The party is over. The neatly dressed waiters and busboys are busy clearing the empty tables. They stack the cups and saucers in one bin and the dishes and silverware in another. They all work quickly and efficiently, moving from table to table like a well-oiled machine. They are the consummate professionals, as is expected.

The lights have dimmed and the once booming, boisterous hall at the exquisite Chateau Marmont is mostly quiet as another group works diligently and with equal speed. The band finishes packing their equipment. They were a huge success, playing favorites from Frank Sinatra to the Rolling Stones to Beyonce. Even the colorful front man with his cheesy one-liners had the crowd rolling their eyes in amusement as well as singing out loud. It was a fabulous celebration; dinner, dancing and a lot of laughing. Everyone who was invited attended. It was the most anticipated night in the City of Angels.

The last of the guests are sitting around a large table. They are the best of friends. A tight circle of beautiful and accomplished women who met in college and have been in each other’s lives through thick and thin. They are dressed to the hilt; a perfect picture of glamour and high fashion. A near empty bottle of champagne serves as a centerpiece.

“Thirty fucking years old, Peabody! Happy Birthday!” Alice Pieszecki, a thin perky blonde raises her glass in salute. The others just smile, too tired to continue the celebration.

“Thanks, Al, and before everyone leaves, I have an announcement.” Helena Peabody, a striking British brunette with equally striking eyes and the guest of honor, taps her knife against her champagne flute to get everyone’s attention. Her smile widens but it hints at mischief. She looks around the table at her devoted companions with love and excitement.

Dana Fairbanks lifts her head from her folded arms. Her eyes still droopy but she manages to sit up straight. Her shoes are on the floor next to her. Not used to walking, let alone dancing, in high heels, her feet are aching and currently soaking in an ice bucket hiding underneath the table. One strap of her sundress falls haphazardly but in her stupor, she makes no effort to fix it.