“Nope. He’s not interested,” Freya’s mom says on speakerphone.
“We could come into the city, go somewhere different,” Freya encourages.
I glance over, taking her in as she rests her head back and closes her eyes for a beat.
“I tried. He just wants a night at home with your cooking.”
Freya inhales a deep breath. “Okay,” she says. “His birthday, his rules.”
“Do you know what would really make his day?” Amanda says.
“No, what?”
“Do you think there is any chance Cole could come?”
Silence fills the car.
“I’m…um…I’m sure he’s probably too busy for that, Mom,” Freya stutters, trying to cover for me.
“I can be there,” I confirm, alerting her that I’m listening.
“Oh, gosh. Cole. Hi. I didn’t know that you were here, too.”
“We’re in the car together,” Freya explains. “We’ve been for a walk at Runyon Canyon Park.”
“It was more of a petting zoo experience,” I deadpan.
Freya’s mom laughs knowingly.
“What time would you like us to come tomorrow, Mrs. Price?”
“Please, Cole. Call me Amanda. That depends on our chef, really.”
I glance over at Freya.
“I…um…”
“I’m off tomorrow. It would be an honor to be there to celebrate with you, if you’ll have me.”
More silence follows. The only thing I can hear for a good few seconds is the engine rumbling around me.
“You don’t have to,” Freya says softly.
“I know that,” I assure her. “But I want to.”
“Cole, you are going to make his entire year,” Amanda sings down the line. I can hear the smile and gratitude in her voice.
“It’s nothing, really. It’ll stop me from sitting at home alone.” Amanda laughs as if I’m lying. But Freya glances over, more than aware that it’s true. If she’s gone for the night, there’s every chance that I’ll be watching TV by myself and going to bed early.
“Well, as long as you’re sure. I’d hate to ruin whatever exciting plans you might have.”
“You’re all good, Amanda. I’ll be there.”
I fall quiet as I allow Freya and Amanda to make plans for tomorrow night and the dishes Freya is going to be cooking. By the end of the call, they’ve agreed that we’ll go over late afternoon so Freya can get organized and so that we can surprise Brian when he gets home from work.
“Are you sure about this?” Freya asks the second the call has disconnected.
“Of course, I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t serious.”
