I took a deep breath, counting backwards, forcing myself to push aside the thought of money for this one weekend to focus on my dear cousin Rosalee. We had practically grown up together, sharing so many moments and memories. It was hard to believe she was getting married.

Closing my eyes, I could see us there, fourteen and fabulous, wrapping our bodies in sheets and fashioning tiaras out of weeds from my mother’s garden. We held fake wedding ceremonies and chanted whimsical vows, playacting adulthood.

Oh, if only adulthood were as fun and easy and magical as we made it seem back then…

The hodgepodge heartbeat of the city grew softer as the buildings and townhouses faded away. Around a sharp bend and over a small hill, I saw the mansion. It was set back from the road, a massive bleeding heart at the end of a crooked lane. Even from here, I could see the statues and decorations we had ordered for the party on display in the carriageway. The décor that I paid for, not Mara.

The driver flipped his signal and turned down the long driveway.

“So, what are y’all’s plans for the weekend? Going to get wild?” the driver asked, his eyes watchful and animalistic in the rearview mirror.

“No… I don’t know. I’m sure we’ll visit some local nightspots and get a feel of the city,” I said, tearing my eyes away from his and looking eagerly toward the mansion they were approaching.

“Well, why don’t you and your friends call my number if you need a ride? Or if you’re looking to party, me and some of my boys can come by. A big mansion like that, you got plenty of room for a big party,” the driver said.

“If you don’t mind,” I said, placing my hand on the handle, “I think I’ll get out and walk from here. If it’s okay with you…”

“You sure? I don’t mind carrying your bag inside, especially considering the generous tip…”

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’d like to take the walk and carry my own bags,” I insisted, eager to escape from him. “Thank you so much for bringing me though.” I’d left a tip for him on the Uber app, but I handed him an extra twenty and forced a smile.

“Don’t forget what I said. I can show you ladies a good time,” he said, glancing at the mansion as though he might try to come inside right now.

“Okay. Sure.” I took the business card he was offering and hopped out.

“Thanks again… Henry,” I said, glancing at the card, then slammed my door shut with a thud.

After collecting my bag, I watched Henry pull away. I definitely won’t be calling him for a ride again, I thought, with a small shudder.