Chapter 52

The three of us mingled about the party, Kat never straying too far. When my linen shirt had reached a saturation point, she suggested it was time to go. We said our goodbyes to Rita, and headed for my car.

"Where next?" I asked.

"Can you drop me off?" Kat requested.

"That wasn't really the surprise I was hoping for tonight!" I said.

"No, silly," she said, "I need to make a quick change, and then I'll come over. Be ready for me. It'll be just a couple minutes. Open something nice."

I followed my instructions. At home, I showered off quickly and paced as I waited for Kat at my apartment, sipping a favorite bottle of vintage Champagne.

Kat's knock came, and I heard giggling in the hallway. I opened the door, and my smile turned to shock, then back into a smile.

Rita stood next to Kat, who looked at me, gave me that slightly crooked smile of mischief and bit her lip. "Surprise," she said.

They came inside, and I quickly filled two more gl