Page 208 of Champagne Nights

“I went to the Mexican place a few blocks over with Ben.” I lied.

“I hope you didn’t eat too much because I made us dinner reservations tonight at Tavern on the Green.”

“I really wish you had asked me before doing that.”

“Why?” She climbed off my lap and stood over me with her arms folded.

“Because I’m going to the game tonight with Ben. He just asked me at lunch.”

“Too bad. Tell him you can’t go.”

“I already told him I would.”

“Is Frankie going too?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“Because you see your friends more than you do me, Henry,” she shouted as she walked away from my desk. “I’m leaving in a couple of days and won’t see you this weekend.”

“And we’ll spend the evening together tomorrow. I promise. You’ll have me all to yourself.”

“You know what, Henry? Just forget it. I’ll see you when I get back from my trip.” She grabbed her purse and stormed out of my office.

“Fuck!” I shouted as I leaned back in my chair.

I leftthe office early and went home to change before picking up Frankie and Ben for the game. I hadn’t stopped thinking about Ellie since lunch. I picked up my phone from the bed and texted her.

“Hi, Ellie. How are you?”

“Hi, Henry. I’m good. You?”

“I’m good. I’m getting ready to head out to the Yankees game with a couple of friends of mine.”

“Sounds like fun. I hope you have a good time.”

“I’d like to take you out Friday night. My friend, Frankie, owns a small art gallery in Greenwich Village, and I’d love for you to see it.”

“I’d love to.”

“Great. Is six-thirty a good time?”

“It’s a perfect time. You know where I live.”She sent the smiling emoji.

“I’m afraid I don’t know your apartment number.”

“14B.”

“I’ll text you when I’m standing outside your door.”I included the wink emoji.“Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Have fun with your friends.”

When the threeof us arrived at the stadium, we grabbed a beer and a couple of orders of nachos and headed to our seats.

“Kirsten wasn’t pissed about you coming tonight?” Frankie asked.

“Of course, she was. She’s leaving Friday to go on a trip with her mom for the weekend. She said I see you two more than I do her, and we got into a big fight.”

“Gee man, I’m sorry,” Ben said.

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