“You won’t admit it, but you do.”
“I hate him.”
“Yeah, inayou’rehotkind of way.”
“You suck as a best friend right now.”
“Wow, Nev. That cuts me deep.” She places a hand on her chest and acts hurt. “Hate sex is fantastic, and you’ll thank me later.”
“Do you hear yourself? You’re encouraging me to fuck a race car driver.”
“Wow, what is wrong with me? It must be the margaritas.” She laughs, knowing damn well she fucksoneevery night. Mitch is oneof the driverson our team, and it was love at first sight with those two. She ignored all my warnings and went for exactly who I told her not to.
But I must admit they are too adorable together. “Wouldn’t it bea bittaboo to have sex with oneof the driversI work with, yes?”
“Eh, it’s allsmall details. So what’s for dinner on Saturday?”
I laugh to myself, amused by my friend. How carefree she is, handling everything that comes her way in stride. Why does my world feel like it needs to be so perfect when Mel’s already is? Can’t mine just be? Can’t I just be?
“No idea. Hopefully not fish again.”
Mel wrinkles her nose. “You know how I feel about seafood. I hope it's not on the menu.”
“I’ll drop Mom a hint. She and Dad have been experimenting with new foods, and they’ve been on a kick with the ocean variety. Give me a delicious white fish or salmon any day. Butsome of theother stuff? No thanks.” I grimace as I think about last week’s meal. Many people like oysters, but for me, I can’t get past the texture. I ended up eating bread.
“She should take suggestions or have one week kids’ choice or something. I don’t know, freshen it up. Your family dinners have been happening since the nineties, girl. Let’s liven up this party.”
“Good luck. You know how much my parentsdon’ttreasure tradition.”
“It’s still a tradition. But with a spin.”
“I like the idea. My first vote is lasagna.”
“Ohh,that’s a good one with some toasted garlic bread, mmm.” Mel licks her lips.
We finish our drinks and call it a night. Mel promises to be over bright and early onSaturday, which for her means not before noon.
* * *
“Smellslike I’ve died and gone to Italian heaven,” Mel announces as she walks through my parents’ entryway. Their small but comfortable home, where they moved a few years ago after downgrading, is warm and inviting.
Following Mel into the kitchen, I find my mom busy at the stove while my dad and brother sit at the table. “Oh Mel, so nice to see you.” My mom greets us when she sees us, pulling me in for a tight hug. “My sweet girl, how ya been?”
My dad’s next to us a second later with his welcoming smile. “Afternoon ladies, would either of you like a drink?”
Alwaysthe polite one, mydad smiles and fetches two wineglasses, knowing exactly what we’ll ask for. Some things never change.
“Wine please,” I answer, and Mel agrees.
“What up, sis? Mel?” AJ waves fromthetable. After my dad hands us our wine, Mel follows me to the table, and we sit.
“Can we help, Mom?” I ask, but she shakes her head.
“No, y'all sit there and catch up. Dinner’s almost done.”
We shoot the shit for a bit, but when I see my mom getting ready to serve, I stand and help her, passing out food and bread.
After my mom says grace, we sit and digin,the lasagna better than I remember.