“Hey.” Angelo tapped Penny’s shoulder, and she looked up. “You’re all right. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“But what should I do?”
“What do you normally do at a party?”
“I…” Penny looked between Angelo and Billy the bartender, both equally patient as she found the words. “I guess I just…relax?”
“Let’s start with that,” said Angelo kindly. “And if in an hour or so you’d rather head home—”
“No,” said Penny quickly. “No, I’ll be…I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I just…” Penny turned to Billy. “I need a drink.”
“You got it, princess.” Billy, without even asking what she wanted, concocted a beautiful drink out of clear liquors and a splash or two of fruit mixers. As he passed Penny the cocktail, Angelo handed him his card to open a tab. Penny took a sip and was instantly met with
