Eloise

I spent the rest of the day cleaning my apartment and getting it ready so I could film a video for my blog. Ghosting had seemed to be a huge issue with guys, so I wanted to tackle that topic first. As I was setting up my camera, my phone dinged. When I looked at the number, it was one I’d never seen before. Opening my text messages, I saw it was from Christian. My belly did a flip and I quietly told it to stop.

“Hi, Eloise, it’s Christian. I just wanted to send you a quick text to let you know that our flight for Chicago leaves Friday morning at seven a.m. I’ll swing by and pick you up around five a.m.”

“Hi, Christian. Sounds good. I’ll be ready.”

“In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to call me.”

“Thank you. I will.”

Five a.m.? Ugh. I’d have to make sure everything was packed and sitting by the door the night before. Setting my phone down, I lit the candles I had sitting on the table and took a seat on my white leather couch. Turning my camera on, I began to film my video. Once I finished, it was time to get ready for the singles mixer I was attending tonight.

****

Christian

I turned off my computer, grabbed my briefcase, and as I was walking out of my office for the evening, Claire stopped me.

“Christian?”

“What’s up, Claire? I’m leaving for the day.”

She handed me a folded white piece of paper and walked away.

Singles Mixer

Empire Hotel Rooftop Lounge

7:30 p.m.

After reading the note, I looked up and Claire was already gone. Folding the paper and placing it in my pocket, I headed down to Peter’s office.

“Hey.” I lightly tapped on the door before stepping inside.

“Hey. You’re leaving already?” he asked.

“Yeah. What are you doing tonight?”

“Actually, I was going to ask you the same thing. I was thinking some drinking at the bar was in order.”

“I’ve got something better.”

“What?”

“A singles mixer at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Lounge at 7:30.”

He laughed. “Since when do you go to a singles mixer?”

“I don’t. I’ve never needed to, but someone is going to be there tonight.”

“Who?” He cocked his head.

“Eloise.”

“She won’t go out with you, but she’ll go to a singles mixer?” He laughed.

“I guess so. Are you up for going? Maybe you’ll meet the woman of your dreams there.”

“Why not.” He shrugged. “I’m going to stay back and finish up the Levitt’s Campaign. I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.”

****

Eloise

As I was in the bathroom getting ready to go out, I heard a knock at my door. I set down my makeup brush, walked over, and looked through the peephole only to find Claire standing there.

“Hi.” I smiled as I opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve decided to go to the singles mixer with you.”

“Are you serious? Come on in. I’m almost ready. Isn’t Kenny going to be pissed you’re going?”

“Kenny doesn’t know. He’s out with the guys playing cards. I told him me and you were going to dinner and then hanging at your place after.”

“I’m not thrilled that you lied to him, but I’m happy you’re coming along with me.”

“Meh.” She shrugged. “He tells me little white lies all the time.”

I put the finishing touches on my makeup, lightly sprayed my hair, and we headed to the Empire Hotel. When we arrived, we were escorted to the Rooftop Lounge where single men and women from New York City gathered. It was a beautiful fall night and the ambiance was perfect. Over towards the corner of the rooftop, we found an empty couch, so we ran to it as fast as we could and took a seat.

“Wow. This is great. I’ve never been to one of these before.” Claire smiled.

“Me either. It’s pretty cool.”

Men walked past us, smiling, winking, giving us the “I may want to fuck you” look. They swarmed around us like eagles searching for their prey.

“Hi there. I’m Jack.” The cute guy who stood approximately five foot eight smiled.

“Hello.” I smiled back. “I’m Eloise.”

“What an unusual and beautiful name.”

“Thanks, I think. This is my friend, Claire, but she’s not single. She’s just tagging along.”

“Friend support, I like that. Would you mind if I took a seat?”

“No. Not at all.” I patted the spot next to me.

“I see you ladies don’t have drinks yet. May I get you something from the bar?”

“I’ll have a cosmopolitan.” I casually smiled.

“And I’ll have a glass of Pinot,” Claire spoke.

After Jack left to go to the bar, Claire excused herself to the bathroom. I sat there, watching all the men and women mingle, wondering how many of them would find someone tonight and how many of the men wouldn’t call the next day. While I waited for my drink and Claire, I pulled out my phone and sent a message to Mobile Man.

“Hi. I’m on the hunt, lol.”

“Hi. Just be careful. There are some real weirdos out there. If you need me, text me.” He sent the winky face.

“Thanks. But I can take care of myself.”

I looked up from my phone and gasped when I saw Christian and his friend Peter walk in. My heart started racing and the air around me became thick.

“Here you go.” Jack smiled as he handed me my drink. “Where’s your friend?”

“Right behind you,” Claire replied.

“Excuse us for a moment, Jack, but I need to speak with Claire.”

Grabbing hold of her arm, I led her over in the opposite corner behind a plastic palm tree.

“What?” she asked.

“Why the fuck is Christian here?” I spoke through gritted teeth.

“Huh? Oh my God!” she shrieked. “Christian is here? Where?” She looked around.

“Over there!” I pointed. “By the bar.”

Her eyes diverted over to the bar. “He’s with Peter.”

“Yeah. I can see that. We have to get out of here!” I exclaimed.

“Why?”

“Because what will he think? I turned down his offer to take me out and now I’m at a singles mixer?”

“Oh yeah. I forgot about that. Not to mention you had sex with him.”

“Ugh! Let’s go.”

I downed my drink as fast as I could.

“How are we going to sneak out?” Claire asked. “He’s going to see us.”

“Follow me.”

I grabbed her hand, ducked down, and tried to weave in and out of the crowd of people.