A week before the big day, I realized I would have to act fast. With so much time taken up preparing for the ball itself-shopping for a fabulous dress, extra hours in the gym, manicure, blow-dry, makeup artist-I certainly wasn't going to have time to meet a new guy. So I resorted to my little black book of fuck buddies. As I scanned the list of names and international numbers, I felt a frisson of excitement, remembering the good times-and great sex-I'd had with many of them. I'm still on good terms with my flings and exes, so surely one of them would want to join me at a fabulous party in one of New York's swankiest hotels?

The first person I called was Jermaine, a male model I took on holiday and fucked for a week in St. Tropez a few years back.

"Hannah!" He had picked up the phone and was clearly delighted to hear from me and keen on the idea of partying, but when I gave him the date of the ball: "Oh, damn, baby, I'd love to so much, but I have plans that night."

It was the same story with Ewan, the race-car driver. He was obliged to attend his sponsor's annual party that evening. Hey, from a corporate point of view, I totally understood, so we hung up having made plans to meet (i.e., fuck) in the New Year. While the thought of getting reacquainted with Ewan's gorgeous dick in January was enough to warm me in the Christmas chill, I still didn't have a suitor for the party. One by one, all the boys in my little black book had prior engagements-well, it was mid-December. I cursed myself for leaving things until the last minute. Normally I'm very well organized.

I called Jane, my colleague and best friend, to see if she could hook me up with anyone. I've never known her to be without a date-and her companions are the only men who are more attractive than the ones I bring along. I hoped I could rely on her to do the sisterly thing. "What? At this time of year?" she scoffed. "You've got to be joking. Everyone has too many plans as it is!"