Twenty-Six
"...so, anyway, I was totally smashed, and I missed my flight back to LA yesterday. I'm, like, totally useless. It's my grandpa's ninetieth birthday tomorrow, and there's going to be this huge celebration and everything. My parents think I'm already back at boarding school - they're picking me up in the morning to take me to the party. If they knew I was here they would murder me."
Mills frowned at Paige.
"Can't you catch a flight this afternoon? You could still get back in time."
"I would, but all I have left is my Daddy's credit card, and if I use it to buy a ticket, he'll find out I was here."
"What are you going to do?" Mills took another sip of her martini, draining the last half-mouthful and letting the olive roll onto her tongue.
"I have no idea. The irony is, there's an envelope full of cash in my school trunk, which is sitting in my room at school. And I can't use it!" Paige held up her hand in frustration. She had to admit, she was good at this.
"You just need a ticket back to LA? What's that cost, three hundred bucks?"
"I guess."
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" Mills replied, reaching for her purse.
Etienne Girard knocked on the bathroom door gently.
"Elisabeth? You are okay in there?"
Tibby looked at her camisole, floating in the basin. The red wine stain now resembled a pinkish brown smudge. A proper wash would take it out completely, but that didn't solve Tibby's immediate problem: she was standing in Etienne Girard's hotel bathroom her bra, while her only top was soaking wet in the sink. I haven't really thought this through, she realized with a sinking feeling.
"Elisabeth?"
"Yes, fine, Etienne! Umm, I don't suppose you have a spare shirt I can borrow?" There was no reply. Tibby heard his footsteps softly receding. She looked at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were droopy, and she was half undressed, but she smiled. She wished Mills was there with her so that they could laugh at the absurdity of the situation. She picked up her purse from beside the door and fished out her cellphone.
Mills was rummaging around inside her bag, looking for her purse when her phone beeped. She had totally forgotten that Tibby was in the hotel, too.
MsTibbs: Hey babe, guess what...?
CDupont: What's up, babe! How's it going with Director Guy?
MsTibbs: I'm in the Presidential Suite with him. I'm in his bathroom right now. He's getting me a clean shirt to wear.
CDupont: WTF! Don't even tell me...Is he cute?
MsTibbs: LOL. It's not like that. Long story. Wish you were here babe.
CDupont: Can't wait to hear about it. Tell me everything later. Luv U!
MsTibbs: Luv U 2. Later babe. xxxx