BLAZING

in the parking garage. Offering one bottle of the dry white as a tip, she

instructed him to deliver the rest to the posh apartment on 65th street.

That commitment satisfied, Denise could now bail on the party

without guilt if she chose. The maneuver bought her some measure of calm,

knowing she had an out. She took her time on the evening commute and,

once home, unwound with a glass of merlot and a single bong hit. The

combination provided the perfect mood adjustment. Both mellow and self-

confident, she shed her work attire and dove into her closet.

"Come as I am, eh? We'll just see about that." She pulled a short

denim skirt from its hanger, followed by a soft, white blouse. While it was

tempting to throw on sweats and a T-shirt, Denise compromised with a

more presentable form of comfort and hoped that the other guests would be