Every lady in here looks the same, except for Daisy, with their long gowns and hair piled on top of their heads. She stands out among the drab and tired old looks, and has something that these women could only dream of pulling off. I know this because the lady next to me won’t stop yammering away about how she wishes she could pull off the fifties look.
For the first time in a long time, I’m not the one talking. I’m not the focus of attention. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but am happy to play the supportive role for Daisy, although the constant fashion talk is boring as fuck.
I’ve also yet to wish her a happy birthday. That fact alone makes me feel like a complete ass. I had a plan when we walked in, I was going to lead her to the bar and buy her first legal drink. I was going to give a toast and then wish her happy birthday.
When dinner is about to be served, I place my hand on her waist and nudge her in my direction. She understands my hint and excuses herself from the conversation. I lead us over to the bar and while we wait, I look down to find a smiling, radiant Daisy.
“Are you having fun?”
“Yes and no,” she says, causing confusion. She stands closer to me, pulling me down slightly to speak into my ear. “I’m having fun because I’m with you, but those women are talking about things I don’t have any clue about and it’s hard to play along.”
“High society women are like that,” I tell her. “They all have an agenda and you’re a fresh face in their pond of groupies.”
Daisy looks at me with bemusement and I shrug. It’s something I’ve come to learn about the people who have too much money to throw around. We step up to the bar when it’s our turn. My hand is on her back, refusing to move.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Um… a whiskey and Coke?” By the face she makes I know for certain she hasn’t had a drink like this before. I find that odd, since she’s in college, but it also makes sense since she’s been taking care of her grandfather. The last thing I want is for her to be puking on her birthday, especially tonight. Maybe on my next off day we can tie one on.
“The lady will have a Seabreeze and I’ll have a Sam Adams,” I tell the bartender who looks at Daisy for a brief moment. I’m guessing he’s trying to figure if she’s legal or not, or he could be eyeing her like every other dude in this place.
“What’s a Seabreeze?” she asks, leaning into me. I find this na?ve part of her cute. My sister likes this drink, so I figure it’s a safe bet.
“It’s Vodka, Cranberry and grapefruit juice. I’m hoping you like those types of juices?” She shrugs in a sort of non-committal way.
The bartender places her drink and my bottle of beer on the bar. We thank him and take our drinks. With my hand on her back, I guide her in the direction of our table, only stopping twice for people to talk to her. I like that they’re interested in her and not me. When we finally get to our table, I set my beer down so I can pull her chair out.
When she sits, her dress poofs out around her and I try not to laugh as she attempts to tuck it under her legs. I help her pull her chair in before sitting down and once I’m seated, I’m holding her hand.
“In case I haven’t told you, you look stunning.”
Her cheeks darken as she bows her head, turning ever so slightly to look at me. “I do believe I remember the words you said when I opened the door.”
I lean in, taking a deep whiff of her perfume. “Care to repeat them?”
Daisy shakes her head, but can’t hold back the grin forming on her lips.