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It just wasn't sitting right.

As she stood in front of the full-length mirror that looked like it had been shattering womens' dreams since the turn of the previous century, Tara O'Leary could easily be another name added to its long list of victims. She shifted uncomfortably in front of the mirror, the little emerald green kitten heels nipping at her toes as she did so. The shoes were not made for fast movement, that's for sure. But it wasn't that.

It wasn't the dress. Not that it was something that Tara herself would have ever selected for her wardrobe. Even in her glory days, she preferred muted greens, natural colors that blended in with the leather she cloaked over herself. This dress? This [url=https://www.newyorkdress.com/collections/alyce-paris/products/alyce-3871]shimmering cocktail dress[/url] would only be considered a natural color if someone drowned an emerald in the Dead Sea and shined a thousand suns at it. It didn't even have any sleeves. Or straps for that matter. Tara hiked it up higher, trying feel a little bit better about that lack of security that was offered. Of course, she couldn't be surprised. Given the outfit that Tessa was going to be wearing to this shindig, Tara should probably be grateful for the coverage this dress did offer. And she was appreciative of the help Tessa did offer in selecting it, since Tara's choice probably would have been sweatpants and a tank top and spending the evening with the Dropkick Murphys and her punching bag. But no, it wasn't that.

It wasn't the lack of sleep. Tara's nap did a great job recharging the batteries after the long drive. She ended up sleeping for a solid four hours. Nor was it the supper she ended up having. The choices on offer at the actual hotel where... not adjusted to palettes such as hers. Not with all the truffle oil and caprese and... lobster pizza. That screamed bad choice for someone who was likely going to be going after the open bar like a Fijian fly half after a loose ball. That is to say, with reckless abandon. Instead, Tara chose to order from the Cuban cafe down the street. She caught Ana right at the end of closing, but it was worth it to get a palomilla platter delivered to her door. A much more fortifying meal for the night ahead. So no, it wasn't either of those.

No, the mirror couldn't take credit for anything. Tara looked like she cleaned up well. Years of hanging out with Tessa had taught her enough about makeup to get by and the purple eyeshadow was really bringing out the green in her eyes. Her tangled mop of hair was tamed enough to be kept in check for the night. She did everything right in that regard.

So why was she so unsettled?

[color=217633]"Ugh...it's OK,"[/color] Tara told herself with a shakiness to her voice that was never present in Palm Beach. [color=217633]"You're going to be fine. You don't even have to talk to people. Just post up at the bar, let Rudy take care of things. Then, maybe we talk. That sounds like a solid game plan."[/color] Avoiding confrontation was never her style, but she just didn't want to do it tonight. Maybe not ever. Just get to the mojitos. That was the end goal. Looking over at the digital clock on the bedside that blared 7:58pm, Tara breathed a heavy sigh, grabbed her wallet and headed to the door.

It was a long walk, it felt longer than it did in the afternoon. Maybe the heels weren't helping in that regard, but it was still felt like a trip to the gallows. Only it wasn't Tara's execution, it was the legend of T.K.O that was on the docket. [i][color=217633]There's still time. I can escape down the street. Pretty sure Tessa can't catch me...[/color][/i] Tara looked around, as if an exit would reveal itself. However, the only visible escape was going to be through the depths of the Atlantic. And there were sharks out there. [i][color=217633]Nope. This isn't swim gear, that's for sure.[/color][/i] Instead, Tara metaphorically held her nose and re-entered the bar she had been so rudely escorted from earlier in the day.

Thankfully, it appeared most of the class of '09 remained as punctual as they ever were. The party was far from full swing. Only a few people had shown up, and the hostess with the mostess was not one of them. More importantly, spots at the bar were still available. Quickly confirming that no one was making a beeline for her position, Tara made her move. She locked eyes with Rudy, still on duty like the solid foot soldier he was, and held up a finger. Rudy nodded and quickly began the process of creating the first of what would be another solid army of mojitos heading Tara's way. As the woman slid on top of a stool, she almost didn't realize she wasn't the first person to the bar tonight. It was just really surprising when she looked over to see exactly who she had ended up joining in avoiding all contact.

[i][color=217633]...Willow? Is that really Willow? Fuck, I literally haven't seen her since the wedding! Shit! I, um, shit...[/color][/i] All of a sudden, Tara wasn't sure that the bar was the place to be for her tonight. She tried to subtly look over again. Willow looked like she had the same strategy that she was employing. Stay at the bar, back to the floor and avoid all contact. At least that was the look on her face. A look that was on Tara's own face not a few minutes ago.

[i][color=217633]OK, OK, it's fine. Maybe, she won't recognize me. I mean, how long has it been? Four years? I don't even remember. She's probably been too busy with being married and all that stuff to remember me. Definitely not looking the part of Rocky anymore. Maybe I can just fake this.

No! C'mon, this is Willow! If nothing else she can help me get through this night! I mean, Tessa is gonna be so freaking busy. Everyone is going to be asking for her and wanting to talk to her. Willow... she was so good. She was a ray of light. She could keep things going in the darkest times.

Maybe she can keep me afloat. Just for long enough...[/color][/i]

As Rudy plunked the lime green drink that looked to match the dress to the near-exact hue, Tara quickly took a long sip to build up the nerves that had long since abandoned her. Looking over one more time to make sure her high-school friend's attention hadn't been grabbed by something else, she finally spoke. [color=217633]"So...fancy meeting you in a place like this, huh?"[/color] Tara remarked, nowhere near as emphatically as she used to. [color=217633]"Don't think we're going to be running laps this time, eh Willow?"[/color]
 
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