Parties in Congress by Colette Moody Page A

did add my phone number. If you’re feeling appreciative later, give me a call.” Flayme turned and nodded at her fans, who were milling around a table in the corner with copies of her other titles. “Sorry, ladies, but the throng awaits.” She stood, picked up her box of books, and moseyed away.
    Bijal tried to read the inscription but couldn’t without leaning into Colleen’s space. “What’s it say?”
    “‘To Spyxie. When you get tired of the sarcasm and disdain and are ready for a night you’ll never forget, call me.’ Then she put her number. Do you think she’s referring to you?”
    The humor in Colleen’s voice somehow helped Bijal feel more at ease. “Yes, but I’d just like to go on record that before you sat down, she said my sarcasm was a turn-on.”
    “I didn’t…interrupt something, did I?”
    “Just an unwelcome sexual advance. You’re a fan of hers?”
    Colleen began flipping through the book. “No, I’d never heard of her before.”
    “So you just happened to know all about the happy red handprint of love, or whatever it was? Who do you think you’re fooling?” She took a large swig of her drink.
    “It’s on the poster on the front door. I saw it when I got here,” Colleen said discreetly. “And, come on, that’s a pretty unusual title.”
    Bijal grinned. “Please tell me that Spyxie Sugarbottom is your chat-room name.”
    “If only. But it sounded like she was looking for a provocative one.”
    “More like a pornographic one. I hope you won’t be upset if that’s the name of the protagonist in her next book, Up to Her Elbow: Reaching for Love .”
    Colleen’s mouth curved in amusement. “Is that the sequel to I’ve Had You Up to Here ?”
    “Maybe so.”
    “No worries. Perhaps I gave her something she could use.”
    “So it was just political subterfuge?”
    “It’s really more an attention to detail, though I prefer the term ‘sorcery.’ It sounds more mysterious.” Suddenly, Colleen stumbled across a passage that changed her expression to one of horror. “Oh, my God !”
    “Wait till you get to the part with the bowling pin.”
    Colleen closed the book and pushed it away from her. “Leave it to a lesbian to figure out a way to mix sex with bowling.”
    Sue reappeared from the kitchen with a basket of fries and set it in front of Bijal. “Here you go, honey. Hey, Col. You want your usual?”
    “Please. Ah, I see you’re reclaiming your femaleness by ordering from Sue’s post-pejorative menu.”
    Bijal blew on a fry to cool it. “Do I ask for ketchup or menstrual relish?”
    Sue chuckled. “I’ll bring you a bottle of Heinz and a maxi pad. Do you two know each other?”
    “We do, yes. Sue, this is Bijal Rao. She’s in the business.”
    Bijal was impressed that Colleen remembered her full name, then dismissed it as more sorcery.
    “Aw, that’s a shame,” Sue said, setting a glass of something amber-colored in front of Colleen. “You seemed like a nice kid.”
    “I used to be,” Bijal replied dejectedly as she ran her finger along the rim of her martini glass.
    Sue leaned on the bar. “Have you had to sell your soul, sweetie?”
    “Not such a good day, huh?” Colleen asked.
    Bijal scoffed. “Noticed that, did you?”
    “Maybe,” Colleen said, reaching into a paper bag beside her and retrieving two liquor bottles. “But perhaps this will help.”
    Sue looked ecstatic. “You brought them!”
    “Of course I did,” Colleen said. “I keep my campaign promises.”
    Bijal looked at the labels curiously. “What are they?”
    “Last week, I was telling Sue that the whiskeys she stocks are complete crap,” Colleen explained.
    “Even though I carry Arc of Orion,” Sue said defensively.
    Colleen shook her head. “But your well drinks all taste like paint thinner. Orion is your only top-shelf brand, which isn’t much in the way of variety.”
    “You’re insufferable, Colleen—and you always have been.”
    Bijal considered Sue’s words. It