I love parties. I love crashing them even more. Long before Wedding Crashers and Curly Sue, my friends and I would get dressed up on the weekends and attend weddings – sans RSVP and invitation.
That was years ago and not much has changed. While spending time ‘on the hill,’ I ran into a former coworker, L-Roll, who regularly has little cheesecakes, pies and what not in his possession. It is as if he is always just leaving a wedding reception – and bringing the refreshments with him.
This time, however, he did not have any desserts, but was wanting some. “I think I’m going to go get a cookie. Join me?” L-Roll asked. “I’d love to – where are we going? The cafeteria?” I asked. “No, better. Lobbyist Lounge,” he advised me. We walked out of the Capitol, down some stairs that appear to lead to a parking garage, and into an elite space with posh chairs, vintage lighting, tons of television screens and a kitchenette full of food. It was as if I’d gone back in time and stepped into a speakeasy, also referred to as ‘blind pig of blind tiger,’ and technology replaced the alcohol.
L-Roll offered to make me a hot drink with their Keurig machine. “I’ll make you something special,” he told me. While he did, I ate like a sighted pig – eating everything in sight.
We returned to the business on the hill and, a few hours later, a coworker mentioned he was in the mood for a treat. I gave him the lowdown on the lounge, reminding him we needed to keep it on the down low and then we made our way. Looking behind and around us with each step as we approached the door.
L-Roll met us in the kitchenette and, while we were snacking on cheese and crackers, he pulled a lint roller out of one of the drawers. “What are you going to do with that?” I asked. “I’m going to use it on him. When I’m done, I’ll lint roll you too, if you want,” he told me with a wink and sly smile.
Of all of the weddings and parties I’ve crashed, this is the first time I’ve received such offers. At least he ‘bought’ me a drink first.