"Hey, aren't you looking beautiful tonight?"

I did a tiny smile and twirl for the doorman. That remark could have been unsettling if it had come from anybody else, but he seemed so kind and honest. He looked like Santa Claus, if Santa Claus lost weight and had a buzz cut.

A heartfelt "Thank you!" That's what I confidently proclaimed. I was still confident in my appearance and eager to visit my pals. "

Just as I was about to leave, I saw a cluster of well dressed gentlemen standing at the entrance. They were all older guys, but they looked and felt much younger than their years. They were...