Julie was standing there in the middle of the party standing by herself with a drink in her hand. She stood there near a table against the wall. She looked over the room at all the people that were there every year. Everyone having the same conversations over again and catching up on all the things they've done through the course of the year.

She couldn't tell if it was upsetting because these people were just putting on an act and being phony, or if they were genuinely sincere and she didn't fit in.

Julie's mother came up to her with a handsome man with black hair that was gel'd back and to the sides. Julie's mother started in, "Honey, this is David. I'm certain you would remember him only he's been away the past few years." David helped fill in the details. "Yes, I was called to do some business out west." Julie couldn't help but analyzing him as he talked. "Originally I wasn't expected to be out there very long, but there was quite a bit to do." So far she wasn't very interested in anything he was or probably would be talking about. She stood there and looked over him. He was handsome, but lacked the quality and style to make him truly charming.

David continued on, "While it wasn't critical for my presence, I felt that we all would have been better off as I oversaw their work to ensure everything went well. It never looks good to have a part of your company not doing as well as the others. My work is important to me, but I am glad to be back here now as this feels most like a home to me."

Julie feigned interest for a few minutes until she finished her drink and excused herself to go get another. She wondered what it was that David was really wanting. He probably saw that she didn't have a man by her side and that he could be her big handsome man to stand next for her to hang onto his arm. Either that or he just wanted to be with her for just this night and then make up something about running out west again to go be there for his company because they couldn't get by without him being there. David seemed to have one of those smiles that gave him away as the sort of person that loves taking credit for anything he can.

Julie put down her martini glass and picked up a small whiskey glass for a sweeter drink. While she was putting the ice cubes in her glass somebody walked up to the table. She filled just enough cherry vodka to cover the bottom of the glass and then started pouring the 7UP to fill the rest of the glass. She stirred it and then looked over and saw that it was Sal. He said hi and she was almost speechless. She stood there for a moment looking at him.