I decided to change the subject. “What time is it?”
“It’s almost nine. I should be going.” The woman scowled at her watch, like she was irritated at the time.
“It was nice to meet you.” I passed my plate back to Greg.
“You too. Please do call me if you have any more questions.” She shook my hand, then pulled a card from her pocket and passed it to me. “This is my work number, but it’s probably the best way to get hold of me.”
“I absolutely will. Thank you.”
After a few more pleasantries, Ashley’s co-worker left us to search for her husband.
As soon as she was out of the room, Greg tugged lightly on my elbow. “Did she say her kids’ names are Penis and Vagina?”
Kat coughed, her eyes bulging. Luckily she hadn’t been drinking her red wine as he spoke. Kat was known for her spit-takes.
Sandra smirked, not even trying to suppress a goofy chuckle.
I whipped my head back and whispered to Greg harshly, “No! It’s Enis and Ragina. Their names are Enis and Ragina.”
“Sorry,” he shook his head, leaning away, shrugging, and not looking sorry, “I’m still hearing Penis and Vagina.”
I lifted an eyebrow at this. “I think those are your two favorite words. It’s the only explanation for why you’re constantly saying them out loud.”
“Or maybe,” Greg’s eyes widened to their maximum diameter and he adopted his mock serious face, “they are my favorite words, which is why I constantly want you to say them out loud.”
I laughed at his likely theory. He pushed my untouched plate back into my hands. I accepted it distractedly, picked up a baby carrot and took a bite. It tasted like sawdust. I put it back on the plate and surveyed what was left of the party.
We had the weather channel on in the background, and when the meteorologist announced things were going to get worse before midnight, most of Ashley’s work friends had left. We hadn’t yet served the cake.
“Poor Quinn.”
I glanced at my husband, and found him shaking his head mournfully.
“Why poor Quinn?” Kat asked.
“Dan still has his crush on Nico, and Quinn isn’t here to defend his bromance.”
I snorted because this was true. Dan had a bit of a crush on Nico. But then, we all did.
As though reading my thoughts, Sandra mock-whispered, “We all have a crush on Nico. Even you, Greg.”
He didn’t deny it; instead, opting to say, “I’m going to start a rumor that Dan and Nico bought tickets to the Cubs opening game, they’re going together, and are hoping to get on the kiss-cam.”
I clicked my tongue in mild disapproval. “You are a gossip, Greg Archer.”
“Yes. I am. Annoyingly, Alex is worthless at spreading rumors because he’s smitten with Drew.”
“And you’re smitten with no one,” I stated.
“Untrue. I’m smitten with you.”
This earned him an appreciative grin; I lifted my chin. “Well played, husband. Well played.”
Looking remarkably satisfied with himself, Greg bent and gave me a kiss on my cheek, whispering, “How much longer are you looking to stay?”
My heart sank. I wasn’t ready to leave yet. My attention shifted to Sandra and Kat and then back to Greg.
Kat cleared her throat and touched Sandra’s arm. “Come on, Sandra. Help me get another drink.” She turned to us and asked, “Can I get either of you anything?”
“No thanks, Kat,” I answered for both of us, thankful we would have a moment of privacy.
I was torn. On one hand, Ashley was a good friend. She was leaving for good. This was one of the last times I would see her in person, unless it was a special occasion or a vacation. I was going to miss her, having her here.
On the other hand, I hadn’t seen Greg—if you don’t count Skype calls, which I didn’t—since the end of December. His surprise visit was a gift and I couldn’t help feeling like I was being selfish, squandering our time together.
When Kat and Sandra were out of earshot I turned to Greg, “Do you mind if we stay another hour?”
“Not at all,” he said, openly studying me. I didn’t believe him. Something about the way he was looking at me said differently.
“I know you enjoy Alex’s company, but you’ve barely talked to him tonight.” He needed to mingle. Greg had been orbiting or hovering over me for most of the night.
“They’re trying to talk me into a camping and fishing trip over the summer. Drew says I should bring the kids.”
“Oh! You guys should go.”
Greg pressed his lips together in a flat line. “I can’t. I’ll still be on assignment.”
I contemplated his statement for a long moment. It seemed terribly unfair to Grace and Jack. They shouldn’t miss out on a camping and fishing trip because Greg was going to be gone.
So I spoke and thought at the same time, “Maybe I’ll go. Maybe I’ll take the kids and we’ll go.”
My statement surprised him; but his surprise morphed into an unhappy glare before he could disguise it. He straightened and, sounding like he was fighting to keep his voice even, said, “Absolutely. I mean, why not?”