chapter 1

This party sucked. She couldn’t believe they had shown up. It was supposed to be exclusive, where she got to try the new product her company was selling. Sure the logo was ridiculous and it tasted like every other kind of vodka she had tried.

But her ex wasn’t supposed to be there with his new partner. The worst part of it was, they both looked incredible. He was dressed simply but stylishly in a button down with the long sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

She was in a dark green mermaid dress that wrapped around her curvy figure. Valerie seethed at the sight, her eyes narrowing and all else fading away. The words of her companion weren’t heard and after a few moments he wandered off.

Valerie snagged a glass from a passing server and drained it quickly. The warm feeling went down her throat and settled in stomach. She looked over at the polished surface of a wall to see her reflection. A peach colored dress with a tan belt, the belt was a little tight if she was honest but she still looked good.

Another drink was snatched as she made her way over to them, quickly sipping it to fortify herself.

“Derrick, hi! It’s good to see you”

She put forth as much enthusiasm as she could muster and plastered a smile onto her face. He turned quickly and looked at her. He seemed a little skittish, good. His date looked at Valerie and then back to him in anticipation.

“Oh. Hey Val, how’s it going? This is Denise, Denise this is Valerie. We used to date.”

Valerie looked over Denise, a small wrinkle on her forehead from the concerned look she was giving Derrick. Denise waved and smiled politely but didn’t move to engage other than a simple.

“Hello”

Valerie nodded and sipped some of her drink. Probably too much, she could feel the warmth building in her face. “Have either of you tried the product?” She tapped the glass in her hand to indicate the booze.

Derrick shook his head. “Not yet, we just got here.” His face could have been made of stone, no emotion, only polite civility. She hated him for that face, the void of expression.

Valerie waved down a server and indicated the tray. The couple each took one and looked around, taking in the venue. The distant music and chatter filled what could have been an awkward silence for the three. Valerie rubbed at her belt, it seemed she had drank too much and was a bit bloated.

“I like your hair”

Denise’s voice was low but audible. Valerie touched her hair self consciously, the auburn tresses done up and layered with product to keep it there.

“Thanks, I love your dress. Where did you get it?”

Valerie gulped more of the liquid down, Denise mimed her before answering. Why did she come over here? The straps on her bra dug into her shoulders uncomfortably. She lost focus and the lights above seemed to blur as Denise explained the origin of her garment.

“...hadn’t had a chance to wear it until now”

A pregnant pause draws Valerie's attention back to Derrick and Denise. Two D’s like something out of a cartoon. Double D. Her eyes darted to the line of cleavage Denise was sporting. She was probably in that range based on Valerie’s assessment. She stifled a bubble of laughter at the coincidence.

“Val, are you feeling alright?”

Her face twisted into a frown as she heard Derrick’s voice. She sipped her drink quickly in an effort to wash the bitter taste out of her mouth. The movement caused part of her dress to shift and she felt a bit cooler. Valerie reupholstered the smile to her face before smiling.

“Peachy”

The couple shared a worried glance, with Denise stepping forward towards Valerie.

“I’ve got to go to the restroom, do you mind showing me where they are?”

“Of course”

Valerie beckoned Denise to follow her, she turned and wobbled a bit as she started walking towards the back of the room. The auburn haired woman swayed and clenched her teeth in agitation. Everything felt uncomfortable, her dress, this damnable belt, even her underwear had ridden up. She finished her drink and set it on an unoccupied table before she pushed open the door with the bronze placard. Denise followed suit, finishing her beverage.

Her heels clacked on the white tile floors and she gestured to the handful of stalls before turning to one of the mirrors above a sink. Denise cautiously approached Valerie, her own heels echoing in the bathroom.