-business doorman saw them through the entrance, Freya turned to Justine. “So, where are we going? Because I’m sure this isn’t any of the party areas of the city.”

Justine waited a few more minutes until they were safely on the elevator. She entered a key code onto the panel, then turned to Freya.

“This club is exclusive, it‘s not even on the map. It occupies the entire top floor of this building, well, technically there is a penthouse suite, but the club is the last access point for most.”

“Yes! It's beyond happening up there. Only the elite, you know, rich scene gets in. People must have lots of money or know the right people who’ll vouch for you. Justine and I know a few of the right people from our days entertaining the elite crowd.”

Listening to Marissa speak so openly about her former entertainment job still made Freya cringe. A secretive escort service had used both girls. When they fessed up to Freya about their previous employment, she wasn’t about to turn them away. She needed the help, desperately, and the two girls were good at dance, not just ballet, giving her an opportunity to expand on her studio's services. She’d made them both swear to not speak of their escort days, especially not to any of the parents.

“Prove you have a certain net worth and have a referral from an existing member. Still, the place rarely extends memberships. Now, as I remember it, only the founding members can open it up. If a founding member dies, they can will it to a family member, but still, that person will undergo the same vetting process. You might wonder how we get in? Well, to make a long story short, we were in high demand during our peak years with the service. Many of the founding members were our clients. They invited us to keep us in company, but we are no longer service-to-hire. They know this. We are here to have fun on our own terms,” Justine explained.

Freya took a moment to take it in when the elevator chimed, and the doors opened to an all-white lounge, decorated in modern furniture. It didn’t look like a club, but more of a reception area into a high-end office. Two men dressed in black stood by the massive glass-mirrored doors. There was a receptionist of sorts, a very mature, sophisticated woman who greeted them.

“Good evening, ladies. You may proceed; I cleared you three on your way up.” She gently smiled, returning her eyes to whatever had her attention behind the desk.

“Thank you, Corrine,” Marissa and Justine said in unison.

Up close, the two men were bigger than Freya had thought. They both opened the doors, and the trio walked past the threshold into a world like no other. A bluish light illuminated the entire space. The floors glowed with the same fluorescent color, making the white furniture and area stand out. Across the way, dance music was thumping, and a few people seemed to dance away. The bar was a circular unit in the middle of the space. But it was the floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views of downtown Seattle that caught Freya’s attention. She never knew a world like this existed within her own city. She broke away from her friends, captivated by the city lights, catching glimpses of the boats out in the Puget Sound.

What a breathtaking view, she thought to herself as she slowly walked around.

Freya suddenly didn’t feel overdressed as most women were elegantly dressed. The men mostly wore a standard suit and tie. Well, some wore ties.

She noticed a few people staring at her; she wasn’t sure if she should smile or not, for fear of sending the wrong message. She’d only just arrived; why not enjoy the evening and have fun rather than be her typical self, cornered by the first person who engaged her and her too polite to walk away?

Freya held her head high, stared people directly in the eyes with an aloof indifference, pretending to be playing a role she would have loved as a prima ballerina.

“There you are!” Marissa said reaching for one of Freya’s arms. “Come on, we have a table. I ordered sparkling water on the rocks with fresh-squeezed lime for you. I know you only drink a little and there is no way in heck I’m allowing you to get drunk.” She grinned.

Freya appreciated Marissa’s consideration as they reached a beautiful half circular high back leather lounge. The table boasted chrome legs and glass. Justine already had someone trying to get her attention. It was hard to ignore her in the body-conscious silhouette dress, with a fishtail hem and exposed back and shoulders. The black mid-length accentuated her curves perfectly while the pink ruffle short sleeves and popover added the softer feminine touch.

“I’m sorry, sir, I’m here with my girlfriends to enjoy an evening of drinks and dancing. But thank you, I appreciate your attention, although unwarranted.” She glared at the handsome thirty-plus-year-old.

He didn’t pressure her, noting she was in company and walked away.

“What was that all about?” Freya asked.

“He wanted to buy me a drink and invite me back to his booth to get to know me better.” She rolled her eyes. “Tonight is not about me. It's about you! So, what do you think?”

“Oh, my gosh! This place is spectacular. I would have never imagined. I mean, I know nicer places exist in other cities, but here? I would have never believed it,” Freya said, taking it all in once again.

“Don’t look now but arriving. Check him out. I’ve never seen him here before.” Marissa tried to whisper but wasn’t very successful. The music played a little too loud for hushed conversations.

Freya looked, barely glimpsing a tall fellow. She didn’t really get to see his face, only that he had dark hair and a tan complexion. She turned back, trying to keep up with Marissa’s insistence on reporting on most of the men there: who to avoid, who did what, what kind of fortune they came from, as in self-made or inherited. Did they work? Were they trust-fund adults? Stuff Freya really could care less about.

She excused herself to the lady’s room, to peek at her complexion and make sure she hadn’t wiped her makeup off by accident. She wore so little anymore that she’d gotten out of the habit of properly touching up.

Yup, everything’s in place, she told herself.

On her way back to the table, she took the scenic route, taking in the view of Lake Union as she slowly returned to her companions. Unbeknownst to Freya, she’d caught the eye of the gentleman who’d walked in earlier and had her girlfriend all abuzz.

Freya returned to her seat, reaching for her drink.

“Um. What exactly did you do, Freya?” Justine intently looked at her.

“What do you mean? I went to the lady’s room.”

“Well, Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome is coming straight over here. Don’t turn, wait for him to approach.”

Marissa turned; she couldn’t help herself. Her smile was as wide as the Miss Universe pageant contestants.

“Good evening.” the gentleman said.

Freya noticed a Spanish accent. She was familiar with it from her travels and knowing the language herself always came in handy.

“I apologize for being so bold, but the miss in the white dress caught my attention.”

Freya immediately turned as perhaps she knew him. But when her eyes settled on his gorgeous hazel ones, she knew he wasn’t someone she was familiar with.

“She’s our friend, Freya. I’m Marissa, and that is Justine,” Marissa said, standing to shake his hand. Freya knew it was to ensure he got a good look at her before he decided on anyone else.

“Very nice to make your acquaintance.” He politely shook each of their hands, turning his focus back to Freya. “If I may be so blunt, you, Miss, are stunning. I had to walk over here and pay you a compliment myself.”

Freya smiled and thanked him, unsure if she wanted to engage in further conversation, but it wasn’t necessary to decide.

“Excuse me now. I’ve got a meeting with someone. Very nice to meet you three,” he said, walking away.

“WOW! That was weird,” Freya stated.

“Foreigners all handle things differently. He’s bold and blunt. I like that,” Justine said.

“Well, I hope he’s not meeting some hot chick,” Marissa whined.

Freya once again stood and turned to look out the windows.

“You really are enjoying the view from up here, aren’t you?” Justine asked. “I suppose after a while it loses its appeal. I hardly ever notice it anymore.”

“I don’t think I can ever stop appreciating such a view,” an absentminded Freya said.

“Well, I’m neither interested in the view nor this conversation, so I’m headed to the dance floor. Are you joining me, Justine?” Marissa got up to leave. “Freya, join us.”

But she didn’t. She passed, opting for an ottoman she could pull closer to the window.

I know I told myself I’d try harder to turn that new leaf. I think being here proves I am. However, I just can’t ignore the beauty that lies before me. How could anyone? Freya thought, staring out into the bright night.