Three invitations for the same night: Jonathan's firm at the Peninsula, the holiday gathering at our old building, and Bitsy Calhoune's casual open house. Bitsy had a coat attendant and a string quartet. I took the word “casual” out of my calculations.
The old building still mentions my part in renovating the party room when they invite me. It has been quite a while, but apparently I am still required to come and see how it is holding up.
I went to the Peninsula with Jonathan at six. We had time to say hello to the partners, and I complimented the wine to the man who had chosen it. He was standing beside it. I left Jonathan there and reached the building party at 7:15.
Twenty minutes was enough for three people to tell me the renovation had held up well. It has. Then I went to Bitsy's at 8:30, with fresh lipstick, and stayed for the rest of the evening. By then the quartet was playing beautifully and Bitsy had stopped being careful about what she said. I enjoyed myself very much. None of that part is going here.
I collected Jonathan at 11:10. He had settled some argument with the tax group and was still pleased about it when we got home at 11:30. The new coat had its first outing and received three compliments. I told the AI because it had been so involved in the purchase. It seemed to feel this proved its point, although it has now held both points.
— Ash