Evening of Fun

Wyatt lights a match and lets the flame take to the charcoal in his grill. “Yeah, it’ll be just a little while before this is ready for the burgers.”

Laura sets the ketchup and mustard on the picnic table, looking around the small back patio and yard at the others. About ten people where there, but one was still missing. “So is Jason coming or what?”

“He said he was.”

Laura rolls her eyes. “Would you believe I haven’t even talked to him since he got back? He’s just hibernated in his office – the dweeb didn’t even come say hi to me once. And every time I went to see him, he either had his door locked, was in a meeting, or had already left for the day.”

Wyatt grins as he puts the matches away. “I wouldn’t take it personally.”

“Oh, of course not. He’s probably swamped since getting back – I wouldn’t want to go around talking to everyone either, and I know he hasn’t purposely avoided me.” Laura plops down on the picnic table bench. “Guess I’m just on the verge of being peeved at him.” She lets a sly smile escape. “If he doesn’t show up tonight, he’s going to get it from me tomorrow one way or the other.”



Jason glances in the mirror, running a hand through his wet hair, annoyed with his inability to tame it. He opens his closet and after several moments of searching, he rolls his eyes. He was going to a cookout at Wyatt’s not a fancy restaurant. Why on earth would he be having trouble choosing what to wear? The reason wants to surface, but he doesn’t allow it to. He was being illogical.

Finally he reaches in to grab an old t-shirt, ignoring his dissatisfaction. He sits down to lace up his black boots, and straps his knee brace on again. He looked like he belonged to the garbage pick-up crew. Sighing, he stands up to grab his wallet and stuff it in his back pocket. He’d hung around here long enough.

Heading out the door, his eyes glance over the wall calendar. He stops for just a moment, caught up in a brief memory. He’d turned twenty-one last week…it was twelve years ago today that he’d been separated from his mother at that mall…

Shoving further thoughts to the back of his mind, he exits the house, locking the door behind him.


...As Jason pulls up in front of Wyatt’s house, he can see that he’s the last one to arrive. Glancing at the clock, he notes that he’s about half an hour late. Was it intentional? He wasn’t sure. Laura would be here…of that he was glad. He’d been wanting to see her again, but just hadn’t had an opportune time, wanting more than just a casual greeting after how much time had passed. Katie would be here too…again, a queer feeling hits him that he hadn’t expected.


Wyatt looks up from the grilling hamburgers and sees the shiny black 4-wheel-drive pickup pull up to the curb. “Hey, look who decided to show up.”

Laura gets up from her seat to see. “Well it’s about time!”


Jason sets his sunglasses up on his head and stuffs the keys in his pocket, shutting the pickup door.

The sound reverberates into the yard, and Trooper, who was gnawing on a chew toy, looks up expectantly. He cocks his head for a moment, then lets out what could almost be interpreted as a hopeful woof.

Jason stops in the driveway, a grin creasing his lips. He sets his hands on his hips and lets a quiet whistle sing through his teeth.

Trooper is on his feet in an instant. Hitting the end of his chain, he begins to bark, pulling at the restriction. Before Wyatt can get to him to let him loose, the massive dog gives one last charge, snapping the ring from his collar. In five strides he’s across the lawn, taking the fence in one leap. Skidding to a halt in front of Jason, he raises himself up on his hind legs. Despite Jason’s height, Trooper’s front paws almost reach his shoulders.

Jason has to take a step backward to keep his balance, receiving slobbery kisses to his face. Laughing, he scratches behind Troopers ears, and gives his neck and back a good rubbing. “Hey monster, you big oaf. You know you’re not supposed to jump up.”

Trooper drops back to the ground, his whole body wiggling with excitement as he dances circles around his returned master.

“Alright, alright, settle down.” Jason lays a hand on the dog’s head and Trooper immediately sits. “Now behave or I’ll have to take you home early.”

“I’ve been trying to get that stupid dog to sit down for me for weeks!” Wyatt yells across the yard.

Jason laughs and opens the narrow gate, letting himself and Trooper in. “Sorry I’m late.”

“You’re just in time. Hamburgers are about ready.”

As Jason approaches, Laura stops mid-chew on a carrot, her eyes widening. “Dang, Jason! What did you do to yourself?”

He lifts his eyebrows in bewilderment at the strange greeting. “What?”

Laura’s tone includes a mischievous note, though genuineness rules. “If I thought I had a chance with you – mm, mmm!”

Taken completely off guard, in a rare moment, Jason’s face turns a shade of red. He can see his other friends nearby, and out of the corner of his eye, he can see Katie. He doesn’t even know how to respond, more embarrassed than flattered by the strangely executed compliment.

Having expected the usual cocky response in return to embellish the topic, it takes Laura a few seconds to realize that Jason really was embarrassed. She tries to make up for it, though now feels slightly awkward herself. The Jason she knew would have taken advantage of this situation, not be embarrassed by it. “Sorry, Jase.” She throws him a grin. “Welcome home.”

Jason suppresses the strange feeling in his gut in order to return the grin. “Hi.” He reaches out an arm, gesturing for her to come receive the hug she’s been waiting for.

Smiling, Laura embraces him warmly. “It’s so good to see you. Now the only one missing is Con.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, he’s doing fine.”

Laura stands back, though keeps her hands on Jason’s arms. “That’s what he tells me over the phone, but you know me – I always worry about him.”

“Well stop it.” Starting to relax, Jason winks at her. “Rumor has it he wants to come for a visit soon.”

As Wyatt announces the hamburgers are ready, and the others crowd around, Jason’s gaze makes its way to Katie. He gives her a small nod, acknowledging her presence, but keeping a safe distance, unsure if she wants to interact.

The evening is a lively one, with laughter and chatter going late into the evening. One by one, friends make their ways home, and soon all that are left are Wyatt, Katie, Laura, Jason and Ty.
Wyatt initiates a move into the house out of the chilly evening air, and after a quick vote on games, he finds Scrabble in the closet, setting it out on the table. “Alright, y’all. Prepare to die.”

Jason leans forward, taking the lid off the box. “If my memory serves me correctly, I’m one up on you.”

Wyatt leans over closer to Katie, lowering his voice even though everyone can hear him. “Watch him – he likes to cheat.”

Jason’s eyes narrow in humorous defiance. Before he thinks, the next words fly out. “You better watch it yourself. That girl you’re sitting next to will probably beat all of us hands down.”

Ty stiffens in his seat as he sees the others preparing to play. As he’s handed a stand for the alphabetical tiles, he waves it away. “I think I’ll just watch.”

“Oh, come on,” Laura prompts. “It’s more fun with more players.”

“No…no, I’ve never played.”

“Well we’ll teach you.” Laura points to the board. “It’s just all about putting words together. It really is easy.”

Ty shakes his head, heat creeping up the back of his neck. “Um, no, if it’s all the same, I’ll watch you guys play.”

Laura rolls her eyes. “Party pooper! Come on. Just one round.”

Ty’s face grows red and he shakes his head again, crossing his arms, his body language stating that he wants no part of it. “Thanks…no.” Few could catch the glimmer in his eye that resembled a strange panic. He scoots just a little further from the table, emphasizing his decision.