Finnish Veen

Nadia wore her best clothes. A red blouse and cream pants. They were loose fitting. But she hoped Katherine didn’t notice. They met at a high end restaurant. Nadia gulped. She couldn’t afford this…

She and Alice had never been anywhere bougie. Alice was very much a street-rat girl.

Nadia came early. Katherine came ten minutes late. Nadia sat awkwardly at the table as the waiter asked for drinks.

”Just tap water please…” she said.

”We only serve Finnish Veen — $50 per bottle…“ he said.

”Um… No thank you… I’m okay…” she smiled.

Nadia stood up when Katherine came in. She was dressed like a model. Avant garde fashion. But she looked just like Alice… Black hair. Big hazel eyes. Button nose. No freckles though…

“It’s good to see you Nadia — I was wondering if you were going to ghost me like Neera…” Katherine laughed.

”I’m sorry,” Nadia said, “I’ve been struggling a bit after The Pony closed…”

”Why didn’t you tell me? Come work for me…” Katherine said.

Nadia’s mouth was dry — she croaked, “Really?”

Katherine waved the waiter over and got some water. The Finnish Veen was water of the gods. So refreshing… Nadia perked up.

”Of course Nadia — any close friend of Alice’s is family to me,” Katherine said.

“Thank you,” Nadia smiled.