“What’s good?” I asked.
She came out from behind the table and gave me a hug and kiss.
“I am,” she teased.
“Can’t disagree with that. You know, I’m going to miss you. Who are we going to get to throw our parties when you’re off at college?” I complained.
“When do you leave for Cuba?” she asked to change the subject.
“Tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”
“I hear Cassidy Hope’s going with you. Is there something there?”
“Cassidy and I are friends. She’s actually going to work. She wants to be a trainer and learn about personal security. It’s possible she’ll take the fun out of the trip by working my butt off,” I admitted.
“I wish I was going.”
“Hey, I got you something,” I said as I fished into my pocket.
I’d bought gift certificates from Greg for massages, and I also had invitations to the restaurant’s grand opening. I handed one of each to Mona.
“Cool. Do you have more?” she asked.
“Yes, but I want to hand them out.”
“Just give them to me. I’ll make sure everyone gets one. I’ll put them away so they don’t lose them tonight,” Mona reasoned.
That sounded suspicious. I looked at her askance.
“I promise,” she said with a smile.
“Just make sure they know it’s from me,” I said.
She had Dewar’s scotch, and I knew my dad drank that, so I had her pour me one over the rocks with just a splash of water. I knew with scotch, I would sip it slowly and stay sober. If I drank beer, I would end up drinking more than I wanted to tonight.
I ran into Yuri and Jan next.
“You have everyone organized for the summer?” I asked.
“Johan and I have it all worked out. With you, Tim, and Wolf leaving us, Coach Hope asked the two of us to lead them,” Yuri said.
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” Jan said.
I noticed she had a Mountain Dew. They really were good for each other.
“You ready to start work?” I asked Jan.
“You’re going to miss the grand opening. From what I’ve seen so far, I think it’ll go well. I might end up gaining weight, though.”
“Why’s that?” I asked.
“We get a discount to eat there, and the cooks have been practicing on us. I’ve yet to find something I don’t like,” Jan explained.
Yuri got pulled away.
“I wanted to thank you,” Jan said.
“Why?” I asked.
“At the King game, I threw myself at you, and you turned me down. At the time, I thought you were the biggest jerk, but then you helped me, even though I’d been a bitch. And then you said that I was ‘one of us,’” she said, waving her hand around to include everyone. “That made me realize that I wasn’t as alone as I thought I was. I’d never told anyone about my family. If it weren’t for your uncle and Yuri’s grandmother, I hate to think about how things might’ve turned out.”
I gave her a hug.
“Is living with Yuri working out?” I asked.
She laughed.
“He thinks he’s in charge. His grandmother taught me it was important to let men think they’re in control.”
She stopped for a moment, looking perplexed.
“And the truth is, I really
TMI!
“If you ever need anything, let me know. My uncle is also there for you,” I reminded her.
“It’s all good. There’ve been times when I wondered if I made the right decision, but Yuri is really a sweet guy when he isn’t trying to act tough.”
“Good to know.”
“Don’t tease him about it. He looks up to you too much.”
“You’re the boss,” I said, which brought a smile to her face.
Yuri came back, and I wished him luck over the summer. I next found Sammie and Kim.
“Ladies.”
“‘Stupid Boy,’” Sammie said.
“Can you believe that we’re graduating?” Kim asked.
“Talk to Mona. I got you both something,” I said.
“She told us. Did you know that my aunt and uncle are supplying your pies?” Kim asked.
The little diner next to the hospital had the best pies I’d ever had. Someone was smart to have them make desserts for our new restaurant.
“That’s smart. I love to go there for chicken and pie,” I admitted, and suddenly realized I was hungry.
We talked a little longer, but we wanted to talk to other people tonight. I found Jim, who had bailed on his own party.
“Mona told me you got me a massage,” Jim said.
“Hey, Greg has magic fingers. If you don’t want it, give it to your sister,” I said.
“I’m just giving you shit. How many people can I invite to the grand opening?”
“Just call and tell them how many you want to come, and they’ll make it happen,” I said.
“I was thinking about inviting my family.”
“Perfect,” I said. “Speaking of family …”
Jim rolled his eyes.
“My sister’s around here somewhere.”
“Was it ever a problem that we were getting together?” I asked.
“At first, I wasn’t happy, but that was before I found out how she felt about you,” Jim admitted.
“When do you leave for Alabama?” I asked.
“Classes start on May 31st. Mom and Dad are driving me down over Memorial Day weekend. I think they’re looking forward to me moving out.”
“I screwed that up for mine,” I said.
“You think? At least I’m not leaving a little one behind. You always were a trailblazer,” Jim said.
We both got quiet for a minute, lost in thought. I gave my friend a hug.
“I’m off to corrupt your sister,” I teased.
