The Experiment

I get ready to go out, start drinking wine as I put on my make-up. I'm bringing my A game tonight - I take the time to put my make-up on, using all of the techniques the girl at the Mac counter taught me. I don't miss one step from the moisturizer to the lipstick. I shave my legs and apply good smelling lotion. I blow dry my hair, not like usual when I leave half of it wet, tonight I blow out every strand, and use hair product to make it shiny. I put on my sexiest dress and heels. I put on earrings and spray perfume. My nails are manicured. I clean my room so that whomever I bring back here tonight will think I'm a clean and organized person. I brush my teeth with whitening toothpaste and apply extra lip gloss. I make sure my phone is charged and I have cash for a cab if I need. I even put a bottle of water on my nightstand so I don't need to go to the kitchen once I get home, just straight to the bedroom.

I pick Becky up and we drive to the club where her friend is having a birthday party. We're on the list. This means we get to cut the line and walk right in. The line goes all the way down the block. This is Becky's favorite part of the night, being let in ahead of everyone, she smiles and walks with purpose and makes eye contact with those behind that velvet rope. She feels important. This is my least favorite part of the night. I feel embarrassed and I can't bear to look at the people we are cutting.