Over here. Charli!” Janie waved at me from a far corner of the crowded bar at Chowww. It was her birthday, and she insisted we celebrate here. The place was loud, trendy, and expensive, so it was no surprise. “Hey, girl, happy birthday!” I squeezed her tight and kissed her cheek, wedging myself into the small space next to her and the bar. She leaned close, raising her voice so I could hear. “Craig is going to stop by, and Haley, Shani, and Bianca are all coming.” “Well, I get to buy you your first drink. What are you going to have?” I motioned for the bartender, a sexy brunette with her hair slicked back in a long ponytail and thick eyeliner accentuating her eyes. “Cucumber martini,” Janie yelled over the black lacquer bar, and I chimed in, “Prosecco.” When we had our drinks, I clinked the rim of mine to hers. “Cheers.” Once we’d each had a sip, I yelled over the music, “So, you ready for a great year? Last year in your twenties.” “You know it.” She twirled around in her tight spot, her eyes taking in everything around her, but I knew what she was doing.
