First Class (Chaelisa)

Chapter 6: Los Angeles

One week later.

Sitting in her office, leaned back with her feet kicked up on her glass desk, Roseanne is playing with the piece of paper Lisa wrote her number on. For a week, she's been carrying it around with her, its edges are now worn with creased lines and smeared ink. Like a shy adolescent, Roseanne was cautious about calling Lisa too soon, fearful to appear desperate or needy. A feeling completely foreign to her. Gathering some courage and contentment that she at least waited a week; Roseanne decides to call Lisa with the perfect reason. Lisa picks up after the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Lisa? It's Roseanne."

"Hi Roseanne, I'm glad you called."

"Me too."

"How are you?"

"Good. Um, I'm not sure what your schedule is like, but would you like to accompany me to a fundraising gala next weekend? In Los Angeles? OUTropolis has a table."

There's silence on the line and Roseanne feels at slight unease.

"Like a date?" asks Lisa.

"Well, no. I mean, not unless you want it to be? But it doesn't have to be. I'm just allowed to bring an extra guest." Roseanne felt like she was walking through a mine field, unsure of where she was stepping.

"Sure. I can be in LA. You said next weekend?"

"Yes, next Saturday night. It'll be at the W Hotel in West Hollywood."

"Okay," replies Lisa.

"Okay great, I'll um, I'll add your name to the list and send you a link with the details," says Roseanne with a broad smile.

They stay on the line, chatting for roughly 45 minutes until Roseanne has to end the call due to a work meeting. Both looking forward to next Saturday.

---

The Following Saturday.

Roseanne goes through the several outfits she packed for the gala, unsure whether to go with a more masculine dark suit and vest or a mid-thigh light blue dress, easily pulling off both with her natural striking features. With the knowledge that she was going to see Lisa tonight, Roseanne decides on the dress to purposefully reveal some extra cleavage.

Leaving her room and arriving early to the hotel's rooftop Loft to help with OUTropolis' table set up and manage several silent auction donations by the magazine, Roseanne was feeling extremely nervous. The type of nervousness that paralleled waiting for your prom date with the anticipation of losing your virginity. This is ridiculous, Roseanne thought to herself, now 10 years removed from her 16 year old virgin self. Walking to the bar, Roseanne orders an early drink to settle her nerves.

"I'll have double vodka cranberry please."

"Whoa, you going to slow your roll over there? Night just started," Roseanne hears behind her. It's Felix Lee, one of the other writers.

"Hey Felix."

"Heard you had a date tonight? You never bring a date. Who's the lucky one? Someone we know?"

"No, I met her a few months ago, she should be here soon. I'll introduce you. Where's Maya?"

"She's checking out the silent auction, Maya is always looking for a new painting," replies Felix and looking to the bartender, "Double Jack and Coke, and a glass of the house Merlot."

"And you're telling me to slow my roll?" jabs Roseanne.

"Hey, takes one to know one," says Felix, raising his drink, and walking away to bring Maya the glass of red.