Free Venture Forward by Kristen Luciani Page A

limo in stilettos and tight dresses amid hoots and catcalls from throngs of twenty- and thirty-something-year-old guys lining the pavement outside Ruby Sky.
    “Wow, Mia, are you sure you’re ready to settle for just one guy?” Avery snickered. “You’re going to miss out on all these classy prospects.”
    Jana, Mia’s sister-in-law and one of the most sought-after indie fashion designers on the West Coast, flipped her long dark hair. “Don’t worry, she’ll have her pick once we get inside.” She waltzed up to the bouncer, seductively puffed out her chest, and, within seconds, they were being escorted inside the club.
    Avery linked her arm with Jana’s. “Pretty impressive. It’s nearly impossible to get into this place. What did you tell him?”
    “She didn’t need to say anything! Check out her boobeezz in that drezz! What guy in his right mind would turn her away, unless he wazz blind?” Rachel, Chris’s sister, slurred.
    Avery regarded Jana’s ample cleavage and nodded. “Rachel’s right. You look fabulous. I can’t believe you had a baby a few months ago.”
    “And I’m not even nursing. Can you imagine what they’d look like if I was? ” Jana snickered, stumbling forward as her heel got caught in a groove on the carpet. “Oops!”
    “Your creative design genius sure hasn’t suffered from lack of sleep. That dress will sell out like crazy next season.”
    “Excuse me, girls, but can we please find the bar and table the boob talk until we get another drink?” Jessica tapped her foot and held out her hands. “See? Empty!”
    Avery’s body pulsated from the vibrations of deafening electronica. A yelp escaped her lips as fingers grasped her backside. She spun to unleash a few choice expletives at the offender but was greeted by flashing lights and crowds of faceless sweaty bodies. “Screw this, we’re not standing around here all night. Someone just grabbed my ass.”
    “You’re lucky that’s all he grabbed.” Jana snickered.
    Mia shot Avery a confused look. “What do you mean? Where are we going?”
    “I’m getting a table. It’s a special occasion.”
    “No way, I can’t let you do that. It’s too expensive.”
    “Don’t worry about it. I have a pretty generous expense account.” A few minutes of flirting with the VIP host yielded them the privilege of their own private space, accessible only by elevator and worth every freaking penny.
    The hostess, clad in a skintight, leather mini-dress and sky-high heels, escorted them to a large couch-bed surrounding a table overflowing with ice buckets and glasses. A clear half wall gave them a perfect view of the dance floor, which, in Avery’s mind, was so much more enjoyable than being packed together like wet sardines. Blech.
    “This is awesome.” Mia gave Avery a quick hug. “You’re the best!”
    “Anytime, love. Now we can finally have another drink.” Avery pulled out a chilled bottle. “Who’s ready for round two? Jess? ”
     

     
    PAUL LEANED AGAINST THE bar in the VIP lounge, nursing his scotch. Much as he despised the club scene, the pulsating music made it impossible to think. So there was the silver lining.
    A.J. nudged him. “Hey, have you seen Mitch?”
    “No, but I’m sure he’s out on the dance floor, hooking up with some twenty-year-old. We’ll find him later, probably passed out in a corner.”
    “You need to get over yourself. We’re supposed to be supportive friends tonight. Suck it up.”
    “It’s been a crappy day.”
    “Mitch is having a rough time with the divorce. He needs a little pick-me-up. Stop being such a dick about it.”
    “Fine.”
    “What’s the problem?”
    “Nothing.”
    “You’re a lousy liar.”
    Paul sloshed the amber-colored liquid around the glass and took a long gulp. “You don’t have to believe me.”
    “It’s the article, isn’t it?”
    “What article?”
    “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Venture Scope . That’s what has you so pissed