Spice Fags

It does not matter how many twenty-ninth birthdays I celebrate, I am getting older. Despite my efforts not to grow up, I keep doing grown up stuff. Finding yourself home on Saturday night playing Scrabble with friends in front of the fire is lovely, but shockingly grown up.
Two weeks ago, I attended a party. Among the guests was a group of young boys we called the “Spice Fags.” Each had a well-defined haircut and style of dress to establish their character within the group. “Bangs” is in hair school and is changing the world one head of hair at a time. “Urban Mane” had his blond hair swooped over his pretty face, wore a white belt around his tiny waist, and carried an urban satchel to the party. “Sporty” was wearing the very jacket Angie and I had seen earlier that week. We loved it, but, questioned if it might be too youthful for me. Like it or not we are at that age when you are no longer Brittney Spears and not yet Madonna.
I stood with the boys and laughed, waiting to interject. I was making up names for all six in my mind. I got to number five when “Butch Barbie” asked, “Why are we all standing out here?” “This is a good place to pose, the lighting is good here,” I said before I realized it. “Ascot” looked like I sneezed bird-flu-virus on his Prada wallet. “Urban Mane” spun around on his Ferragamo shoe and said, “Let’s move,” and walked away.
None of them laughed. Tough crowd I thought. I wondered if any of them had seen ‘All about Eve’ because I suddenly felt like Margot. “So young and so fair,” I said to my friend later. It was not that long ago we were their age. I do not remember acting like that at parties. Is being friendly old fashioned? If so, color me black and white, like a timeless, classic film.
Even at the risk of showing my age I will continue being amiable at parties. It may not be vogue, but, it does make this growing up and getting older process more pleasant. So does being home on Saturday night with friends that adore me, playing Scrabble, drinking decaf, not smoking, wearing that new jacket I look fabulous in.
No pants, just the jacket.