I frowned. "Why not then?"
"It's the only way to make sure that everyone meets everyone," she responded. "I'm not sure how Venus worked it out, but it means that she doesn't have to split anyone into two groups for arbitrary reasons."
"Ah, that makes sense. There are a lot of people here," I said as I looked around the room.
"It's a popular event," Menhit said.
I watched as a couple of people I didn't know parted ways, revealing those behind them. My heart fluttered as I took in the familiar proud form of the god standing there. Ptah looked exactly like he did in my memories, tall with a closely shaved head and clothes that barely concealed his strong form.
He turned and noticed me staring at him, lifting his glass in acknowledgement.
A small strangled sound escaped me.
"An ex?" Menhit asked, pulling my attention back to the present.
"More like the ex."
"Ah, so the one you never properly got over?"
A blush rose to my cheeks. "I did."
"You're not acting like it. What happened between you?" There was no mistaking the curiosity in her voice, and I could understand that. We'd shared a lot in the time we'd known each other, and even a few centuries apart didn't erase that kind of friendship.
I sighed. "We were too busy for one another. We both had duties to attend to, and in the end, we didn't spend enough time together and ended it."
"That's sad."
I shrugged. "That's what it used to be like."
"Oh, I remember. The humans were always wanting us to do one thing or another for them without any consideration of us having lives of our own," Menhit said.
"And yet I kind of miss it."
"Then you clearly need more to do. How are you keeping yourself busy?"
"I run a cat sanctuary. What about you?"
"I make custom knives. It's like a private joke with myself when someone says I'm so young to have mastered the craft."
I chuckled. "That is fun." I drank the rest of my wine and then gestured to her empty glass. "Can I get you another drink, or am I keeping you from being somewhere?"
"I'd love another one," she responded. "And no, I'm here on my own. I'm actually glad to run into someone I know, even if it has been a long time since we've talked."
"I'm sorry about that, it's completely on me." I signalled for the bartender. "I've been avoiding the god realm more than I should."
She raised an eyebrow. "And everywhere else gods frequent."
I chuckled uncomfortably. "And those places too."
"Can I ask why?"
The bartender approached with a welcoming smile on his face. "What can I get you, ladies?"
"A red wine, and..." I turned to Menhit, realising that I hadn't asked her.
"A rum and coke, please."
"Coming right up." He disappeared down the bar to get our drinks ready.