“Here ya go, hope you have a great time.  I don’t want to hear about it one way or the other.”  He chuckled, handing her a crimson colored envelope.

You are invited to a Gathering Of Friends

Don’t pack

All clothing will be provided

Bring no money

Just yourself.

            The chauffeur stepped out of the car opened the door for her, she read the invitation again and wondered if Dana had suddenly gotten romantic on her and her dream was coming true.

*****

            Jenny lazily stocked the shelf in front of her, fixing the can so that the label faced forward.  She cracked her knuckles, and bent to get more cans.  It was a mundane job, but she had needed the hours and had taken the extra shifts.  She had suddenly felt the need, the compulsion to work.  She’d always made time to write, and now she had to make time to work.  It was a very dramatic change of pace.

            “Jenny?”  Her boss was suddenly at her elbow.  Making the slight woman jump.

            “Oh hi.”  She stammered and he handed her an envelope.

            “You’re schedule has been cleared for those days off, you have yourself a good time.  There is a car waiting for you outside, you can leave whenever you want.”  He grinned rather wickedly and walked away. 

            Jenny sat on the edge of the box she’d been un packing and ripped into the envelope, bringing forth a gold engraved invitation.

You are invited to a Gathering Of Friends

Don’t pack

All clothing will be provided

Bring no money

Just yourself.

            She took off the red smock and dropped it onto the box, the look of curiosity spread over her face.  She couldn’t fathom who would have sent this, or who’d have enough influence to get her time off.

            Jenny stepped into the blinding sunlight and saw a limo, and a man holding the door.  He nodded to her and she stepped into the car, not saying a word.

*****

            Ivan was taking out the garbage when a nicely dressed man tapped her on the shoulder.  She turned and looked at him.