NIGHT MOVES

BORROWED INVITE

"Let's share a meal some time. You pick the time, as I'm sure I'd pick daylight out of habit." I kissed Calv's cheek.

"I'd like that. I'll surprise you, does that tickle you pink?" He grinned down at me.

"Sure, as long as you tell me the day. So I can put "surprise visit" in my calenduh." I slowly blinked hoping that that was how you batted one's eyelashes.

"Sure, Wednesday, at two-thirty."

"I'll be waitin', Calv..." I turned to leave, twisted my face back to give him one last grin.

I gripped the painting and strolled over to my partners. I waggled my index finger and they rose from the table. Aud followed me out the door while Carv squared away our bill.

"Is that a Calvin specialty portrait?" Aud teased as she reached for the painting.

"Yes. It's his interpretation of my likeness." Cheeks turned scarlet as Audrey took a peek.

"Oh myyy! Rayven you're straight up outta sight!" She garbled over the portrait.

"Ya mean it?" I held my breath.

"I do! I mean, normally I don't care fouh black & whites. Yet this here portrait is a viiibe. When did you have time to sit fouh him?" She snapped her fingers thrice.

"The evening I stayed over aftuh getting loose and pumping him fouh info." I grinned mischievously.

"Oh he did this while blitzed? Calvin is beyond talented!" Aud stared off dreamily.

"You got the invite?" Carv suddenly spoke from beside us.

"Uh yes. Right here." I wiggled the the card stock.

"Gee Carv, you can be silent as the grave sometimes." Aud held a hand to her bosom.

"Sorry, sweets. That's some paintin', sis. You like one of those gothic eighteenth centry ladies, with a modern twist." Carv studdied the portrait after taking it from Aud.

"I'm only the model, Calv is the square buisness of art." I blushed as I climbed into the passenger seat.

"Rayven Bloomington you are a beautiful creature out of an adult dark-like fairy tale." Aud grabbed my chin and a look of challenge glittering her eyes.

"Yes, ma'am." I slowly nodded my head and climbed into the passenger side.

Audrey slipped from my side and slid into the driver's seat. We exchanged a wink before she took the keys from me.

"Get in Carv." I twisted around in my seat.

"Hmmm? Oh no no no! I'm drivin' ladies." Carver violently shook his head.

"Next time, Carv. It's my turn. Pleaseee! With the promise of hugs and kisses?" Audrey thrusted her bottom lip as she clasped her hands.

"Fiiine. Don't kill me, will youuu? I want to live to see and feel you repay youh debt." He groaned as he climbed aboard the tail end.

"I'll make sure you live to see youh next birthday." Audrey chuckled before flooring the gass.

I gasped and gripped one of the poles supporting the sun roof up. I glanced at Carver and he was clutching a pole and my portrait. I swallowed my chuckle as Audrey nearly collided with a lamp post. I felt awash with guilt at having laughed at Carver when I'd driven. I attempted to keep my eyes closed, yet that seemed to frighten me more. I kept them open and clutched my seat cushion. As it was more than likely she'd a double set of eyes to the road.

"So is that invite warrant three guests?" Audrey hollered loudly.

"Umm, let me see.."

I opened the envelope to reveal two black satin masks. The masks seemed they would only cover only the eyes and forehead. I took out the masks and raised them over the seat for Carver to see.