Kevin

"Well, Kevin, don't you think you need to add a Rolex watch or something? You haven't reached the nines just yet."

"Sorry, Rolex is getting fixed along with my private jet," I said without even turning away from the mirror to look at Jake's direction.

Dressing up was never something I was real keen about (I mean, come on, what guy really is?), but today in Mr. Duncan's shop, when he invited me to his charity event, I wasn't about to slack off cause of that. I didn't have that much money, but renting a tux wasn't that hard and I was able to borrow some shoes from Jake, so this night won't put a gaping hole in my pocket (managing the time to get from the Plaza to catch the bus and run to said tuxedo rental store which concierge was so kind to give me the address to is another story).

"So, why'd Mr. Duncan invite you? I mean, no offense, but you're not exactly in the money-to-burn lane." I just shrugged, and looked at his reflection in the mirror.

"I saved his store once and, well, I guess we just kinda have that history, ya know?" A moment of silence passed, as if Jake was waiting for me to say more, maybe tell the story, but when I didn't I guess he knew I wouldn't. Maybe I'd tell him some other time, but….just not now.

"Anyways, tell me if the champagne was served in gold chalices or silver, alright?" A let out a quick laugh and just replied 'alright'.

Not long after, I was headed out the door to the subway where the grand door of Duncan's Charity Reception awaited.

The ceiling was so tall that I had to tip my head all the way back just to see its sleek modern design that criss-crossed all over it. And the place itself was as big as a football field and little reminders of the holidays, like an ornament here and there, and tinsel around the centerpiece decorated the place, to get people in the giving mood, I guess. Caters were wandering around aimlessly, kind of like some of the rich guest here, at least, you know, before they light up like a candle cause they spotted someone they recognize. For the first twenty minutes of the party, I couldn't find Mr. Duncan, and when I did he was literally surrounded by people.

Guess he's more of a charismatic host than I anticipated.

While I was turning around—probably going to just check on those trays the caters were carrying—when I smack into a woman wearing a fancy white dress. Her heels were high so she stumbled and would've fallen if I didn't reach out and grab her arms at the elbows. Thank God she wasn't holding a drink or bump into anyone else or anything, so the damage—and disruption—was at a minimum, for now.

"I'm so sorry," I said, expecting her to snap at me or something. She gave a short, kinda delicate laugh and smiled. She had the same white, pearly teeth as everyone here, but her smile seemed different…a little familiar even.

"It's quite alright….um…hm…I'm sorry, I don't recognize you. What is your name?"

"Kevin. Kevin McCalister." I held out my hand awkwardly. She was the first person to ask me my name tonight, and I was pretty relieved that I found someone to talk to (even if she was a middle aged woman instead of some heiress in a red dress who was bored with rich guys and preferred 'em blonde and charming, like yours truly). "And you are….?"

"Ms. LaBelle!" A voice, followed by a tall, brunette guy, came towards us.

"Michael," Ms. LaBelle smiled. "I do hope your mother and father are enjoying their vacation in Hawaii. I hear it's rather lovely this time of year." And I back to being out of it.

For the Queen of Sharks, and all those who love the Plaza.