The evening begins

Heather pulled into the already packed driveway of Tracy and Ethan’s house in a bit of a hurry. Naturally she had been late. She was always late. It was especially egregious tonight. Naomi had told her to come early. Heather and Naomi were very good friends, and by this point Naomi had caught onto her procrastinating tendencies and reminded her of the importance of making a good impression tonight. But Heather found herself starting her casserole far too late in the day, and of course she got carried away scrolling through her phone. So it was no wonder that, despite her best attempts to rush over, she pulled into the driveway ten minutes late.

Before she headed in, she checked her appearance. She’d only just thrown on a nice red-and-yellow dress minutes before she flew out the door, but she still managed to look alright. With a quick fluff of her blonde hair, she did her best to catch her breath and calm down before walking up to the door.

But then she stopped yet again. Standing there, just in front of the door, were all the guests she’d expected to already be inside.

First and foremost was Jane Parker, the wife of the colonel that Heather’s husband, and the husbands of many women around, answered to. If the colonel was her partner’s de jure superior, then Jane was Heather’s de facto boss. Clad in a fairly simple white blouse and dark pants, the raven-haired woman radiated a respectable beauty and also clear authority. It was important to impress this middle-aged woman, which is why Naomi was clear that both she and Heather arrive and give the best possible impression.

It was not as necessary to impress Jane’s daughter, the 20-year-old Cassie Parker. The young girl with close-cropped dark hair leaned against the wall, scrolling through her phone with one hand while her mother talked. She wore a dark red romper that ended at her upper thigh and probably showed more cleavage than her authoritarian father allowed. Heather could only guess why she was brought along.

Also present in the small group was Maggie Lin, a petite woman that Heather didn’t know very well. She knew Maggie and her husband were fairly new to the base, but aside from that, the Asian woman in a black turtleneck and long dark skirt was a mystery to her.

Heather found Naomi at the center of the group, naturally talking up Jane. All parties soon turned to see the newest arrival. “Ah, look who decided to show up!” Jane exclaimed, in a tone Heather could only guess was somewhat passive-aggressive. Naomi turned to Heather, a half-relieved, half-frustrated look on her face. She said nothing.

“Sorry I’m late everyone! The casserole took quite a bit more time than I expected.” Heather sighed somewhat nervously. She looked around to the group. “You didn’t all wait on me, did you?”

“Not exactly.” Jane responded before anyone else. “It would seem our host is a little less ready than you.” She gestured towards the door, which seemed to be still locked.

“At least you’re not the last person to show.” Maggie chimed in somewhat optimistically from her side. “Ann isn’t here yet, either.”

“Worst party every so far.” Cassie muttered, not bothering to look up.

“Anyway, I was just telling—what was your name—Naomi, here, that I’m going to—”

A loud noise from the door interrupted her. The telltale sound of a bolt sliding back was quickly followed by the door swinging open. Tracy was there, smiling in a pleasant greeting. “Hey ladies! Sorry to keep you all waiting.” She stood to the side, opening the way for her guests. “I had to…get everything ready.”

“About time!” Jane said. “For your sake I hope you have good wine!” She naturally led the way inside. Heather was to follow, but Naomi stopped her.

“What the hell, Heather?” She hissed under her breath. “Didn’t I tell you to be here on time? Didn’t I mention how very fucking important it is for me? Jake could get a promotion if we grease the right palms!”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry!” Heather apologized in a whisper. “I know how much getting in Colonel Bitch’s good graces is for you. I promise I’ll refrain from embarrassing you any further.” She wasn’t as worried about her own husband’s career in the Air ****. He’d told her he was quitting as soon as his enlistment was up. Naomi’s husband was different, a career officer. That was the goal, anyway.

The two friends turned to head inside. Heather and Tracy locked eyes for the briefest of moments as she closed the door behind them. She passed the look off as anticipation for the party ahead.

Tracy giggled slightly as she locked the door again. It’d taken a moment for every one of the slimes to find their perfect hiding places, especially since she'd told them hosts were first-come, first-serve. But her guests were none the wiser. Things were about to get interesting.