“You got it?” I almost couldn’t believe it.
“Yeah, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to get it out of here. They’re careful about what you carry in and out. I had to hide the phone and we’ve been getting some weird looks.”
“You’ve been getting weird looks? At a kinky party?”
“Because we’re not, you know, engaging.”
“Oh.”
“Look, we may actually need to sneak out of here. Meet us at the back of the building in case we need help. We may have to come out a window and I’m not sure what’s back there.”
“Shit!”
“Don’t worry. Just meet us.”
“Okay. We’re on our way.”
“They may have to come out a back window. They want us to meet them at the back of the building.”
“Okay, make sure you bring the pepper spray. This isn’t exactly the Upper East Side.” We walked toward the warehouse, circled wide to avoid the bouncers in the front, and crept as quietly as we could to the rear of the building, crouching behind some boxes. I looked up and saw a window open. In the next minute Mark jumped out and Jess started through. Suddenly, I heard a voice shouting.
“Hey! What’s going on?”
I stood up and called out, “We’re over here!” Mark caught Jess as she dropped to the ground and held her hand as the two of them bolted in our direction. I heard more voices at the front of the building and it sounded like they were directing someone to come after us. We ran like hell, no easy feat in stilettos, incidentally. A group of burly bouncer-like guys swarmed around to the back of the building as we took off for the spot where we had left the car. Unfortunately when we got there, the spot was empty. Have I mentioned that this was a bad neighborhood?
“My car!” I cried.
“Are you sure this is where you parked it?”
“Yes!” I could hear voices in the distance. “What the fuck?! Why are they still looking for you?”
“Gabrielle, this is an illegal gathering and there are important people here. We just snuck out the fucking window. That may cause them some concern.”
“Well, then we have no choice.” I took out my phone.
“Who are you calling?” Cam asked.
“The police. We’re about to give them an anonymous tip.” I called it in and we set off on foot trying to get as far away as possible before the cops arrived and raided the place. We ran until we were all out of breath. Finally, we paused to rest in an alleyway.
“Okay,” Mark panted. “I say we call a cab from here.”
“Hey! Isn’t that your car?!” Jess cried. I looked up. It was the Mini Cooper about three blocks away! Somebody had just boosted it for a joyride! We ran toward it and dove in. I pulled away with my tires squealing and headed home. Fifteen minutes later the four of us, bedraggled and sweating, were staggering into the lobby of our building, when I heard a voice. Oh shit. Ricky was home early from the club.
“And I thought the garbage was good,” Adam said, sounding amazed.
“Gabrielle?!” You know, I had never actually heard Braden sound incredulous before. “Why are you dressed like that?!” He looked over at Cam. “Why are you dressed like that?!”
“Mark? Is that you?” Adam asked, cracking up. “Nice shorts, man.” It wasn’t long before he was actually doubled over with laughter. I hoped that he peed himself.
“Baby! What the fuck are you doing now?!” Braden was not laughing.
“There’s an explanation for this,” I said in a timid voice.
“Does it involve something kinky that you and Cameron were doing together?”
“No!” All four of us started trying to explain at once.
“Let’s go up to your place,” Braden said loudly over the top of the noise. This was also the first time I had heard him sound absolutely furious.
We all got on the elevator rather uncomfortably and rode in silence as a MUZAK version of Send in the Clowns played in the background. We entered my apartment to the sounds of joyful yips. At least Bruno was happy to see me. We went into the living room where everyone sat down and Bruno jumped up by Braden. He was happier to see him. I think that Bruno had clued into the fact that Daddy was the more stable parent.
“I know that you’re probably going to beat the shit out of me, Braden, and I accept that,” Mark said, sounding resigned. “But if it makes any difference, I did everything that I could under the circumstances to keep her safe.”
“He did!” I backed him up. “This wasn’t his fault. I made him do it.”
“And I want you to know that Gabrielle and I didn’t do anything together,” Cam said desperately. “I swear to God, Braden! I didn’t touch her!”