Now then. Chin up. You need this job.Rent waits for no man, and certainly not one in a borrowed tuxedo.

Smile. The good one. Light. Insouciant. That’s It.

The bar calls. Merely to straighten bottles. And to restore balance in the universe... a tiny sip.Strictly medicinal. One must function.

Who’s that guy? Isn’t she an actress? Oh, Senator What’s His Name. There’s a guy playing an actress playing Senator What’s His Name. I do crack myself up.

Another restorative nip. Entirely sensible.

A woman snaps her fingers. I materialize. A shot of tequila. Bold choice. Respect. I pour. I don’t sip this time. Discipline. Growth.

Another trip to the bar. Another harmless adjustment of liquid levels. If anyone asks, evaporation. Science again.

Suddenly everyone is radiant. The room glows. What an absolutely marvelous group of people.

I’d help them move. I’d dog sit.

I would lie for them in court!

Tray steady. Heart buoyant. Employment secured.