My Lucky Groom

to find him absentmindedly sweeping soaked napkins off the table—right into her lap!
    “Hey!”
    The waitress shooed the guy away and nabbed the trash. “He’s a real Einstein, that one,” she said under her breath, rolling her eyes toward the guy, who reluctantly took his seat at the next table. In spite of herself, Ventura giggled. “Let me grab some fresh rags,” the server told her apologetically. “I’ll be right back.”
    She resurfaced quickly with some damp cloths and handed one to Ventura so she could wipe off her jeans.
    “I totally apologize for the mess. Can I get you anything else? Some fresh coffee, maybe?”
    Ventura glanced down at her clothing , grateful it would wash . She was pretty tight on money these days and had a limited wardrobe. “Thanks, I’ve already had mine.”
    The waitress shot her a wry smile. “Wise guy, huh?”
    “Just the check, please.”
    “Oh no, you don’t.” She scribbled something on her pad and pressed the tab to the table. “This one’s on the house. We don’t charge for dumping on customers.”
    “Hey, as long as you’ve got your pen out…” The girls turned to look at Hot Guy, who unbelievably still had the nerve to talk to them. “Do you think I could have your number?” Naturally, Ventura noted, he was addressing the server, not her.
    The server set her hand on her hip and stared at Hot Guy with incredulity. Ventura was impressed. She’d seen many a blow-off look, and this one ruled.
    “Not even your cell?” he asked lamely.
    The server shook her head and sighed heavily, turning back to Ventura. “I apologize for him too. None of that should have happened.”
    Ventura shrugged, resigned. “Happens all the time.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Oh, just that guys like him ,” she said as Hot Guy finally came to his senses and scurried out the door, “don’t generally take an interest in girls like me. If you know what I’m saying.”
    The server crossed her arms and thoughtfully studied Ventura. “Might help if you lose the glasses.”
    “What?” Ventura asked in disbelief. She adjusted her tortoiseshell frames, thinking they suited her fine. In fact, she believed they’d won her extra points in graduate school. Everyone took a girl seriously who wore such serious-looking eyewear. The fact was, she did have contact lenses but rarely used them. She didn’t really see the point.
    “I’m just saying…” She nodded her head, appraising. “You actually have very pretty eyes. But this? Hoo boy.” To Ventura’s horror, she leaned forward, invading her personal space, and twisted up a curly mass of hair. “This, girlfriend, needs work.”
    Ventura blinked. “Excuse me?”
    “You’ve got to do something with it. Not straighten it, I don’t think. If I were you, I’d definitely go with the curl. Except for on special occasions. Then, I’d use a flat iron. Maybe add some highlights? Auburn to bring out the hint of red in your brown?”
    Ventura gaped at her. “And you’re such an expert because…?”
    The server smiled proudly. “I’m getting my degree in fashion studies. Online.” She scanned the bustling room, then leaned forward with a confidential whisper. “As soon as I’m done, I’m out of here. You know what I’m saying? O. U. T. Out. And onto a better life for myself.”
    “Um, that’s great.” Ventura gathered her things, preparing to stand.
    The server stopped her, laying a hand on her arm. “What do you do?”
    Ventura eyed her uncertainly. “I write.”
    “Cool! What kind of stuff? Would I know it?”
    “Just obituaries, up until now.”
    “How depressing. Black isn’t even in anymore.”
    “I’m looking for something better.”
    “More power to you. I’d imagine dead people aren’t much fun.” She extended her hand toward Ventura. “I’m Mary.”
    Ventura tentatively took her hand and shook it. “Ventura.”
    “Where are you headed with that suitcase of yours?”
    “I’m new here, so I got a sublet temporarily. Maybe you can tell me which subway to take?” She shared a small piece of paper bearing a handwritten address.
    Mary took the slip of paper and crumpled it in her hand. “Oh no, you don’t. I’m not sending you there.”
    “Why not?”
    “Are you kidding? What would you want with that location?”
    “All the other places cost an arm and a leg.”
    “Yeah, well, this is where you go if you want to give your booty too.” She fanned her face with her hand. “That’s hot