was cute at first. A sign

decided to throw a surpri

sycophantic backup dancers, vapid socialites, and a few a

e laughter and the cloying

grand entrance, hol

rmative sweetness for the crowd. "I know things have be

ide was a pristine, sunb

nce told her, in a moment of whiskey-fu

for you," she announced, making sure every

fusion and a dangerous flicker of hope.

ooth and cool beneath my trembling fingers. The

er, will yo

e on. I was overwhelmed, the Gibson feeling heavy i

y something-anything-Jenny' s p

d. She glanced at

e a nervous whisper. "

s on Tiffany' s live! You' re getting engaged without my blessing? You' re a star, Jenny! Do y

rismatic pop star vanished, replaced by

son J-200 out of my hands. "I' m so sorry, Cal

eyes cold and distan

ends began to pack up, their whispers

uck, E

ot getting that

he gu

nd empty-handed, the ghost