To Love and To Hate

Chapter Five

"Sally! Sally! Over here!" I waved trying to get her attention across the crowded bar until she finally caught sight of me and waved back. She was sitting at one of the few high top tables with a couple of stools pulled up to it in the room. Winding my way through and around the bar-goers, I tried to make my way to her. Ducking at the last minute, narrowly avoiding a hand in the face, as someone gestured wildly, I finally made it to the table and sat down. The minute I put my bag on its table hook, Sally reached over and enveloped me in one of her huge hugs. I smiled. I was feeling good tonight, and I was celebrating with my best friend. 

Sally looked amazing in her light sweater and jeans with her ballet flats. Now that it was nearing the end of April, the weather had taken a turn for the better, brushing the town with wisps of Spring. I was also taking advantage of the milder weather, and was perhaps being a little optimistic, with a quarter length tan dress that complimented my long auburn hair, which I had left down for tonight. I didn't have any adornments on, and had brushed on only minimal makeup in deference to the evening out. I was in a favorite pair of nude heels that worked wonderfully with the dress. 

She had already ordered glasses of red wine for the both of us, and I reached to take a sip of mine once she released me. "Long day?" I asked her, noticing that her glass was almost empty and she was already looking for someone to get her another one. 

"You have no idea. I am working on a case right now that may be the end of me. It's only in the preliminaries right now, so it's mostly research and evidence gathering; talking to potential witnesses, that sort of thing. I have a feeling that this is going to be huge though, Mandy. Big corporate stuff, with lots of intrigue and backstabbing, and tons of money changing hands, which was why I was so glad when you called this afternoon for us to go out tonight." She quickly drained the rest of her wine and snagged a passing waitress for a refill. "I needed this." 

"So," she said as she sipped a little slower from the glass set before her, "What's up? How are things with you? She eyes me sideways, waiting. 

"Well. I am officially done with the Slater's project! It was successful, and they loved what was done! Which is a miracle in itself." I said laughing and taking a sip of wine. "The best part is, the check is in the bank! So, we are celebrating!" I shouted enthusiastically in the loud room, a huge smile on my face. I was glad to be rid of them, and just as glad they were happy with the results. Even with the many changes, and extra labor, I still managed to get a profit from the job. 

Sally's eyes lit up, and her tired smile lit the room. She threw her arms around me. "Oh Mandy! I a so very happy for you! Truly! I know just how awful those people were for you, and I cringed every time I thought of you having to deal with them. Do you think they will generate more business for you? I really hope so after all these months of having to deal with them! This is a cause for celebration!" She gestured to the waitress again and this time ordered Margarita's and burgers with fries for the both of us. With that ordered, she turned back to me and reached over to grasp my hand in hers, squeezing it gently. 

"Really Mandy, that is wonderful news. Now tell me you are going to do something amazing with that check of yours, and don't you dare say you're going to do something boring with it, like putting it back in your business." She laughed, but I knew she was mostly serious. Sal didn't grow up wealthy, but her and her husband didn't have to worry about money now, so it was often a foreign concept for her to grasp. 

"Well, I am definitely thrilled to be done with them. If I see another wallpaper sample for the next month it will be too early!" I laughed. "No, it won't as that means I have another job, and that would be a good thing." I held up my hand, "Now, don't say anything, Sal, but I do plan on putting some money back into the business. But, I also plan on using some of it to fund a conference I've been invited to. It's in Buffalo." Her eyebrows raised, but she didn't say anything. I took a large gulp of my Margarita before continuing. "I actually wanted to talk to you about that." As the waitress returned with our meals, and another round of drinks ordered to 'celebrate' I told Sally all about the phone call I'd received almost a month ago. How it was invitation only, and they had seen my work and wanted me!