I stood in front of the building, my mouth hanging open. I had expected a loud, smoky barbecue place like the last time we all met, but this was something else entirely. The walls were bright white with glowing blue lights, looking like a palace from a movie set.
The cars lined up in the parking lot cost more than I would make in three lifetimes. The people walking inside wore tailored wool, moving with elegance.
I looked down at myself. I was wearing a worn-out hoodie and a coat that had faded from too many washes. My sneakers were scuffed. I tried to rub the wrinkles out of my sleeves and smooth down my messy red hair, but it was useless. If I had known before, I would have dressed up a bit more neatly.
Also...
Two men in sharp black uniforms stood at the entrance. Every time someone stepped toward the glass doors, the guards moved as they demanded to see an ID.
