Alien in the House by Gini Koch

usual ‘I’ll concoct a wild danger theory so Kitty will be so impressed she’ll sleep with me and my love, Le Pew’ ploy?”
    â€œI’d assume so. But I had to put my blocks up so—”
    Before Jeff could finish the next folks to arrive were ushered in. Making for a nice change, it was people we’d always liked and who I was glad would be around at least two more years—Senator and Mrs. McMillan. “Ambassadors, good to see you.”
    â€œGood to see you, too, Don.” Jeff grinned as they shook hands while Kelly—who was, though older than me, a sorority sister—and I did our sorority’s not-so-secret handshake and such before we hugged each other.
    McMillan laughed. “I’m sure it is. You ladies done with your high-fiving?”
    â€œFor now,” Kelly replied. “Who’s assigned to ensure we’re enjoying ourselves?”
    â€œThat would be Michael.” Caroline, who was McMillan’s Girl Friday, joined us. Now probably wasn’t the time to tell her that Peter the Dingo Dog had fond memories and wanted me to say “hi” for him. I’d save that for a bathroom trip or something. “He’s waiting for us. Impatiently.”
    â€œHe can wait a minute longer,” Kelly said with a sly grin. “Good to keep him on his toes.”
    Caroline laughed. “I suppose.” Now that she was here, the three of us did the sorority secret stuff required for three or more. Hey, it was a rule, and one of the few I liked to follow all the time.
    â€œLove the music,” Kelly said when we were done, as “The Farm” by Aerosmith came on. Hey, just because I couldn’t have it be all Aerosmith all the time didn’t mean I couldn’t make it a lot of Aerosmith with other cool songs added in.
    â€œAnd I love you for loving it.”
    â€œKit-Kat always has the best tunes,” Caroline said.
    â€œAnd the best clothes,” Kelly said with a laugh. Unlike Marcia, she didn’t seem bitter about it, but then, she looked gorgeous and was a more normal, secure person than Marcia. Not that this was hard to achieve.
    â€œSometimes I clean up nicely.”
    Caroline snorted. “You look great. And I know I do, too. I love being considered part of this Embassy—Akiko’s awesome.”
    â€œCaro Syrup, you’re so modest these days. Must be from having the A-C Player of the Year panting after you.”
    Caroline grinned. “That never hurts.”
    McMillan chuckled. “I approve of Mister Gower so much more than anyone else you’ve shown an interest in, Caroline.”
    â€œAnd your approval is the deciding factor,” Kelly said with a laugh. “Don, you’re such a romantic meddler.”
    â€œHey, he was right not to like Peter the Dingo Dog.” Hoped I said this with the right joking, casual tone, and in a way that didn’t indicate I’d seen said Dingo only a couple hours earlier.
    Caroline nodded. “I’d rather date someone you approve of, Senator.”
    â€œAnd that’s why she’s indispensable,” McMillan said. “Our Caroline thinks I’m always right.”
    Kelly winked. “I pay her extra for that service.”
    We all laughed, then they headed off to find Michael, Caroline leading the way, as Pierre brought in the next arrival. “Ambassadors, I believe you should move into the general areas now,” he said as he handed off a man about my age. He had the typical younger politician look, but I guessed his heritage as Latin/Mexican and American Indian.
    Because of this instruction from Pierre, I knew who we were talking to. “Representative Reyes, it’s so good to finally meet you.”
    Reyes flashed a smile worthy of Jeff or Kevin. “Please, Ambassador, call me Santiago. I prefer to be on a first name basis with the most important constituents from my District.”
    Reyes was the newest member