"Hey young lady, why exactly are you late? You were supposed to be here sooner."

"I'm sorry, Sade. I got caught up late last night chatting with Philian."

"Wait! What do you mean? I thought you broke up with him like two years ago, or is there something you're not telling me?"

There was a momentary awkward silence.

"Listen, it's not what you think…"  Eva tried to explain, until Sade cut in.

"It's definitely what I think it is. He's trying to win you back, don't you see? Please don't tell me you're considering taking him back, Eva. I mean, he tried to cheat on you with Mabel, thanks to Esam who caught it all on tape."

"OK, first off, I'm not considering anything. Secondly, thank you very much for taking me down memory lane, as if I didn't experience all of that firsthand, so yeah, thank you, Sade."  Eva sarcastically pointed out.

"I'm sorry, I just hate him so much."  Sade apologized.

"It's all right. You don't have to burn all the calories you've got in you over him, because I'm not taking him back. I made that clear, and he'll have to accept that I've moved on from him."

Sade's face lit up like a child who'd been offered some ice cream. She had disliked Philian long before he began dating her friend. He was the bad boy in the club, chasing girls, partying hard and getting drunk until he became offensive toward everyone around him. Regardless of his excesses, he was considered a good sport. He played for the college football team, and was adored by girls. Girls who threw themselves at him even when he began dating Eva…

"The party's at Benjamin's." 

Eva turned to her with an infuriated look,

"Care to explain to me why exactly I'm going to a party at Benjamin's?"

"I'm sorry I should've mentioned it earlier, but I didn't want you to change your mind about going."

Placing a hand on her forehead, she let out a sigh of frustration.

"Look at me, Sade, do I look like I still can't change my mind right now?

"Come on, I know you can, but why would you? He's only hitting on you, not forcing himself on you. All right, tell you what, I'll be on the lookout for you just in case he tries anything funny."  She winked while smiling.

As irritated as Eva felt at that moment, she knew her crazy friend always had the right things to say.

"You had better, or else you'll regret this."

"Sure."

They both laughed. They knew they were silly, and they both loved that about each other. 

"Now, let's unpack, tidy up, and get ready for tonight's party!"  Sade said with excitement.

***

Later that evening…

"Hey Eva, it's mom here."

"I recognize your voice, mom, don't be dramatic now."  She giggled.

"Honey, have you settled in yet? We miss you."

"Yes Mom, everything's fine over here. Is Dad with you?"

"No, dear. Your father travelled to Amsterdam to grace an event. It's a matter of urgency, and he was called in right after you left, I'm sorry. I'm sure he'll call you once he's settled."

"All right, mom. What about Mack?"

" Your brother's doing ok as well. He's out with Benè."

"Ok mom. Uhm, I have to get off the phone now, but I promise I'll call you tomorrow. Love you!"

"Love you too, honey."

It was time for her to get dressed for the party. Although Sade wasn't in the room, Eva knew better not to get caught unprepared.

She glanced across the room, searching for the dress she asked Sade to bring.

There it was- hanging beautifully on a hanger by the wardrobe. It was a stunning silky black dress, with thin spaghetti straps and an open back down to the waistline. Without hesitation, she slipped it on, with matching strappy heels. Brushing her hair, she adorned it with a floral hairpin. Putting on very minimal powder, eyeshadow and lipstick, Eva was all set for the party.

Sade joins in almost instantly…

"Oh my goodness, Eva! You look stunning."

Eva stood there blushing, while taking in all the compliments. Her bestie sure knew how to give all the compliments in the world.

Meanwhile, Sade wore a collared crop tank top on a high waisted blue plaid pleated skirt, matching the outfit with a fancy pair of black thigh high boots.

"Your outfit is a killer outfit, Sade. Perhaps I should reconsider my choices?"  Eva teased.

"Oh come off it. Yours is a killer outfit too, you know. I'm jealous."  She rolled her eyes, smiling. "Ok, let's head out now before we miss out on the fun parts."

***

Arriving at the party, Eva could make out a couple of appearances, but the one person she knew best to avoid was Philian.

Benjamin belonged to the same circle as Philian, so it wouldn't be surprising to find him there.

"All right, I'll be leaving you now, make sure you have fun."

"Yeah so much for being on the lookout. Pfft."

"I love you too."  Sade said, laughing while disappearing into the crowds room, leaving Eva all by herself.

And now I'm all by myself. 

Eva thought.

Moving toward the bar section to get a drink, she's met by the last person she wanted to see.

"Eva Diva."

"Please don't call me that."

"Sorry. Hi."

"Hi Benjamin. Didn't think I'd see you here."

"Are you kidding? I should be saying that to you. I live here."  He laughed.

Why the hell did I say that? Of course I'm the trespasser here.

She cringed.

"You're right. Hahaha. How could I forget. Well, if you don't mind, I was on my way to grab a drink, so if you'll excuse me."  She said, as she quickly moved past him.

"Mind if I come with you?"

"I'd like to go alone. Catch you later." 

She was very nervous. There was something about him that reminded her of Philian. Besides, she felt it was weird that he'd be coming in to her, considering he's friends with her ex. Maybe he didn't respect the bro code at all, or maybe he wasn't as close to Philian as she thought, so that might be the motivation. Whatever the case, she didn't care that much, all she wanted was to seclude herself until Sade was ready to go back to the hostel.

"A glass of cocktail, please."

"Sure, pretty lady."  The bartender winked at her.

They both laughed. It was Matt from Human Resources class.  Eva was surprised to see him there because that didn't appear to be his kind of scene.

"What are you doing here, Matt?"

"Benjamin gave me a good offer, and I thought why not." He laughed, "You know, I could use the money for my rent, so."

"Oh! I get it now. Sounds like fair dealing to me. Although I'm curious- where'd you learn your bartending skills from?"

"During summer, at Uncle Earl's. Remember him?"

"How could I forget. He's the best there's ever been. You know, my Dad often requests his services whenever they have one of those board meetings."

"Your dad's got very good taste then. Uncle Earl never disappoints. Here's your cocktail, pretty lady."  He said, imitating an Irish accent.

Eva laughed so hard. She'd never seen this side of Matt- witty, talkative, and funny. He sure was an interesting character when he's not 'Matt in Human Resources class'.

She knew she had to give Matt room to work, which meant they couldn't stay together having more conversations, so she left the bar section to find someplace to sit.

Across the room, she spotted a sofa occupied by one person, leaving room for another. She went to take a seat…