Page 70 of Fun Together
“And your name is?”
“Rett.”
“I like that name. Is it?—”
Rett holds her hand up. “Yes, it’s a nickname. No, I won’t tell you what it’s short for.”
My eyes go straight to Eli, who is trying not to laugh.
We ultimately decide to play Monopoly in teams. Chris jumps at the chance to play with Dani. Cameron asks if Rett would like to be his partner. She looks over me, asking me if it’s okay with her eyes. I shrug my permission, and she agrees to be his teammate as long as he’s fine with making all the decisions.
Eli moves to sit next to me on the floor. “Looks like it’s you and me. What piece should we choose?”
It’s a little disappointing that Chris and Cameron didn’t even glance in my direction when we were determining teams. Who the fuck did I wear these jeans for? “Hmm? Oh, I don’t really care. You pick.”
He picks up the top hat piece and mimics doffing the cap to me. “Ladies first.”
I roll my eyes and try not to smile at his attempt to make me laugh. I wonder if I was a little too obvious about my disappointment. I roll the dice and try to put on a happy face.
We make it about forty-five minutes before everyone loses interest and starts talking amongst themselves. I get up to go to the kitchen to pretend I need another glass of wine, and motion for Eli to follow me.
“What’s your take on this situation?” I gesture to the living room, where Cameron has cornered Rett and Chris has continued in what seems to be a relentless pursuit of Dani.
“Do you have any cookies?” He opens and closes a few cabinet doors, scavenging for sweets.
“Cookies are what you’re worried about right now?”
“I just really could go for something sweet.”
I give him a look that I hope conveys that sweet treats aren’t my concern at the moment.
“I think we need to save Dani.”
He ignores this this asks, “What about Rett?”
I hear Rett say to Cameron, “So do they do the lobotomies on the beach or . . .” and I know she’s fine. She’s completely in her element, fucking with him like that. “She can handle it.”
“Looks like Dani can take care of herself.” He points to where she’s stood up from the couch, making her way over to us.
“I think I need to head out,” she says. “Got a big day tomorrow.”
I give her a hug. “It was nice meeting you. Thank you so much for coming.”
Eli gives her a hug, too. “Want me to walk you out?”
“No, I’m good. Parked right out front.”
I still can’t figure out what’s going on with Eli and Dani. I haven’t had a chance to get any details from him. But they didn’t arrive together, and now he’s not even walking her to her car.
Chris looks around, like he’s trying to decide who to talk to now. I guess this is my chance to go over and talk to him, but that prospect sounds exhausting at this point.
I catch Rett’s eye, and she must see something on my face that makes her spring into action. She gets up and when Cameron moves to stand, she turns to him and says, “No, you stay.” Cameron shrugs and takes Dani’s spot on the couch next to Chris.
“Did you just command him to stay?” Eli asks, laughing.
She sighs. “Too bad he doesn’t know the command for ‘be quiet.’ I can’t listen to him talk for another two seconds.” She jabs a thumb in my direction. “What’s wrong with her?”
He looks down at me. “I think she’s disappointed.”
