“Normally I’d love a margarita. But I think with all the confusion a glass of white wine would be fine.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

While Georgina waited, she observed all the young people around her. Everyone seemed so happy and carefree. I never had the chance to be like that, she thought. I never felt comfortable in these big groups. Why is it so easy for everybody else? The three months she’d been with Huck she’d been happy, but then he’d dumped her for her roommate at college. Georgina spotted a young couple. He was blond. He put his arm around his girlfriend and kissed her. The girl giggled and threw her arms around him. Georgina felt her anger building. That’s the way Huck and I once were. You’re going to be sorry, Huck, she thought. I’m going to get you. I’m going to find out where you disappeared to and you’ll be sorry.

“Where did you go?” Chip asked. “It’s like you’re a million miles away.”

Georgina turned. He was holding two margaritas. That’s what Huck would have done for her when they were happy together. “I knew you were a nice guy,” Georgina said with a laugh.

They clinked glasses. “Welcome to New York City,” he said. “You picked some night to be here.”

“I’m glad I picked this night,” she said flirtatiously. “I met you, didn’t I?”

Chip smiled broadly. “That you did. I’ve never connected with someone so fast. Wow! You were going to that comedy club by yourself?”

“Yes. I’m here on business, and no one else wanted to join me. I wanted to get out of the hotel and I love comedy clubs.”

“We could have stayed there.”

Georgina sipped her drink. “Sure. But when you said you liked jazz it just seemed like a better idea to head downtown.”

“You’re here for work?” he asked, moving closer to her.

“Yes. I buy clothes for a boutique in California. I enjoy it but now I’m ready for a change. I’d like to do something where I really help people.” She smiled up at him.

“I know what you mean. I work in finance down on Wall Street but I don’t think it’s for me. I was going into Larry’s tonight because I’m thinking of trying my hand at stand-up comedy.”

“Did you make a reservation?”

“Nah. Sometimes I just wander into a comedy club to see what the comedians are doing. I’m getting up the courage to take a class at night. I figure it’ll be fun no matter what happens. Except when my father hears about it, of course.” Mimicking his dad, Chip said, “I paid for your education and you want to do what?”

Georgina laughed. “That is so great you want to do stand-up!” As they sipped their drinks and chatted, the bar was getting louder and more crowded. Chip bought them each a second margarita. Finally, Georgina looked around and said, “Why don’t we take a walk? People are out on the streets. Maybe you’ll get some good stories for your future stand-up act. At your first performance, I want a front row seat.”