Sudden Chance

Keep it Classy

When Rose finally releases me from the hug I shut the door behind us as she sets her overloaded tote bag onto the coffee table.

She starts pulling out items as she talks, "So I didn't know what was wrong yet so I just brought everything I can think of. Ibuprofen, pads, wine, weed, tequila, board game, cards, the softest blanket I have ever found, face masks, the complete collection of star wars movies, and most importantly, snacks!" she tips over the bag and a small mountain of snacks piles onto the table and floor. We both stare at the mess before she mutters, "That went a lot better in my head." She shrugs before looking at me, "What can I do to help?"

"So I take it you don't know about the article either." I sigh and collapse back on the couch next to her helping her pick up all the stray snacks.

Article?" Rose asks.

"Yep, apparently I'm trending on twitter." I pass her my phone with the article pulled up.

It doesn't take her long to read it. "Oh Evie. I'm so sorry. How did this happen?"

"Well, let me grab some glasses for the wine and I will tell you how my morning went."

"Wait." Rose rummages in her purse and pulls out two mugs and bottle opener a big grin on her face, "I came prepared."

I recount the events of the day as we drink the bottle. By the time we empty our last glass I'm completely caught up. "And then you showed up and we are here." I gesture to the pile of blankets we have over our laps on the couch.

"I should have brought more than one bottle." Rose says and we both start laughing.

"I have the good shit in the pantry. I keep being gifted wine even though I rarely drink." I lean back, "What am I going to do Rose? I mean I'm not fired but you know it wasn't just coffee like I said. And what happens when Jimmi sees everything about my past. It's not the full story but it doesn't make me look good. I mean it wasn't a good time in my life, but I didn't want to have to lead with that. What if this just scares him off, oh god Rose what if he is angry?"

"Do you know when statements will be released to the press?" Rose asks.

I shake my head, "Probably sometime tomorrow. With a story this big, the firm will have to have a meeting and determine what they want to say."

"And they won't consult you for input? It's about you." Rose asks while petting Kitters who had been on her lap since the cat realized she was here.

I shake my head, "Nope. This will be about damage control for the firm not for me."

"What about your dad? He own the firm. I know you hate using his status but there has to be something he can do." Rose knits her brows as she thinks.

"He is already going to be doing what he can but it's a whole board of people, not just him." I scroll through my phone as I talk when I stop on a twitter thread about the article. Most of the comments are very harsh and judgmental. I feel queasy and Rose must be able to tell because she snatches the phone out of my hand and frowns when she sees what I was reading.

"Alright, I normally don't tell you what to do but I am right now. No more phone tonight. These comments are horrible and wrong so we aren't even going to deal with them." She locks my phone and tosses it onto a chair to her side. "The world can wait, Star Wars cannot." She holds up the first movie and I relent with a smile.

Four movies later we are both buzzed and very high. The events of the morning pushed aside for the fun of the moment. Rose's phone rings and I already know it's John. Rose looks to me and I nod giving her the okay before she picks up the call walking into the kitchen. I glance over at my phone on the armchair but resist the urge to pick it up, instead I start setting up the next movie and open up a bag of twizzlers.

Rose sticks her head out of the kitchen, "You hungry? John offered to bring us food."

"You know I am. Does he want to join us once he gets here?" I ask.

"Uh I'll find out." Rose disappears for a moment again before coming back out to the living room, this time off of the phone.

"He won't be here until the end of this movie but he can join us after with food." Rose hesitates, "Are you okay with more than just me here? You don't have to force yourself to include John, he understands."

"Rose it's fine, I promise. I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't okay with it. Besides I've kept you to myself all day. I don't think John would know what to do with himself if I kept you all night too." I snicker at my hidden dirty joke. Rose knows what I'm referencing as well and chucks a pillow at me laughing,

"Oh my god Evie, you're horrible sometimes." She and I are both laughing and once we settle down we start the next movie but end up chatting through most of it.

There is only ten minutes left of the movie when we hear a knock on the door, quickly followed by a muffled. "Evie, it's John."

Rose beats me to getting up and let's John in who is carrying a small mountain of casserole dishes.

"Oh my gosh John, I thought you were going to get Pizza not cook something." I feel bad but the smell of the food and my rumbling stomach quickly make any guilt vanish.

"Well you deserved something nice, and it's one of your favorites. I kept it classy, elegant. Like you two." John winks at us both, "Steak, potatoes, green beans, corn, and salad. Oh and because I'm the best soon to be husband of your best friend, chocolate Bundt cake." Johns smile is warm and sincere.

"Why don't we all eat in here while we watch the next movie. I'll go grab plates and whatnot." I begin to get up but I'm interrupted by John.

"Absolutely not missy, you and Rose are going to sit here and finish this movie while I serve everyone." John is adamant and there is no use arguing so I give in.

"Alright, you know where everything is?" I ask.

"I can find it." John calls already in the kitchen.

He serves both Rose and myself before coming back with a plate for himself. Everything smells wonderful and it tastes just as good as it looks and smells.

We all joke about the movie as we watch and eat. It makes everything feel just a bit brighter and warmer. I've messed up and I still have wonderful friends.

It's past midnight by the time we are all starting to wind down. John and Rose offer to stay the night but I send them home with John driving and instructions to let me know when they arrive. I'm exhausted and it doesn't take me long to fall into a dreamless sleep on the couch once I get the text saying that they made it home.