The Devil With A Deal:>>Ep4

"I suppose," I said, "It's a nice thought."

"Right?" Brian gave me a hearty slap on the shoulder. It felt like getting shoved by a gorilla. "We get married and we get locked into who we are. Who we think that's how it should be. But the truth is, you can have everything you want. Trust me, Kate's feeling the same thing. Even if she isn't willing to say it. You just have to be willing to take risks. Are you willing to do that, Andy? Take a risk to get what you truly want?"

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean," I said, cagey.

"I'm talking about a party, man!" Brian said, and he threw back his head and laughed. "Going out, having a good time, the whole thing. Vanessa and I both think you two would have an amazing time. It would mean a lot to us if you showed." I knew my answer was 'no.' But I couldn't form the word in front of Brian. I was weirdly anxious about disappointing him. So, instead, I deftly deflected. I told him that I had to talk to Kate first, knowing that my wife would decline for me. Problem solved.

*

That night, as we ate takeout Chinese over the kitchen table, I told Kate about Brian's invitation. I relayed what he had told me -- how he liked us both and wanted us to come to their place. I stayed mum about the other things he'd said about marriage and change. I guess because I still wasn't sure I understood what he meant.

I expected Kate to flat out refuse, but instead, she put down her chopsticks and paused, lost in thought.

"I do like them," Kate said, finally, "Vanessa's so glamorous and amazing. And Brian's so good... I mean, such a good guy."

"So, you want to go?" I asked, my mind scrambling with surprise.

"Do you?"

like them, and I guess it could

deep sigh, then said, "I don't think we should."

was upside down again. Tara? What did Kate's younger sister

whole thing with Jesse," Kate said, "I think a night

other possibilities out there?" I asked, "Be inspired by what's

It wasn't like her to be so sneaky and

actually considering going to this?" I

think so?" Kate said. She seemed to be rolling the idea around in her mind. Seeing how it bounced and settled. "See what Brian

happen. When I texted Brian about bringing one more, he wrote back a simple, "Can't

destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next

somehow, we'd agreed to go to a party that weekend. I spent the rest of the week feeling like something was growing in my stomach. I told myself it was anticipation. Excitement.

*

on a very cute red and white polka dot dress that showed off her figure. It wasn't tight, but it flared nicely at her chest and hips, accentuating her perfect,

where I was sitting on the bed. "What?" she asked, smoothing her dress

at herself, dubious. "I'm not all that," she

mean, you're amazing." "That's sweet of you to say, honey," Kate said, "But it seems to me that all the

we skip the party," I said, "Stay here." I was only half-joking. Staying in the

of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit

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