Page 83 of Just for Fun
I have no idea what to say. First, Kyle made himself at home here, then, he befriended my brother, who is not showing any signs of wanting to leave, and now, his friends are apparently stopping by.
“They’re not coming in,” he adds when I don’t respond.
“T-that’s fine.” Owen eyes me funny because I am acting weird about it. “No problem, I promise.”
“Okay, man, I’ll text you her address,” he tells to whoever he’s got on the phone.
He hangs up and claps his hands together before looking at me.
“I’m gonna go sit outside and wait for them.” He doesn’t wait for me to say anything and just walks out.
Owen eyes me thoughtfully. “He didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that. I hope you know that.”
I smile at my brother, grateful that he understands me so well. I’ve always been weird like this about people I don’t know coming to my house.
“I’m really trying,” I tell him.
“Then you must really like him,” he concludes.
The engine of a car pulling into my driveway distracts me from confirming or denying his statement.
“I’m going to go say hi to these people.”
I almost can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth, and Owen is just as surprised. He just nods and pulls his phone out, tapping on it while he waits for us to come back in.
When I step outside, I am surprised to find a couple on my doorsteps. As soon as I come into view, they all stop talking.
“Zara!” Kyle hooks an elbow around my neck and pulls me into him. “Meet my friend Ray.” He points to the make. “And his soon-to-be lovely wife, Hayden.”
The woman is overly enthusiastic when she shakes my hand.
“Oh my goodness,” she gasps. “You are real!”
I look up at Kyle, hoping that he can give me a hint of what this is about.
“Is this your plus one to the wedding?” she asks him.
Kyle puffs his chest with pride. “Sure is. Isn’t she great?”
Hayden, who is still holding on to my hand, gives it a little squeeze. “Thank you,” she says while staring into my eyes. “I am so grateful. And relieved,” she giggles.
Ray pulls her back a little. “Okay, you’re way to excited about this.”
I stare at both of them, amazed by how beautiful they both are. Hayden also has this air of someone who is used to the finest things. She is effortlessly elegant in her moves, very graceful and well mannered.
“Thank you for letting us stop by,” she tells me. “We got a gift for someone, and we can’t go home with it, or it won’t be a surprise anymore. This is really helpful.”
She then turns to look at Kyle. “Please don’t get drunk and decide to get all the gear out.”
Curiosity gets the best of me. “What kind of gear is it?”
“Hockey,” Ray speaks this time. “My father’s girlfriend has a son who plays hockey. I got him a new bag with some new sticks and stuff like that.”
I nod along, but otherwise, I’m not sure how else to participate in the conversation. Awkwardness threatens to choke me, and I wish I never came outside to meet these people.
“Uh, I have to go back in,” I tell them. “It was very nice meeting you both.”
“You as well.” Hayden steps forward and pulls me into a hug. “I’ll see you at the wedding in a couple of weeks. It will be amazing! Everyone is going to be there. We’re a big group of fun!”
