Page 12 of Written in the Stars

“I’m just in a good mood, I swear.”

Again, he gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me, but as he swallows another sip of his drink, his eyes light up and he says, “Oh! Speaking of being in a good mood, I almost forgot.”

I pick up the second half of my sandwich and say, “What’s up?” and then bite down.

He smacks his hands together. “Next Friday night is Valerie’s birthday.”

I nod. “Oh yeah? That’s cool, man. Are you guys doing anything?”

He smiles widely.

Oh, shit. He’s up to something, I can already tell.

“We are actually. We’re having a get together at our place to celebrate. Drinks, food, music, friends… girls.”

Ah. There is it.

“I see,” I say, looking away.

He reaches across the table and grabs my sleeve. “No, no. You don’t get to do that. You’re coming.”

I look back at him. “What?”

Matt nods. “Yeah, you’re invited. I want you to be there, and Valerie does, too. It’ll be fun.”

I take a moment to consider his words. “Aren’t we on schedule for next Friday?” I know we aren’t, but this comment buys me some time.

He smirks, tilting his head. “You know damn well we aren’t.”

I chuckle softly. “Okay.”

“Good!”

I furrow my brows. “Huh? You lost me.”

He laughs maliciously. “You said okay. Party starts at eight.” He rises from his seat with his sandwich wrapper and empty bottle of Gatorade in his hand as he walks over to the garbage can in the corner. “I’ll let Valerie know you’re coming.”

I shake my head but know it’s fruitless. When I said okay, I was commenting on knowing we’re not on schedule to be at the firehouse. Not okay, as in I was agreeing to go to the party.

But I guess I should go. Matt is my best friend and Valerie means so much to him.

Matt throws his trash out and then walks back over to me, slapping a hand on my shoulder. “Plus, you’ve got to be there. That’s the night I’ll be proposing to her, and then I’ll announce you as my best man if you agree.”

Wow, that’s the night he’s going to propose, and he’s asking me to be his best man. Now I have to be there no matter what.

“Of course I agree, Matt.”

He smiles. “Cool. I’ll be right back.” He spins around and makes his way toward the front entrance.

I chuckle. “Where are you going?”

Matt spins around, showcasing the widest grin I’ve ever seen. “I’m going to call Valerie and tell her we’re having a birthday party for her next week.” He laughs and heads out the door and as he does, I realize that this was never planned and he just made the whole thing up to get me to go.

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