Cinderella-2
1074 Words
THE NEXT FEW HOURS at The Bean were busier, but only slightly. The black berets stayed at The Bean for over two hours, but only ordered a cup of black coffee each as they discussed the genius of Whitman at length. “I was going to punch them if they said the phrase ‘celebration of humanity’ one more time,” Alabama muttered after they left. Then a greasy-haired twentysomething in skinny jeans came into the shop but walked out as soon as Mr. Chang told him The Bean didn’t sell carrot-cinos. “Why would you put coffee in a carrot?” Mr. Chang exclaimed. “I don’t understand this generation at all!”
An hour before Hilarie’s shift ended, Alabama sat down at one of The Bean’s tables (which were all empty), giving a dramatic sigh. “I don’t understand why you don’t get more customers,” she said. “Your coffee’s not that bad.”
“Thanks for the glowing praise,” Mr. Chang said flatly. He glared at the business across the street. “That damn Starbucks! So what if their coffee is cheaper? At least my stuff is fair trade and organic!”
“Yeah!” Hilarie pumped her fist. “Ethical products!”
“Hil!”
Hilarie looked up from wiping a table. “Jess, what are you doing here?” she asked, gaping at the gorgeous silver silk dress her best friend was wearing. “And in that outfit?”
“Why, Cinderella, I came to see if you were up for going to a masquerade ball tonight.”
“Tell me you’re not talking about the ball thrown by the new kid.”
“I could, but I would be lying.”
“No thanks.”
“But I hear the ball’s going to be freaking amazing!”
“Then go by yourself.”
“No!” Jessica exclaimed, clutching Hilarie’s arm. “I need you to come with me! You’re the only person from Edith Wharton I even remotely like!”
“Why would you go to a party full of people you hate?”
“Unlimited amounts of free alcohol.”
“You’re rich,” Hilarie said. “You can buy your own drinks.”
“Not true! My dad’s become paranoid ever since he found those bottles of gin in my bedroom!”
“Good. Gin ruins your health.”
“Please come with me.”
“No, I don’t want to. Besides, my shift doesn’t end until—”
Jessica held a hand up. “Hey, Tony!”
He lifted an eyebrow at Jessica. “Hello, Jess.”
“Mind if I take Hilarie off your hands?”
“Go ahead. I don’t anticipate a last-minute rush of customers.” He let out a breath. “Thank God I was a frugal investment banker for fifteen years before going into the coffee shop business. If I didn’t save up all that money, I would’ve surrendered to Starbucks already.”
“As opposed to surrendering to Starbucks six months from now,” Alabama said.
“Hey, if The Bean goes, your job goes too, you know,” Mr. Chang said.
“Mr. Chang, I don’t need to leave—” Hilarie said.
He waved his hand. “Go. Have fun. You’re only young once.”
“But—”
“Bye, Mr. Chang and Alabama!” Jessica interrupted, taking Hilarie’s hand and running out the door before Hilarie could utter another syllable.
“Enjoy your night, dears!” Alabama called after them cheerfully.
The minute Hilarie and Jessica stepped into the cool September air, Hilarie yanked her hand out of Jessica’s grasp and said, “What the hell? You know this party is going to suck for me. Have you forgotten that everyone at school looks down on me like I’m some gonorrhea-infected cockroach?”
“Don’t be so negative,” Jessica chided.
“Easy for you to say.”
“Come on, we’re going to have fun.”
“Maybe you will, but I certainly won’t. God, I don’t even have a stupid mask.”
“No problem. The new kid will provide every guest with one.”
“How do you know that?”
“f*******:, duh. Why are you never on social media?”
“Because I’d rather read a book than someone’s status about getting s**t-faced at a party.”
“Let’s get in the car.”
The “car” turned out to be Jessica’s long, black limousine. Hilarie whistled at the sight of it. She’d always heard Jessica talk about it, but she’d never actually seen it—and certainly never taken a ride in it.
“This thing better run on water or some other renewable resource that doesn’t cause air pollution,” Hilarie said.
“Sorry, this baby consumes Earth-killing fossil fuels.”
“You’re an awful human being.”
“I know,” Jessica said, shoving Hilarie into the limo.
“You owe me for going to this party.”
“Fine. I’ll buy you two burritos from Chipotle.”
“Three. With guacamole.”
“Deal.” Jessica reached under her seat and pulled out a shopping bag. “Hey, I have something for you.”
“What?”
“This,” Jessica answered, revealing a beautiful dress.
Hilarie had to repress a gasp; the dress was that gorgeous. It was made out of yellow silk, had straps as thin as wisps of smoke, and had a train that cascaded down like a golden waterfall.
“It’s a Valentino,” Jessica bragged.
“Why are you giving me this?”
“Because you can’t go to a masquerade ball dressed in your work clothes. Do you know how much that would embarrass me?”
Hilarie rolled her eyes. “You would practically die of shame.”
“Exactly. Now put the dress on.” Jessica snapped her fingers toward the front of the limo. “Start driving, Jeff. And you better keep your eyes on the road and not on my friend as she changes.”
Jeff, a thirty-something man, sighed as he placed his key in the ignition. “You know I wouldn’t peek at a lady while she’s changing, Miss Tian,” he said, narrowing his violet eyes at Jessica's reflection in the rear-view mirror. “I’m a gentleman.”
“Yeah, right, perv. And again, keep your eyes on the road!” Jessica said. “And God, could you drive faster? A little old grandma would beat you in a race.”
Jeff ran a hand through his black hair, letting out an exasperated breath. “You’re such a spoiled brat. Why do I work for you?”
The corners of Jessica’s mouth turned up as she playfully swatted her chauffeur’s shoulder. “Because you hold a special affection for me. And my parents pay you a handsome salary.”
“Both true.” He tipped his hat toward Hilarie. “Nice to meet you, Miss Hilarie.”
“Nice to meet you too, Jeff.”
“I swear on my soul that I won’t take a peek while you change. Even if I was a lustful being, I would rather poke my eyes out than be a peeping Tom.”
“I trust you.”
“You shouldn’t,” Jessica whispered.
“I heard that!” Jeff exclaimed.
“Whatever.” Jessica opened the mini-fridge next to her. “Want something to drink, Hil?”
“Do you have Coke?”
“Yep.” Jessica handed Hilarie a can. “Do you want rum with that?”
“Uh, no thanks.”
Jessica lifted a shoulder. “Suit yourself.” She opened a bottle of rum and took a large gulp. Smiling, she said, “Ah, sweet liquor.”
“Jesus, the party hasn’t even started yet.”
Jessica raised her bottle. “Here’s to a kick-a*s night!”
Hilarie clinked her can with Jessica’s bottle. “Amen to that.”
***
- Writer
