what about it, babes?

“It’ll be worth it.” Josslyn took a sip from her tea and looked to the clock on the wall. “I’ve gotta run, babes. I’ll call you about next week.”

“Bye, babes.”

“No I didn’t. But we’ll leave the rest of it a surprise.”

“Oh.” She hadn’t. Monica shrugged. “Well, I’ll wait.”

“I’m think VIP booth and bottle service. To start.”

“You just said it was a surprise.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” She had quite the surprise planned.

“Good. I’d never forgive you if you did.”

“As soon as you turn eighteen.”

“Bo-ring,” she declared. “I’m eighteen in weeks anyway.”

“Somewhere hot. With cocktails and hot pool boys who carry them from the bar to my cabana.” 

Monica laughed. “Make sure you take me with you.”

“Oh babes, that sounds so lovely.” Really, sweet sounded boring. And she had a small suspicion that Monica would learn that too.

“It really is.” Monica picked up a petit four and nibbled on it. “Are you going anywhere for the holidays?”

“Maybe.” Josslyn spoke like there was an air of mystery, but in reality she just didn’t particularly want to mention to her little cousin that the reason she kept Than around had nothing to do with how good he’d be to introduce to the family. “Oh? I hope he’s treating you well.”

“Of course he is.” Never mind that Brady was honestly darling, Monica wouldn’t have abided anything less. “I didn’t see it at first with him, but I’m glad I did.”

“Yes, just outside of Glasgow.” The lies came easily. “And I have Than,” like that really meant much. “How is that beau of yours?”

Monica had never been to Glasgow, and she had no desire to visit. “Oh, how — nice. Am I ever going to meet this Than?” She reached for a finger sandwich, lips curving into a proper smile. “Sweet.”

“Oh, you don’t even know. The campus is amazing, and the boys? Even better.” 

“Maybe I’ll know soon. Where did you say it was? Scotland?”

“Imagine being proud your daughter is a swot.”

“I could never,” Monica sniffed. “Anyway, let’s not talk about Claudine. How was your first year at uni?”

“Oh?” Josslyn too, lowered her voice, smiling at the thought of a scandal. “Why do we hate Claudine?”

“Because Claudine’s daughter Gwendolyn is winning awards at school for being an ugly friendless swot, and Claudine likes gloating so no one points out the ugly and friendless bit.”

Josslyn reached for one of the petit fours.·“The Waldorf is always good. Andre is nothing but excellent with his service.”

“The Waldorf will do, I suppose... If I see Mummy’s friend Claudine you’ll have to shield me.” Lowering her voice like she was about to say something absolutely unrepeatable, Monica added,·“Bitch.”

Josslyn watched the server leave with a look of distaste, and then turned her gaze back to Monica. “Why do we keep giving this place more chances?”

Monica let out a heavy sigh. “Habit, I expect. Mummy’s brought me here so many times, I haven’t the energy to look anywhere else.” She sipped at her tea. “You should choose next time.”

“Please,” Monica said to the waiter through gritted teeth, “this is the third time your hand has shaken, and the third time my dress has risked stains.” She gave her cousin a can you believe this look across the table.

“Speaking them should be groovy, I think.”

“Really?” Brady pecked her lips. “Thank you.”

Monica perched on the edge of his bed, turning businesslike. The faster they finished this, the sooner they could actually hang out. “Hand me the script, then. D’you want to just speak the lines, or actually act as well?”