"I need to get ready for tonight. Theo, were you planning on coming by?" I've put him on the spot, something I would have done prior to our misdeeds.
"Were you expecting me there?" His response is typical, like we are two indecisive adults who can't choose an emotion and stick with it for a day.
But he also putsmeon the spot, making me disclose my objective.
"I mean…if you have other things to do, you don't have to."
"He's going," Molly decides for him.
"Great, sounds like I'll see you all there."
Idrivealoneandpark two blocks away due to the craziness of full parking lots. When I walk up to the entrance, I feel like a celebrity attending a movie premier.
I'm curious if Benny and Amelia planned for this many people. The insanity and rush of excitement truly feels like an Oscar red carpet moment. There might not be any seats left, not that I planned on watching the movie from start to finish. I'm here for support.
It costs $2 to enter, an inexpensive excuse to see the woman I'm pining after.
The back of the building looks like it was transformed into a brand-new venue. There are comfy chairs and a mini bar set up, with a huge screen projecting the movie.
My mom and Bruce are snuggling together as they watch. Everyone is enthralled and laughing, and those who needed an excuse to drink have the chance to do so stage right. A group of adults are gathered in a cluster as they sip on Hawaiian drinks.
I'm so proud of her for pulling this off. This isn't even her area of expertise and she still did a fantastic job.
Benny materializes from the shadows and pulls me into the back of the coffee shop. "You made it."
"You have a great turnout. Did you plan for all these people?"
"Yes and no. We're making it work. I'm a vulture watching everyone to make sure they don't put so much as a baby toe in that sand with their drink. That will get us fined for sure. Can I grab you anything? I can even make you some coffee?"
"I'm okay, I was seeing if Amelia was around…"
And speak of the devil, she enters the same door we came from and has a look of surprise.
"Wow, you came."
We exchange an awkward hug that resembles one divorced parents would give in front of their kids.
"You can do better than that," Benny encourages.
Before Amelia can offer me a better embrace, someone comes crashing through the same back door.
"We're almost out of vodka!" he frets, and I think it's Benny's husband, Chase. I saw him at the pool party.
Amelia gasps. "I am so glad I planned for this."
She goes into the fridge and pulls out two bottles that were hidden in the bottom shelf.
"You are always prepared. No wonder Benny loves you." He gives Amelia a quick kiss on the cheek before he disappears again.
"Pretty sure the cost of entry has already paid off the rentals. We're doing really well," Benny says.
I can tell he cares about Amelia, and I wonder if he's in the same scenario her dad and I are sitting in: we don't want her moving back to LA.
"I'll give you two a minute." He winks at me and leaves out the same door.
"How are you?" I ask, unsure where we left off.
The back and forth can be fun, but it's also exhausting trying to remember if we're pretending to hate each other or are getting along in secret.
