Free Sour Grapes by G. A. McKevett Page B

and demanded the meeting, she hadn’t really expected the other party to agree. But, to her shock and delight, the person had, and she was on her way to a meeting that would change her boring, mundane life forever.
    Once downstairs, she stuck her head around the corner and glanced around the gallery. The only activity she saw was the bustling of waiters and waitresses, who seemed preoccupied with their own activities.
    Head held high, her purse tucked under her arm, Barbie walked briskly through the gallery and out the front door, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible— for a young woman whose life was about to change dramatically.
    Outside, the cool, damp night air was filled with the fragrance of fruit on the vine... and the evening was full of delicious possibilities.
    Wouldn’t everyone be surprised?
    Sometimes Barbie felt that those around her hadn’t given her the proper respect she was due. A lot of people claimed to be special, but she really was. Though sometimes that gift was less of a blessing and more of a burden.
    It wasn’t easy, being the prettiest and brightest person in a room at any given time and not being recognized as such. But those days were over. After tonight, everyone would see her in a whole new light. She would receive the special attention she had always craved.
    She glanced around, trying to get her bearings, but—although gifted in all the really important ways— she had never developed a sense of direction, and everything looked different than it had earlier in the daylight.
    This far out in the country, the night was darker than in town, and only a few round-globed, antique street-lamps illuminated the grounds.
    To her right was the small building that housed the Villa Rosa gift shop, straight ahead lay the road that led to the main gates and the highway, and to her left was the parking lot.
    She headed in that direction, as she had been instructed on the phone. She had been told to go to the far side of the parking lot, where she would be met by her visitor near the swimming-pool area.
    Her heart began to pound even harder, and she shivered with anticipation. She had won! Of course, she had always known she would, but now that victory was Within reach, it was far sweeter than she had even imagined.
    A cold, wet breeze swept over her, chilling her back, which was bare, her dress being particularly low-cut. She had just left the terrarcotta-tiled walkway and stepped onto the parking-lot asphalt, when the cell phone inside her purse buzzed against her ribs.
    “Not now!” she said as she fumbled inside her purse and brought out the phone. Aggravated though she was, she was afraid not to answer it. Her party might be calling to inform her of a change of plans.
    “Yeah? Who is it?” She paused beside an old, bright red Mustang and tapped her foot impatiently.
    “Your mother,” said a voice just as impatiently. “Where are you? Your father and I are sitting here at this banquet table, waiting for you to show up. I sent your sister to find you twenty minutes ago.”
    “Great... that’s just what I need... the Squirt on my tail.”
    “And your friend, Francie, is here. She said you were on your way down from her room half an hour ago.”
    “I’m not coming.”
    “What do you mean you aren’t coming? If your family shows up at these functions to show their support for you, the least you could do is make an appearance.” Barbie sighed and rolled her eyes. Once again... no respect.
    “I don’t feel good, Mom, and I sure don’t feel like eating the garbage that they’re serving. I’m just going to stay here in my room.”
    “What’s the matter? Are you throwing up again? I’ll bring you something to settle your stomach.”
    “No! I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to see anybody. Just leave me alone. If you guys are bored, go home. I never asked you to come anyway.”
    She punched the “talk” button before her mom could get in that irritating last word that she