“This is for you, the car is waiting for you outside, I think you’ll know which one it is.”  He walked away and Kit opened the envelope delicately, the invitation printed in purple raised letters.  She ran her fingertip over the engraving.

You are invited to a Gathering Of Friends

Don’t pack

All clothing will be provided

Bring no money

Just yourself.

            Slim Daddy, that’s who must be looking to take her to some romantic get-a-way.  She handed the cart to an employee and asked if they could put her items away, and the young man with the piercing’s said yes.  

            She made her way to the parking lot and saw a limo.  Had to be Slim, Ivan could never afford a limo.  As much as she might have wanted too, Ivan couldn’t afford to buy much, and neither could she at the moment.

            “Honey bear you better be driving this bad boy.”  The man smiled, nodding and opening the door for her, ushering her into a life she wished was really hers.

*****

            “Tina Kennard?”  A short man with no hair asked, adjusting his glasses.  His expensive suit fitting on him like a glove, a crimson suit with a dark yellow tie.  A bit loud for Tina, but he seemed to pull it off perfectly.

            “Yes?”  He extended a hand with a smile, his soft British accent floating from his lips as he spoke.  His manners perfect as his smile brightened.

            “A pleasure to meet you.  I’m Gardner Vance, I own VanGuard.”  Tina‘s hand went to her mouth, stunned.  She’d spoken to Gardner a number of times, but had yet to lay eyes on the man.

            “The pleasure is all mine, please have a seat.  Is there something I can do for you?”  Tina offered, and he sat, smiling easily in her presence.

            “Thank you.  I was in the neighborhood, and someone asked me to give this to you.”  He handed Tina the envelope and she gave him a curious look and opened the envelope with a letter opener.  Seeing the dark green lettering, it read.

You are invited to a Gathering Of Friends