“And I was showing Anna how I danced at my first school dance in fifth grade. I asked the prettiest girl in class, not realizing she was a full head taller than me,” Vronsky said, coming to Anna’s rescue. “Her name was Sally W.” Anna stared at Lolly, wondering if she believed Vronsky’s story, a little unsettled at how seamlessly he could spin a lie and come up with an excuse.

“OMG,” Lolly responded sympathetically. “I was the tallest girl in fifth, too! Of course, then, I had no idea I’d stop growing the next year.” Lolly entered the room, smiling. “Your room is so cool, Anna! And, you look incredible. Charlize would be jealous if she saw you. I’m thinking a smoky eye and a pale lip would be the perfect touch.”

Anna finally found her words. “No, you look gorgeous, Lolly. That pantsuit is to die for. You know my mom has an original Bob Mackie buried somewhere in her closet? I’ll have to show it to you.”

“Well, ladies, I’m off,” Vronsky said. “It’s my turn to go get dolled up. Anna, I leave you in good hands.” He waved and made his getaway right as Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” started to play. “I’ve got to get away from the pain you drive right into the heart of me. The love we share seems to go nowhere…”

XXIII

Dustin scrolled through Lolly’s Instagram and looked at her most recent posts. He could now see for himself the many debaucheries he would miss by bailing on the party. He could probably still go if he wanted, but it would involve a lot of transportation logistics that he wasn’t up to dealing with. Today had drained him, and where a party might help some people feel better, Dustin was positive it would only further deplete him. Plus, he was feeling cranky, which wasn’t the best vibe to bring into a party. The only thing that really wowed him in Lolly’s pictures was the motorcycle from Easy Rider parked in the corner of their sixties-inspired bedroom. Dustin had seen the movie for the first time at Film Forum with Nicholas. And the second time by himself during Nicholas’s second stint at rehab.