#Chapter 60: Plus One

Iris The next morning, I’m holed up in my studio again, finishing up the static television painting. Miles is playing on the floor by my feet—he’s barely left my side all morning, too shy of the new nanny to be alone with her. Not that I can blame him, nor do I mind. It’s nice to hear him talking to himself and making airplane sounds as he plays with his toys. I’m just finishing up the final brushstrokes, inky black to represent the dark room surrounding the television, when my phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen to see Alice’s name staring up at me. Curious to see what she needs, I answer. “Hello?” “Iris,” she says, and I can hear her usual smile through the phone. “I have a teensy-weensy favor to ask of you…” I set aside my brush, pinching my phone between my shoulder and ear as I wipe my hands on a nearby rag. “What’s up?” “So, the Ordan Culture Society has this annual charity gala, and I just got an invite. I’m allowed to bring a plus-