Page 74 of Brick Wall
“Not yet. I’ll tell her soon.”Probably.
Annie gives me a look, then says, “She’ll want to know.”
“I know.” I will, just not today.
We move on to other topics, which I’m grateful for. I don’t want to think about my health any longer.
“Oh! You should invite Calvin over on Tuesday night for dinner,” Annie suggests. “And don’t feel you have to tell him anything. I think it would be fun to have more people over.”
We’re having an impromptu dinner party with Scarlett because I realized when I ran into her, I have seen little of her since the season started.
That’s fairly typical for in-season, but this year has been much less than in the past. I have little free time during the season, and when I do lately, I usually spend it with Annie.
“Sure, Cal is usually down for free food, and it’s a short commute. You would think I would see him more since we live on top of each other.”
“Yeah, I live with Goldie and haven’t seen her as much as I’d like. Actually, do you mind if I invite her and Bryce, too?
“Sure, that sounds good. I think everyone knows each other. Maybe not Goldie and my sister…”
“They’ll get along great,” Annie reassures me.
It’s probably more fun with more people, and I know Scarlett would love to have more friends in the city. I need to get better at inviting people over.
“I think you’re right.” I lean down to kiss her.
“Magic to my ears,” Annie quips back.
* * *
Tuesday night is here, and we settled on takeout from my favorite French restaurant, where Annie and I had our firstdate. They don’t usually offer takeout, but they sometimes make an exception for me—the perks of being friends with the chef.
Scarlett is the first to show up, with Calvin arriving a few minutes later. Goldie and Bryce appear ten minutes late, but a few minutes before the food arrives.
We all sit around my sleek, modern dining room table, and it’s a great time. It fits the six of us rather comfortably. This is the first time I’ve used it for more than just clutter and sleep apparatuses.
I rarely have company over, usually just Cal and some of my teammates, and I’ve never hosted a dinner party before. In fact, the only dinner parties I’ve attended are mandatory team dinners, which differ from this.
“This is delicious,” Goldie says after she takes a bite.
“Yes, thanks, buddy, for hosting us,” Calvin says while lifting his drink.
“My pleasure.” I actually mean it.
We concentrate on our food but make small talk in between.
“Oh, Annie! I forgot to tell you!” Goldie says as she’s holding her fork in the air without placing it in her mouth. “I got my dress over the weekend! Remind me to show you a picture later!”
Annie beams at her friend. “That’s awesome! What color did you get?”
“Red, of course!” Goldie takes a bite of her food and then turns to Scarlett. “Oh, Scarlett, are you attending the Revs holiday party this year?”
“Oh,” Scarlett says, while looking at her feet. “I don’t think so.”
I’ve taken Scarlett as my date for various work events in thepast, but this is the first time I’m taking a girlfriend instead. I’m looking forward to going with Annie, although I’ll miss having my sister there.
“You should go with Calvin,” Goldie suggests.
Scarlett says nothing in return.
