The Universe is a fickle place (being? entity?). Sometimes the Universe gives you what you desperately want. Sometimes the Universe gives you what you most desperately need. It can be a blessing from the heart. It can be an eternal curse. It can be permanent. It can last a moment. It could be real, whatever that means to something like the Universe. It could all be in your mind, unseen by all but you. How and why the Universe does what it does, how and why it chooses to put people and events in our path, can be impossible to fathom. Today Amanda will have to decide for herself, if she can, what any of this means.
***
It had been a long week at work. The promotion to partner after years of college, law school, and focusing on work was wonderful for Amanda's checkbook and a validation of her work ethic and intelligence. However, the increase in workload was incredible, with three new litigation matters alone this week. But in spite of all that, it was finally the end of the week and she had carved out the afternoon for herself to prepare for the gala.
After a relaxing afternoon at her favorite spa and salon where she was pampered and primped, Amanda went home and luxuriated in a long, hot, steamy shower. Standing in the glass walled shower, the steam filling her lungs and opening her pores, she exhales and simply says "Blissful". Stepping out, she wraps herself in her robe and goes to her walk-in closet.
Amanda takes out a pretty black bra and panties set, hangs up her robe and puts them on. Sitting at her dressing table, she quickly and expertly applies a smoky eye shadow and a small amount of mascara.
She takes her long dress out of the garment bag and carefully slips it over her head, admiring how the soft teal sets off the auburn highlights in her long hair. She adds tasteful high heels from Manolo to complement the gown. Amanda then opens a drawer and looks over her jewelry - some inherited, and some treats to herself. She takes out a pair of diamond earrings and a pearl necklace. Sitting in front of the vanity mirror again, she takes another look, satisfied with the overall presentation. Looking at the time, she grabs her Prada clutch, and heads out.
The Lyft ride she ordered took no time at all, and the driver was friendly and pleasant not creepy, giving her the respect and sense of privacy she needed to make a call to her sister. "Sorry you couldn't join me tonight, Mara, but this should be fun. Yes, I got all dolled up, you'd love how I look. No, it's at the City Club this year so hopefully we'll have no trashy skanks or sluts there. OK, I'm almost there, enjoy movie night at home and I'll call you in the morning to tell you all about it."
Arriving at the club, Amanda walks up the steps and goes inside. The foyer, with its polished parquet floor, is beautifully decorated with lovely flower arrangements. She pauses and looks in a mirror as she walks in, admiring the updo she spent time on with her silken auburn hair, happy with the results and how elegant it makes her look. Amanda's body is firm and toned from the time spent working out each morning, svelte with toned muscles, her small, pert breasts giving just the right bit of curve to match her hips and make her look and feel elegant.