I told my wife that Lily and I were going to be out of the house the whole day, doing something extra special for the holiday. However, I shared that I’d ring up the babysitter and leave Lily with her while I went out to see my parents.
She knew not to expect me back until much later.
I made dinner and let Lily help with setting the table. I made a three-course meal that included chicken cordon bleu, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots. I poured wine. I lit candles.
At 6:07 p.m., there was a knock.
I took a deep breath, opened the door, and nearly dropped the serving tray!
Adam.
That was my “so-called” best friend since college. He was my best man, my fishing buddy, and my daughter’s “Uncle Adam.”
He arrived wearing a button-down shirt and khakis, like he was headed to brunch. He looked me in the eye and flinched.
“Hey… bro. Wow, didn’t know you’d be home. What a—what a surprise!”
Behind him, Jess was walking up the path. She stopped mid-step, her mouth parting in horror.
“Danny?!” she said. “What are you—?”
I opened the door wider with a smile I had to force through my teeth.
“Come on in, buddy! My best friend! We were just about to eat.”
His face drained of color. Jess looked like she was about to collapse. I stepped aside, gesturing toward the table like a game show host.
“Dinner’s hot. Don’t want to let it go cold.”
They followed me in.
Lily was already at the table, kicking her legs under the chair, excited beyond measure for what she called “the best surprise ever!”
“I told him it’d be fun!” she chirped, spooning potatoes onto her plate like it was Christmas.
Adam sat down stiffly, obviously sweating. Jess avoided my gaze as she took her seat. I poured wine for everyone, filling Adam’s glass to the brim.
“So,” I began, sitting across from him. “Been a while. You been busy?”
“Yeah,” he said, voice catching. “Work’s been nuts.”
I nodded slowly, swirling my wine.
“Sure. Not too busy to visit though, huh?”
He stiffened. Jess looked like she wanted to vanish.
“What does that mean?” Adam asked.
“Oh, nothing. Just heard you’ve been around. Brought chocolates. Had some dinners. Did some bonding.”
