I’m standing on the corner of 57th Street and Park sweating like a ram in my long, leather winter coat, waiting for my late, great friend Camille.
We appear to be having an end of the year heat wave I seem to be in denial over.
As I make a New Year’s resolution to start wearing deodorant, something light like Mennen’s Speed Stick, who comes galloping out of Prada like Sectetariat on a spending spree, but Camille. 
“Am I late? And why is your face all flushed. I’ve told you to stop eating shellfish Susannah, how many times?”
“You’re sleeveless Camille, and it’s January.”
“Not yet it isn’t. My God, it’s like Palm Beach out here, and I suggest we enjoy it because it’ll be 20 tomorrow.”
Right.
So the Eskimo and the racehorse made their way to the Ritz Carlton Tea Room for spiked lattes, a Camille invention…
coffee and steamed milk, with a hardy shot of rum.
I thought of singing auld lang syne since come Sunday, I’m hanging up my hangovers for good, but why ruin the moment. However, it was so noisy, I had to ask to leave.
“Oh come on, but it’s so festive.”
“And loud.” When you’re hearing impaired it’s as if you’re a guest in a beehive, so to keep your sanity, one needs to escape the collective buzz, but unless you’ve experienced it, you just might be a tad uncooperative.
“FUCK SUSANNAH. CAN’T YOU JUST ACT NORMAL FOR ONCE? Oh shit, I’m sorry. I’m just so on edge after having a fight with EDWARDO.”
“So what else is new? You two belong in a ring.”
After we got our 22 dollar coffees to go, we ventured to the park for a little girly-girl, tete-a-tete. 
“So what happened?”
“He’s so damned conventional. He wants to go to Time Square to watch the fucking ball drop. Ugh…so I nicely expressed I didn’t.”
“What did you say exactly?”
“That he should stay home and watch his own two drop since I had no intention of doing that. He got so pissed, why… I don’t know.”
Trying to point out what I refer to as, THE INAPPROPRIATE, to Camille is rather pointless, so we sat and sipped and sipped and sipped, until she said…
“I know, let’s go to the Carlyle.”
I agreed at once, carrying my coat like a dead animal, because I knew Bemelmans, bless it’s little, overpriced heart, would be air-conditioned.
TAXI!
See ya next year everybody. 
Ha ha, a great end to your ramblings of 2016! But come on, it ain’t exactly beach weather, we are south of you and only a high of 45deg today! I’m thinking the informal tipple had something to do with it?
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess you could say we’re just naturally hot-blooded. It’s freezing now, so madam was right about the temperature drop. Happy New Year Loretta, and thanks for reading athingirl…:)
LikeLike
I do love a good Camille story, Susannah. This was a good one! Weather here has been up and down, but people in Florida think they need to wear shorts and flip flops no matter what time of year it is or how low the temps drop. Not me. I’d rather dress appropriately! Have a wonderful New Year! ~Elle
LikeLike
You too, as I huddle in sweaters and more sweaters. The heat reprieve has come to a close…sigh
LikeLike
I’ve had the festive-versus-noisy argument with people as well. They don’t get it.
LikeLike
It has to happen to them before it registers I’m afraid Gail. Happiest of New Years to you…:)
LikeLike
Happy New Year to you as well, Susannah. I’ll be celebrating in the city. We’ll have to exchange NY stories next week on the blogosphere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
New York loves New Years Eve. There are specials in every restaurant window, venders selling hats and noisemakers and if you happen to go watch the ball drop you might bump into Edwardo…:)
LikeLike
No, I’m staying on the east side, where all introverts belong on New Year’s Eve.
LikeLike
LOL..I hear that as I finish reading Pride and Prejudice, a great book to end the year with. Have a happy night.
LikeLike
Hope the new year goes well 🙄
LikeLike
For your too Coyote…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Hope it’s a good night in NY. Take care x
LikeLike
It’s chilly but clear…just came home from having pizza with my pal Pam. Gonna read myself into a good sleep. My idea of a heavenly finish…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope it’s a great year for you this year. Stay cool. Look forward to reading you more
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the nicest thing you could possibly say. Thank you. Always very humbled you’re a reader…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather here has been either too warm or cold. I would like it to stay cold for a bit then be comfortably warm. I don’t think that’s asking too much. I have some hearing issues and noisy places are definitely a problem. Sometimes I just nod and smile at what I hope are the appropriate times. Have a good weekend and Happy New Year, Susannah. Teddy and Jack send purrs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that trick. I smile and nod quite a bit, and even toss in a wink for good measure. Happy New Year Patricia to you and your furry, four-legged boys…:)
LikeLike
This sounds like there is going to be a part II.(I certainly hope so) I completely understand 50 degree weather being sweltering and 45 requiring a parka.
Happiest 2017 to you ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hormones, those little devils, are such pranksters. Happy New Tear Top 🙂
LikeLike
Happy New Year, my dear. Glad you could go out for a drink and a tete-a-tete with a good friend. I’m home here at last.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my final bottoms up if you will. From now on it’s a straight latte for this thin girl hoping to instill a clearer prospect. Happy New Year to you all those you care about…:
LikeLike
I just finished Hot Mahogany by Stuart Woods. It mentions the Carlyle and Bemelmans quite a bit since one of the main character’s love interests is a singer there. Whenever they entered the premises I pictured you in the shadows taking notes for a scintillating blog entry.
Here’s to a fabulous and happy New Year!
LikeLike
That’s a riot. Yes, they have a buffet of singing piano players alright. Isn’t reading the best? Happy New Year to you too Skinny…:)
LikeLike