I was examining the red dress a messenger just delivered. It came with matching 6-inch stilettos that made me dizzy just looking at them. Eric knows better than that with shoes so ridiculous. The note fluttered to the floor. I snatched it up.

My little telepathic friend,

Await my call for further instructions.

Pam

Well that explains the shoes.

I carried the box down the hall to my room, slipped off my lavender sundress and squeezed into what Pam sent me. It was amazing; it even had a built-in bra. It was low, much lower than I thought I'd actually leave the house in. I took it off and hung it in my closet.

Chores beckoned, so I puttered around with laundry and dishes until sundown. On cue, my phone rang.

"Hello."

"Sookie, come to the bar tonight. We have a special guest," Pam told me, overflowing with unusual joy. "I booked Viviane. Well Eric did. She has an all-vampire revue in Vegas and she came to New Orleans to do shows in Victor's area, so I made Eric get her for my birthday."

"Pam, I didn't know it was your birthday."

"It is. So you must come. Bill and Judith are coming, so I told them to drive you here. You can leave with Eric."

Pam had this all figured out.

"OK, Pam. I'll come, and I will even wear the dress you sent." Even though it was way too low cut. I believe it was as much for her benefit as Eric's. "But I am wearing my own shoes."

"Fine. Bill said he would come by at 8." Click.

I needed a present. It should be a lesson in phone manners, but I grabbed my scissors and ran outside to grab a fresh bouquet. Pam's a girlie girl at heart, and every woman loves getting flowers on her special day.

I brought in my armload of flowers and arranged them on some pretty paper before tying them with a green ribbon I found in my junk drawer. I wrapped a wet paper towel around the stems and went to dress.

I had less than two hours, and I spent every minute getting ready before Judith knocked at my door. She was wearing a glittery navy blue sheath and black pumps.

"Judith, you look great. I just need my shoes. Come on in."

"Thank you, Sookie. You look very beautiful."

I slid into the sequined black heels I'd snagged at Tara's Togs last week on sale. I grabbed my purse and the flowers and locked my house, and we headed for the car.

Bill was waiting, Judith's door open before he sped to the one behind me to open it.

"Good evening, Sookie. You are a vision."

"Thanks Bill." He held the flowers while I slid in back. As we drove down Hummingbird Lane, I felt chatty.

"Pam seems very excited about the Viviane woman. Is she any good?"

"I hear she is the best," Judith said.

"I have heard her sing several times in my life. She is exquisite. I hope that I may interview her for my database." Bill looked kind of dreamy when he spoke.

"So have you met her? Like face-to-face?" I asked.

"Yes. She is delightful, witty, funny, yet stubborn. She does not yield to her maker, but she refuses to say who he is."

"Wow. I can only imagine how unglued Eric would be if Pam didn't answer to him." We all laughed for a bit about that.

"Oh, I heard she gives Eric Northman a run for his money. They are a similar age, and my research suggests they have known each other most of that time."

"Really? Eric never mentioned her. I wonder what her story is."

Bill said he had done what he could without actually talking to her for his database, so I pried.

"She has alluded to her turning as being an accident. I believe she enjoys her life and respects her maker; otherwise, she would have brought shame on the responsible party long ago. Perhaps you will meet her tonight."

The rest of the drive was filled with Bill telling us about the last time he saw her in Memphis.

Fantasia was packed, but it had a different feel. It was a special event night with a tight guest list and wealthier clientele. The newest bartender was manning the door at the moment and nodded for us to enter.

I saw some of the Shreveport weres inside and waved.

Pam greeted us when we came in.

"I brought you these from my garden. Happy birthday, Pam."

She took them and inhaled.

"Ooo, I've never received flowers. Thank you, my friend. Do you like my dress?" She wore deep pink party dress with a full skirt. She spun to show it off for us before dragging us to the front and seating us at a special table.

"It's great." And I wondered if I could borrow it someday.

Bill also complimented her on its selection.

"Eric let me wear whatever I wanted tonight. He called it a special occasion and growled that I'd better be happy." Pam chuckled. "I believe I am."

Bill and Judith sat at the far end. Pam squeezed between me and Bill, leaving a seat for Eric on the outside.

Bill slid gift box in front of Pam.

"Another present? Joy." She tore the ribbon and flipped the lid off, lifting out a brown necklace. "Chocolate gold? I saw it on television and wanted some. Thank you." She fastened it around her neck, petting it as any woman would.

"Pam, I have never seen you so excited." And I meant it.

"She has been this way for weeks," Eric rumbled as he leaned over to kiss me. "And I've allowed it. For now. After all, my dear, tomorrow is another night."

I giggled. We had watched "Gone with the Wind" with Pam last month.

"I have never had one of these birthday parties," Pam stated.

"So you've been telling me, Pamela. Now, you have it. Cease talking about it." He glared at her mockingly. I knew he was enjoying giving her this evening – I could feel the happy buzz in the bond. "I will return."

The lights went down. Pam told me it was about to start.

A spotlight hit Eric.

"Welcome to Fangtasia," he said, fangs down. "Tonight, we welcome the premiere star who is gracing our stage tonight with a preview of her Las Vegas revue for Pam's party. I present Viviane." He leapt from the stage and slid into the seat next to me.

Lights went black before the disco ball was lit, sparkles filling the room.

The opening notes from ABBA's "Dancing Queen" throbbed from the stereo. Pam actually squealed.

I whispered to Eric, "She's giving you ammo to tease her with this evening."

He smiled down at me before capturing my lips briefly.

The show was great. Viviane was the best I'd ever seen. She's had centuries to perfect it. She wore a glittery purple dress with fringe with impossibly high green stilettos and never missed a step. Her dark chestnut hair waved perfectly over her shoulders and never seemed to get in her face. She was beyond beautiful. She reminded me of a compact, curvier Claudine, whom I missed dearly and would try not to think about tonight.

Viviane pulled out all sorts of songs – rock, blues, even one of Bubba's classics.

She finished the show with a very special song, lyrics just for Pam.

"Happy birthday, Ms. Ravenscroft. Happy birthday to you."

Pam was in heavy lust over the buxom singer.

Viviane leaned over and kissed Pam's hand before the lights fell and the standing ovation began. The spotlight loved Viviane. She thanked the crowd, bowing and waving. She finally left the stage.

"Sookie, I will be back. Let Pam bask a little longer," Eric whispered to me over the din of everyone saying they loved it. He followed Viviane's swinging hips down the hall to the back. I figured he's the boss, so he has to handle the talent, and I didn't know if she was friend or foe yet.

Pam and Bill were talking animatedly about the performance. I locked eyes with Judith and shared a silent laugh.

"I hope she will come meet me. Eric wouldn't let me see her before the show." Pam actually stuck a lip out. She was really into this party thing.

"Excuse me," I said as I got up to deal with my human needs.

I walked down the hall to the employee bathroom. Eric's door was open a little bit. I could see Viviane lifting her hair, Eric fixing her necklace and zipping her dress. They were laughing. It was a picture of perfect comfort.