One
August
Liz
It’s hot as fuck.I come out of the subway on a hundred and sixteenth street, hoping that I’ll find some relief in the night air. August in the city is always on some other bullshit with its stifling heat. Okay, there is some relief. Like the difference from walking into a boiling hot room where the furnace is out of whack into a sauna. The temperature drops as I make it to the street, but not enough to stop the sweat that’s already coating my entire body.Everything feels thick and even sometimes when the air moves between the buildings and down the boulevard, it’s not enough. I need AC and I need it now. I reach into my bag and pull out my phone as my heels click their way to the crosswalk. Sweet sweet cellservice.
The text alert from Scott pops up on myscreen.
Thanks for fucking bailing.LOL
My buddy-in-professional lawhad this shit coming. He convinced me to go out with him and some of his prep school dormmates who are now working for a rival firm. It took us both less than one whiskey on the rocks to realize the douche factor the two brought to the table was more than we could tolerate without billing for our time. But these were Scott’s friends so I excused myself to the bathroom and slipped through the crowded bar and out the front door. He’d dealt with them alone for years—what was a few morehours?
I smile as Ireply.
I should be demanding an apology fromyou.
Where’d you pick up thosewinners?
Ihit the send arrow,then I switch over to my group text with my sister and three best friends. We actually have important things todiscuss.
Who’sawake?
Brookie:I’m not. Stopmessaging.
Some of us are trying tosleep.
No!aaa:I’m at Stoney’s but he’s working. What’sup?
Don’t make me come up there,BROOKLYN.
Brookie:Try me,ho!
Rayna:I’m hiding from apatient.
What’sup?
Iglanceup as I hear a horn blare down the block, then back down at my phone. It’s almost ten and the night is just getting started. My neighborhood is alive. Kids still on the corner. Teens talking. Older kids making jokes and making plans. I smile at three boys clowning their friend about his phone. They all nod and smile back. I absently hope they stay out of trouble. I consider stopping at my bodega for a can of mango iced tea, but there’s rosé chilling in my fridge. That’s what I want. Frosty booze and the new season of Great French BakingCompetition.
Brookie:LOL you’re the worst nurseever.
That’s yourgrandma!
Rayna:And she fucking bit me while I was getting her into thebath.
I deserve a break. Don’t you have trial in themorning?
Go tobed!
Brookie:I’m trying, but my needy sisteris
blowing up ourphones.
I’ll needy you. It’s notimportant.
Get your sleep. I’ll come overtomorrow.
AND WHOOP THATASS.