The high and the high roller

10

*Beyoncé*

This morning, at dawn, I had impulsively decided to do a quick workout in the empty streets of New York. I think it was the influence of cocaine because under normal circumstances I would never have done that. When I went out, the cold was intense, the once I started moving, I barely felt the wind against my cheeks. I ran for nearly forty five minutes nonstop, and it felt pretty great actually. I was in very good spirits today.

I didn't sleep at all last night but strangely enough I was fine, I think I should go running more often.

Once I finished brushing my hair, I went back to the living room. I was reaching for my phone when I suddenly felt something touch my shoulder. I turned around abruptly to see my sister Solange standing behind me with a smile on her face.

"What the fuck is wrong with you ? You scared the hell outta me ! I didn't give you a set of keys just for you to come scare me whenever you like !"

"Sorry sis, that wasn't my intention." She apologized "But I have something for you !"

She quickly rummaged through her bag and pulled out a small red envelope, handing it to me.

"What is it ?" I asked.

"Open it and you'll see for yourself."

I grabbed the envelope, opened it and pulled out two tickets. After a quick read I realized they were tickets to an art exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris, showcasing Eastern Antiquities from the late fifth millennium BC to the fifth century AD.

I nearly jumped on Solange. "Thank you, thank you, thank you !!! But how did you get them ?"

"Do you remember Junior ?"

"The French guy you flirted with during your trip to London ?"

She nodded. "Yes, him. He works at the Louvre and he told me about this exhibition. I remember you telling me about this so I told him my sister is a huge fan of art exhibitions since we were kids and he offered to give you two free tickets. I knew you'd be thrilled so, of course, I took them."

"Oh my god, this is so good !! Plus it's really soon !"

"And that's not all." She added, smiling.

"What else ?"

"You won't have to pay for anything, both tickets come with a one-week stay at the Ritz Hotel, which is close to the Museum."

My eyes widened. "I won't have to pay for anything ?"

"At all."

I couldn't believe what she was saying, and this Hotel was so damn expensive. What did I do to the universe to be this lucky ?

"Here's some advice, keep that man in your life."

She chuckled "I intend to, he's a great guy. Too bad he lives in the other side of the Atlantic."

"If you guys are meant to be together, you will be. Anyway, thanks Solo, you have no idea how much I love you."

"I know, I'm the best sister ever." I rolled my eyes, which earned me a gentle hit on the shoulder "Anyway, do you know who you're going with ?"

I frowned. "Well, you obviously."

"I'd love to but I already have an event planned in Dallas that same week."

"Nah, Solange, you can't do that to me, you're my only hope ! You know the girls and Pha' don't like these kind of stuff, Natalie and Angela, even less, and Larsa's schedule is packed these days."