One Look At You Read Online Free PDF Page B

in that kind of blackout, remembrance is triggered by something. When you say an image flashed before you, what was it that Jen said?”
    Jen has been quietly listening in, her eyes wide with fascination.
    “She said something about us making out on the dance floor. Suddenly I remembered the feel of his hands on my butt,” I say with embarrassment.
    “Livie, if you want the truth, I think in the coming days, you’re going to be remembering worse things than that,” she says with one eyebrow lifted. Jen grins uncomfortably and I close my eyes, now willing myself to just forget.
    “Relax. The more you try to remember, the more anxious you will be. And that’s definitely not gonna help,” Melanie says.
    “Well, I’m not actually sure now that I want to remember. What if that night was one cringe-worthy moment after another?”
    “I don’t think that would be the case at all,” Jen says placatingly.
    “You don’t know that,” Melanie says in her usual brutal manner. “Liv is the goody-two-shoes type, so it follows that when she’s drunk, she’ll lose her inhibitions big-time.”
    “Shut up! You’re making it worse,” Jen gives Melanie the dagger eyes.
    “It’s okay,” I say just to end the argument. “I’m never going to meet that man again and, believe me, I’m never going to imbibe again.”
    After what seems like an interminable silence, Jen says, “Anyways, isn’t the Masquerade Ball coming up in a few months?”
    The Masquerade Ball is the event of the year at Gallo’s. It’s bigger than Christmas. Every September, a huge fundraiser is held for one charitable organization. Last year it was for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This year, it’s for Habitat for Humanity. The affair is usually held at a large venue in downtown L.A., and interior designers work their magic to transform the place into one of opulent splendor. Then a world-renowned chef is flown in to prepare a feast fit for royalty. The black-tie event is attended by the biggest names in business and entertainment. Each golden ticket is worth at least $20,000, and when the night is over, millions will have been raised. For the past two years I’ve manned the welcome tables, so I’ve really been only on the outside looking in.
    “Yup. Early part of September. And, no, I still can’t sneak you in,” I say with a slight smile.
    “Why not?” she whines.
    “Because the place will be crawling with undercover cops. You don’t want to spend the night in jail. And I really don’t want to lose my job.”
    “All that glamour and glitz in one room,” she says with a sigh.
    “What’s the big deal, anyway?” Melanie asks, her lips pursing in a moue of distaste. “It’s just a bunch of spoiled, entitled people. If they want to give to charity, they can just quietly send a check.”
    “And they do. Most of them send big, fat checks in addition to the cost of the ticket. I should know. Our department obviously tallies all the donations. But the rich attend because they use their fame to encourage more people to donate.”
    “I guess. So the question now is how to land one of those rich, good-looking tycoons. Hmmm…” Melanie says this in a serious tone.
    “You’re something else, Mel.”
    “Something else good or bad?”
    “Let’s just say you keep things interesting,” I say and she lets out a hearty laugh.
    “But, Jen, why are you asking about the ball, other than your need to mingle with the high and mighty, that is?”
    “Actually, I just wanted to know if you’ve already shopped for a gown. Cause I’ll tag along, if you haven’t.”
    “No need. I’ll wear my black gown from last year.” She gives me an exaggerated look of alarm.
    “No! Please, no.”
    “What? It’s not that bad.”
    “It’s boring, ill-fitting, and does nothing for you.”
    “Ouch! You don’t pull your punches. What happened to the sweet Jen I know?” I don’t mind her telling me what she really thinks… I’m just bothered that I