Annette:Jackson and I want to have you over for dinner on Thursday and it's a party!
Brooke:That's enough exclamation points, lady. You're killing me.
JJ:What distinguishes dinner from a dinner party?
Annette:We're expecting you two at 7 on Thursday!
JJ:Will there be party hats at this dinner party? Is that what carries it over the line into party territory?
Jackson:We'll skip the hats.
Annette:Can't wait to spend time with both of you, together!
JJ:Are gifts exchanged at a dinner party?
Annette:And don't think you can get out of this!
* * *
Brooke:Any chance you have a food and beverage emergency you'll need to handle tomorrow evening?
JJ:Are you trying to get rid of me?
Brooke:I just don't want to do this.
JJ:I'm the last one to willingly break bread with law enforcement considering Lau is a pain in my ass more often than not, but I don't mind your sidekick Annette.
Brooke:I think I'm her sidekick, actually.
JJ:Either way, I'm guaranteed a good meal from her. That's more than I can say for you.
Brooke:Yeah, feeding people isn't one of my gifts or talents.
JJ:Aside from me joining in, how is this different from any other evening you'd spend with them?
Brooke:I'd rather not view it through that lens.
JJ:The logic lens?
Brooke:Call it what you want.
JJ:Should we bring something?
Brooke:How the hell should I know? See, this is how it's different. I've third-wheeled it with them plenty of times and never once worried about sacrificial offerings to the dinner party gods.
JJ:I was thinking more along the lines of a bottle of wine or something, or some flowers. Not so much in the sacrifice lane.
Brooke:Again, call it what you want.
JJ:I can grab a bottle of wine, gin, vodka. Two, even. A combo pack if you want to go wild. I have plenty in the storeroom.
Brooke:No, that's boring. Unimaginative.
JJ:Your confidence in me is inspiring.
Brooke:You don't need any additional confidence. You're doing fine.
JJ:Okay. We won't bring wine.
