moonfrogflying

"Traffic's wild tonight," the driver offered, making brief eye contact in the rearview mirror. She gave him a thin smile but didn't respond. She caught her reflection in the Plexi partition and wondered if he noticed her eyes. Wondered if this disguise would survive the evening. She reapplied lipstick and steadied her nerve. She could hold it together a little while longer. On arrival, the driver was paid without a word, a cash transaction and an unremarkable tip. She wondered if he'd even remember her in the sea of faces and fares on just another California evening. The security seemed laid back and lax, but there were familiar bulges under loose-fitting jackets that spoke of imminent violence should the need arise. The gentleman receiver scanned her invitation and checked against the guest list. "Weather's mild tonight," he spoke without looking up, "you're all set. Welcome, I hope you have a pleasant evening." She smiled a practiced cocktail smile and drifted past him without