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of files with new gusto.

     
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    I dressed to kill - picking out a red minidress and sky-high nude Christian Louboutin stilettos.   I straightened my hair and carefully applied my makeup.   Putting on my sexiest lace bra and a matching thong, I shimmied into my dress and then dusted bronzer over my legs, chest, and arms.   A small black purse in hand, I stood in front of the mirror and gave myself the once-over.   Hot damn woman.   You are looking good.

     
    At five minutes before eight, Olivia pulled up outside my apartment in her old grey Ford Explorer, blaring Katy Perry.   I skittered out on my heels, navigating the overgrown path with care.   Entering Olivia's SUV was like crawling into a bubble gum bubble.   It smelled yummy and completely feminine, and said GIRL as loud as the feather boa hanging from the review mirror could scream.

     
    We sang and car-danced the 10 minutes to Cafe, and my spirits rose with every chorus.   Parking was difficult to find, and Olivia ended up squeezing into a spot three blocks from the restaurant.    

    One benefit of being with Olivia is the guarantee to never have to wait for a table.   She's made a point to get to know someone at every hot spot in town.   We requested a quiet table and were, within minutes, put at a great corner table with a view of the dance floor and bar.

     
    "So. Give me the goods," she demanded as soon as we sat down.

     
    "What goods?"

     
    "You know!   On your new job, life, everything!   I haven't seen you in over two weeks, and this weekend didn't count!   Becca was there, and that prevents any real conversation from occurring."   She giggled to soften her point, but we both knew she meant it.   Becca was wonderful, but Becca was all about Becca, 24 hours a day.

     
    "Any word from Luke?"

     
    I rolled my eyes at her reference to my ex.   "No, thank God.   He doesn't know about my internship, and I don't think anyone has told him where I live.   Has he called you any more?"

     
    She shook her head in response.   "Just that one time.   I think I made it pretty clear to him then that he wasn't going to get any information from me."

     
    I brought my martini up to signal a toast.   She followed suit.

     
    "To new beginnings."

     
    "To new beginnings." she parroted.   We clinked glasses and both took generous sips.

     
    "So, tell me about the new job."   Her eyes glimmered.   "Anything going on with you and that gorgeous hunk we saw at Amigos?

     
    "Todd?"   I grimaced and shook my head.   "No, he is too…. I don't know.   Immature.   Besides, I don't want to get involved with anyone at work - it's too complicated."   I thought of De Luca and my face flushed.   Olivia caught the tell.

     
    "What - What is it?"

     
    I told her about De Luca, Broward's warning, and today's interchange.   She started to giggle and then clamped a hand over her mouth at my glare.

     
    "It's not funny," I hissed.

     
    "Oh, come on!   It is funny!   You trotted in there thinking that he would bend over backwards to woo you.   Instead he gave you a menial task and sent you on your way!"   She smiled affectionately at me, and patted my arm.   "It's okay Jules.   Not EVERYONE is insusceptible to your charms."

     
    I shrugged and was on the verge of a witty comeback when a server materialized at our table with two martini glasses filled with blue, glowing liquid.   "Ladies, these drinks are from the table by the stage."   He deposited the drinks in front of us and disappeared before we had time to formulate a response.   I drew my blue martini close and tried to glance discreetly over my shoulder.   Three suits by the stage nodded and raised their drinks.   I gave them a quick smile and turned back to Olivia.  

     
    "What do you think?"

     
    Olivia sorta leaned to the side and spoke over the sugary rim of her new drink.

     
    "Fairly cute, they look successful, a little old."

     
    "How old?"

     
    "Umm… late 20s?