I'm Ready For My Close Up, Mr Joker

4. Beers and Blondes

"Jaime," Bessy cried, as she bounded towards us, her hand holding her belly. I hugged her warmly before she turned to Helen. "I didn't know you were coming, it's so lovely to see you again." Bessy smiled as she embraced her. "Joe told me about how Kate gave you a hard time today."
"Yeah, but it's nothing I can't handle." I laughed, slipping my hands into my pockets. "Can I get either of you a drink?" I asked, gesturing towards the bar.
"I'd love a beer," Helen smiled, handing me a $5 bill.
"Don't worry, I got it!" I said, looking towards Bessy.
"I'm fine with water thanks," she smiled as I walked over to the bustling bar.
"Two beers please," I yelled, over the loud music to the bartender. I reached over to collect our drinks before handing over the money. Before I had time, a hand reached from behind me and paid. I turned around to see Brian looking down at me. "Um thanks," I stumbled.
"No problem," he said deeply.
"I should get back to my friend," I said timidly, walking past him and heading back towards Helen and Bessy. As I walked through the crowd, I saw Sal making out with a sex-on-legs type girl. Ew, I thought as I reached the girls.
"Here ya go," I said, handing Helen her drink.
"Thanks," she replied, I was going to mention that I didn't technically pay for it but couldn't be bothered. Suddenly the four guys were on a raised stage, tapping a mic.
"We wanna thank you all for coming," Brian said, a beer in hand.
"And we also want to welcome a new member of our team, Jaime." Joe cheered as the spotlight was suddenly on me. I covered my face with my hand as I blushed profusely.
When the short speech was finished, the guys came over to us. Joe wrapped his arm around Bessy and Sal brought over his blonde.
"So you must be the makeup artist who can't do makeup," the blonde smirked. I felt Helen jolt towards her but I tugged her back beside me.
"That would be me," I said bluntly.
"I'm Kaley, Sal's other half." She giggled coyly.
"Sorry, um guys this is my friend Helen, Helen, the guys," I introduced as they all shook hands.
"Sal tells me you were fired from your last job," Kaley started.
"Babe," Sal intervened, nudging her with his elbow, his face turning red.
"Yep," I said simply, not giving her the satisfaction of getting to me. I quickly mumbled to Helen that I was going to the restroom, I just needed to get away from the swarm of people. I strode towards the ladies room, running my fingers through my hair.
"Jaime, wait!" I heard from behind me as I turned to face the voice. It was Sal. "I want to apologise for Kaley, she can sometimes be a bit... Um..." I interrupted his ramblings.
"Of a bitch," I tutted. "You can apologise for her all you want but it doesn't help the fact that you obviously told her all those things about me. So if anything, you should apologise." With that, I walked into the restroom and lent against the closed door. I was kinda proud of myself.
After fixing my hair and reapplying my lipstick, I walked back into the bustling room. People were now dancing in the centre of the floor and I spotted Helen dancing with a tall guy... That was kinda typical. I walked back over to the bar and asked for a tequila shot. The only way I was gonna survive this party was with booze. When I finished that one, I ordered another and then another... Maybe this wasn't the best idea after all.