The First Draw
The house was quiet when Tessa stepped in, the soft creak of the door the only sound breaking the silence. The warmth of the evening had followed her inside.
Her heel clicked softly on the wooden floor. Her mind kept going back to the meeting she had earlier with an old friend.
The jar, the cards, the rules.
She hadn't said a word the entire ride home. The weight of what she'd been invited into was both terrifying and electrifying. Dropping her keys in the ceramic dish by the entryway, she made her way down the hall to her baby's room.
Stepping inside, her baby monitor glowed softly, the quiet humming from her toddler's breathing, was both steady and soothing.
Maya left a few minutes before she got home, after putting Naya to sleep. She was having a date tonight, so she couldn't wait. Watching her precious baby sleep, Tessa knew one thing, she loved being a mum.
You're no longer a college girl playing dress up, you're a mum now. Tessa reminded herself.
But that was one reason that made the ritual more enticing to her. Because for the first time in years, she had the option to be just anyone. Not Tessa Bloom, not the girl that was dumped by her fiance, not the girl who had sex with a stranger and was humiliated, not the single mother. But a woman in control, a woman who didn't get ghosted, but did the ghosting.
Now she was curious.
Her phone buzzed.
Maya: You home safe?
Tessa smiled softly. Maya was always looking out for her, even when she didn't have to.
Tessa: yup
She didn't say more even when she was tempted to talk to Maya about the strange invitation she just got. She knew she was going to sound crazy.
Tessa slipped out of her dress, and changed into an oversized T-shirt. She strolled down to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Sipping her tea, while watching her food. Her eyes fell on the refrigerator, covered in funny drawings and pictures of herself, Maya and her baby. Being a mom didn't mean she had to be invisible. Being plain Jane can be exhausting too.
After dinner, she took out the card from her purse and stared at it, Tessa turned it over in her hand.
Maybe this was what she needed.
Checking the clock, she knew it wasn't too late to make a call. She picked up Rachael's business card and punched her numbers. The receiver picked up after the third ring.
“Hello Rachael, it's Tessa.”
“Hey, I wasn't expecting you to call so soon.”
“Yes, I just wanted to tell you that I'm in.” Tessa was sceptical but it's too late now.
“Wow, I'm so happy to hear that. I'll text you the venue for the next meeting.” Rachael sounded elated.
“Okay, good night.” She hung up.
.
.
.
.
The last Saturday of the month came faster than Tessa expected. She still hasn't said a word to Maya.
Standing in front of the mirror, Tessa stared at the reflection of a woman she barely recognized. Her hair stretched to perfection, her makeup today was sultry and daring. Her bright red lipstick invited attention to her, and it complimented her red gown. The dress she wore hugged her curves in ways she usually avoided. Naya was over at Maya's.
She needed to make a statement tonight. Meeting the ladies for the first time, she has to look ready for the task ahead.
At 9:00pm, Tessa arrived at the building where the meeting was going to take place. Stepping in front of the door, she flashed her card to the woman in front of the door, and she was allowed access.
Inside the room was alive with energy, people exchanging pleasantries and laughing at each other's stories. The room felt warm, more like a safe haven. She knew she'd love it here.
Leaving the house, she feared she'd be over dressed, but getting here she was grateful she did. The women here were dressed in everything from sleek jumpsuits to elegant dresses.
She turned around and saw Rachael smiling and making her way towards her. An extra glass of champagne was in her left hand.
“Tessa, you made it.” Rachael greeted, hugging her and handing the glass of champagne to Tessa. “Let me introduce you to the ladies.”
Tessa followed her across the room and said hello to other ladies. Everyone's attention was drawn, and the meeting officially started.
Tessa watched quietly as the women made their way to the jar, and picked a card, with fingers steady and deliberate. It felt like a hunting expense and they all looked excited, eager to reveal their prey. After the card was picked, each of the women read out the names written on their respective cards.
“I got Cameron Coleman,” Angela the six foot tall red haired lady read out. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Divorced lawyer, he's good in court but not so good in bed.” The room filled with laughter.
Another woman sitting across the room laughed softly. “Oh I know him, it's always a therapy session with that one. He cries after ten minutes and pays for silence. Enjoy.”
Laughter rippled through the circle, no jealousy, no shame. Just the quiet shared power of women who have had enough. Tessa's pulse quickened. Her turn was coming.
“Ready for your first draw?” Rachael asked, eyes gleaming.
Tessa hesitated, but then she nodded.
She moved to the center of the room, where the translucent jar sat. Inside, dozens of cards sat like secrets, waiting to be unveiled. Each one represented a new chapter of adventure.
Her fingers trembled as she dipped her hand into the jar. She could feel the pain of eyes watching her, and that made her nervous.
She pulled out a card without looking.
It was a sleek grey card, she read out the name on the card.
Written in bold letters St. Eli James.