Page 97 of Is This for Real?
"Why don't they meet at an amusement park? They can crash into each other at the bumper cars ride," I say.
"I like that," Rory says, glancing at me. "That's pretty brilliant." He reaches over to hold my hand, his other hand steering.
“I really liked everybody.”
“Me, too,” Rory says. “I feel like we should vacation with those guys.”
As if we are going to be a long-term couple. I smile, looking out the window at the passing greenery. I think we will be.
Chapter thirty-six
It’sWednesday,andIjoin Rory on his big, gray, overstuffed couch. We’re watchingCasablancato plan his annual Halloween party this Saturday.
“That Secret Cinema gift.” He kisses the top of my head. “It was—it just showed me how well you know me. It was so much fun.”
“So much fun. I wish we had Secret Cinema in New York.” I look down at my notes. “What about the map of Africa for the invite?”
He nods. “We need fez hats.”
“On it.” I google fez hats and find them discounted at an online party store. “I think five should be enough. For those who don’t have costumes.”
“But maybe we need some for the bartenders? Let me email Pat and see if he’s up for creating his own costume or wants one.”
“His rock star costume last year was great.” I had also appreciated Rory’s rock star costume last year, from afar. He’d worn a shirt open practically to the waist and tight pants.
“And then we need baskets for the chips and snacks,” I say.
“Yes, do you think we can make a light that swings around? I have the seventies’ disco ball from the rock star party.”
“We need to add arches to the room so we give it more of the feel of Rick’s Café American.”
Rory adds that to the list. I work on the playlist, adding “La Marseillaise,” “It Had to Be You,” “Perfidia,” and “As Time Goes By.” We’ll play those for the cocktail party and then move into the dance party later.
“My mom is extending her trip to stay for a month,” Rory says.
Another one of his mom’s paintings hangs on the wall behind the dining room table. It’s an abstract portrait of their family set against a deep-blue background, evocative of the ocean, but you can still recognize Rory’s wavy hair, his mom’s arm around him, his dad’s arm around her.
“Is your dad going as well?”
“No. She’s going to be working. And he has several patients at a critical juncture right now. He said he might fly over to visit for a weekend when she’s free. I don’t think they’ve ever been separated this long before.”
We watch the final scene where Renault and Rick walk off into the fog.
Rory brings out a pint of Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk. We take turns eating out of the carton but end up fighting over the white chocolate pieces. The party planning is interrupted as we wrestle—and more. He lets me have the last piece of white chocolate.
“How can we create those arches?” he asks.
“Sheets,” I say. “We can use sheets; it will also give it an Arabian tent feel.”
And then we create the guest list. We add Aaron and Dan, Jack and Nia, and Tom and Ann. Callie’s on it. I can’t object, but I can’t help wishing that she wasn’t.
“Do you want to invite Jamie?” he asks.
“It’s not necessary.”
“I think he’s come in past years when he’s been here. We should invite him. I’m not worried.”
“And you shouldn’t be.” I lean back against the couch pillows and put my legs over his.
