Simone's Ever Green Christmas

I hung up on my accountant, Frasier. During the first five minutes of our conversation, he used the "B" word three times.

"BUDGET!"

Haven't I given up enough already? I demanded. I already limit my dining companions to Capitol Hill interns, they know where to find the heartiest happy hours, and I replaced my weekly lash extension appointments long ago with strips from Sally Beauty. There simply weren't any more notches on my Moschino belt to cinch.

Theatrics aside, Frasier was right. I couldn't sustain my lifestyle without more income.

When my agent, Margarita, called with a Christmas engagement at the Greenbrier, I didn't hesitate.

"Yes! How much are they paying?" I asked.

"They say the package is worth $4,500."

"I need money, Rita."

"Look on the bright side," she said. "By the end of the week, you'll finally be able to zip up that white Lanvin. That's a bonus, right?"

Silence.

"There's more," Rita continued. "They've booked you into a pool-facing bungalow and included two spa treatments a day."

"What am I supposed to eat?" I asked.

"The bungalow has a kitchen."

"Do I look like a short-order cook?"

Two minutes later, Rita called back.

"Greenbrier will provide dinner and drink tickets every day. Breakfast and lunch are on you."

"How many sets?"

"Two each night. Eight until midnight."

"Can I collect tips?" I asked, crossing my fingers.

"Absolutely. The tip jar is yours."

Now we were talking.

I hung up feeling buoyed, but not entirely relieved. Luxurious accommodations for Christmas were lovely, but the Rocket Mortgage calls were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

I plugged in the canary-yellow Smeg kettle and added a scoop of loose-leaf blueberry tea to my favorite Howard U. mug.

What would Minnie Belle do? She had a knack for spinning straw into enough gold to share.

By the time the tea had steeped, I had my answer.

I texted: “SOS”

Jarmal replied almost immediately with “?”

“Working for tips this weekend. Need to triple my earnings”.

His response arrived before I could put down the phone.
“Bob Mackie or Thierry Mugler?”

“Mackie.”

“On my way.”

“Bring 2 bottles of Côtes du Rhône.”

“Already in the trunk.”

🗝🔓  Remember, the only life worth living is the one you create! Be intentional this Christmas and let God handle the rest.