Evan stood in the foyer of Veronica’s apartment listening to the two friends arguing in the back room. Their words were muffled but loud as a stray word made it’s clear way to Evan’s ears.

“Stop!”

Evan smiled at the impatient sound of Serena’s voice becoming more and more irritated at what she guessed was Veronica fussing over her outfit.

“Touch me again….” she heard Serena warn.

Evan laughed.

A few minutes later, Serena emerged from behind Veronica. A vision in brown gaberdine pants and a red low v- cut sweater. She approached Evan with the click of her brown heels against the wood floor.

“Hi,” Serena smiled kissing Evan on the cheek.

Her subtle mocha perfume momentarily paralyzed Evan.

“Hello,” Evan finally replied shyly looking down.

“So, you two better get going if you’re to make that reservation,” Veronica smiled.

“Reservation? Where are we going?”Evan asked.

“It’s a surprise,” Serena answered grabbing her brown leather jacket.

“Is it some place fancy? Am I dressed right?,” Evan asked pulling at the plain baby blue long sleeved stretch t-shirt, ” I should have put on my black skirt. I knew I should have dressed up.”

Taking Evan’s hand, Serena leaned in close and said, “You look wonderful.”

Those three words cured Evan of her nervousness.

“C’mon,” Serena pulled Evan’s hand.

“I won’t wait up,” Veronica called after them.

*****

Serena held open the cab door and extended her hand to Evan. The young girl slid her hand into the other woman’s and held on firmly. Serena simpered at this. She guided Evan passed the long line of waiting patrons and smirked at the hostess.

“Hello Walter.”

“As I live and breathe, Serena Sutherland graces us mere mortals with her presence,” he laughed.

“Well, I do find time in my busy schedule to visit the ones who feed me regularly,” Serena smiled hugging the man.

“And who is this beauty?” he asked.

Walter noticed that Serena hadn’t dropped the girl’s hand for their hug.

“Evan, this is Walter Kerry. My first roommate who kept me alive my first year of law school. And Walter, don’t embarrass me, this…” pausing to gaze at her date, ” is Evan Porter-Kennard.”

“That’s a mouth full of name,” he laughed.