Rhenna

Fourty-One

           "How's the wine?" Mitch asked.

We were all sitting in the dining room now; waiting on Kelly to bring in the food.

"Bitter". I said honestly.

His cheeks flushed a bright red as a boisterous laugh rumbled out of him. "Bitter, yet sweet".

The bitter didn't agree with my taste buds, and the sweetness didn't mix well with my stomach. That's why I was only sipping on the beverage.

"I have beer in the pantry if you'd rather have that".

"Could you not get him drunk?" Jae asked in a taut tone.

"The fun only begins when someone's sputtering drunken nonsense". Mitch mused.

"What kind of beer?" I cut in.

"The kind in a can".

Beer sounded much better then the wine.

"I'll take some beer".

Mitch's attention then fell on paper guy. "How about you big guy?"

Paper guy shook his head. "I'm the designated driver".

"Suite yourself. Me and tequila boy will have all the fun in your stead". Mitch slid out of his chair and walked to the kitchen.

When he was gone Kelly walked in with two large trays. She set them down and said, "I've got plenty of steaks, and a shit ton of veggies for the side".

"Here you are". Mitch said as he came back in. He handed me two beers. "You cant have one without the other".

Kelly glanced me over. "Aren't you a bit young...?"

"No-"

"He's seventeen". Jae said cutting me off.

"Well, that's not to bad".

I popped the lid on the beer then casually took a drink.

It was a bit watered down, but it beat the wine.

"Good?" Mitch asked.

"Yeah, for beer".

"Enough drinking. Eat!" Kelly ordered. "I spent two hours on this meal".

I took the smallest steak on the tray then a tiny spoonful of the sauteed vegetables.

I wasnt a big fan of either ontrays.

The dining room was quiet for a few minutes until Mitch asked, "So...how long have you been schoffouring around my nephew, Denvis?"

"Um a month or so I believe".

Mitch nodded, "What about your life outside of work. Got any family? Wife, girlfriend, children?"

Paper guy swallowed then answered, "I have a sister, but she's studying abroad in Japan right now".

"I've always wanted to go to Japan". Kelly said with this dreamy look in her eyes.

"How about this spring?"

She gave Mitch a fond smile before she turned my way. "How about you Elin, got any dream places you'd like to visit?"

I jabbed at my steak then shook my head.

"No?" She sounded puzzled, "Why not?"

"Dunno".

"Alright". She leaned forwards onto her elbows. "What about college? You going after you graduate".