The house belonged to her friend, Grace. Not a friend really, more an acquaintance. Grace had insisted that Carla come to one of her infamous parties. The house, or at least the part she had seen so far had two story ceilings and made completely of glass. She knew that was an exaggeration but as she stood there looking at a high, wall to wall window, she wasn't so sure.
"Champagne?" Carla looked around. A young girl in a black and white French maid's costume was holding a tray of wine flutes.
Carla took one. "Thank you."
"Your first time here?" The girl was very tall and slender. The perfect person to wear such an outfit. She had striking good looks as well.
"Yes." Carla said.
Carla started to turn away.
"They're not free." The girl whispered.
"Excuse me?" Carla said.
"The drinks." She repeated. "Not free."
Carla had a questioning look. The girl moved closer. "A kiss." She said.
Carla smiled. "Very funny."
"I'm not joking." The girl said.
Just then, Grace appeared to rescue Carla. "Is this girl bothering you sweetie?" Grace ran her arm around Carla.
Carla smiled. "This one is trying to extort a kiss from me." Carla said. "And for a drink, no less."
Grace looked at the girl admiringly. "Well, too bad." Grace said. "I'm sorry I quit drinking."
She winked at Carla. "Dear, I'll be right back but right now there is a congresswoman over there who deserves a scolding after her vote on the abortion bill."
Grace disappeared in the crowd. The French maid was still standing there. Carla looked at her. "Fuck it." She said. She put a hand on the back of the girl's head and their lips touched. The kiss quickly felt like more than an obligation.
When they parted. The girl winked at Carla. "I only collect from the cute ones."
"Carla grinned. "So ugly girls drink for free?"
The girl shrugged. "Only fair, right?"
Carla started to move away into the crowd. "Look me up later, I owe you some change."