“What do you mean?”
“I was given the impression that there would be a little more partying and some single women.”
“Well, this is the suburbs. This is what we do.”
“Is this really what happens? Am I destined for a life of sedate parties with mounds of artichoke dip?” Adam joked good-naturedly.
“You’re funny,” Tracie laughed. “Would you like a drink? I have beer, vodka, scotch, and…”
“How about a vodka and whatever kind of mix you have?”
“You got it,” she said, before returning to the kitchen.
Adam continued to pick at the bread bowl, the homemade quesadillas, and the thawed, chewy shrimp attractively placed on the table. Busily fixing a plate for himself, he hoped he didn’t look as stupid and out of place as he felt. There wasn’t anyone to talk to. Rob was busy talking about work with his work friends, leaving Adam to fend for himself.
“Here you go,” Tracie said, handing Adam the mixed drink. “I hope you like cranberry juice…Excuse me,” Tracie said as her husband summoned her.
Rob finally checked in with Adam, draping his arm around him. “Sorry about this, but you know…it’s that work thing. I swear we’ll be out of here in a half hour.”
“That’s great, but your best friend has been left alone at a couples-only birthday party.”
“Hey, I didn’t want to come here by myself. I’ll make it up to you,” Rob promised. “After we leave, I’ll buy the drinks all night.”
“That’s the least you’re going to do. Look around, Rob. Look at these fucking people. Can they really be so content in this mundane bullshit?” Adam whispered.
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