Before We Tapped In | Suburb Talks

0.4 Dessert Tables

Setting: 2022 Podcast Era
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The annual neighborhood barbecue was the highlight of the summer—more like the highlight of the Suburb Talks crew's summer, as it involved a lot of meat and booze. And everyone was there. From other friends to other influencers, to some random people brought by other random people, it was great. The smell of grilled burgers and hot dogs filled the air, mingling with cheerful chatter and laughter.

Devin and Agnes were setting up the dessert table, and arranging an assortment of pies and cakes. Agnes was focused on her task, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach every time Devin brushed past her. 

'Okay Agnes please just calm down,' She thought in her head as her hand ever so shook in nervousness as she held her final cupcake, 'Don't let him get to you,'

"So Nes," Devin asked as he leaned against the table staring at the girl who was nervously packing the sweet-filled desserts, "Do you think anyone would notice if I stuff a few of these cookies in my pocket?"

"Devin," She eyed the slightly older male, "If you steal any of these cookes, oh so help me, I will push you into the pool. I have worked hard for this display to look like this,  I at least want to see it out for a few minutes before Owen or Carrey stumble and knock it down-"

"Im kidding, Nes," He chuckled, "I'll let you get at least a picture first,"

"I hate you Devin-"

From across the yard, a certain pair of eyes were locked into the scene a few feet away from them—Sean, Nina, and a few other neighbors—were gathered, engaged in their usual lively conversation. Sean nudged Nina, nodding towards the dessert table. "Look at those two. They make a great team, don't they?"

Nina smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "They sure do. It's about time they noticed it themselves."

And of course a conversation between two is never really just a conversation between two people in this group, "Devin's always been there for Agnes." Maru interjected smiling as she also stared at the two.

"It's like he's her guardian angel or something." Owen said, or more or like blubbered, as he was already most likely drunk.

Sean grinned. "Yeah, and Agnes lights up whenever he's around. It's pretty obvious to everyone but them."

"Must be nice to feel that way," Nina said as she eyed the curly haired blonde next to her, who quickly looked down at her, making her eyes dart towards the original target.

"Everyone deserves to feel that way," Sean uttered, "You of all people should find someone to feel that way too."

"Sean-"

Back at the dessert table, Agnes handed Devin a plate of brownies. "Here, can you place these at the end?"

Devin took the plate, their fingers brushing briefly. "Sure thing,"

"I think it would be well suited over there compared to this end, the fudge peices just-"

"Just make it too dark, causing more attention to that end instead of to both," He stated, smiling at her as he placed the plate down.

"That is exactly what I was thinking!" She laughed.

"You know, Agnes, we make a pretty good team." Devin stated.

Agnes looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat. "Yeah, we do, don't we?"

Just then, Sean's voice called out from across the yard. "Hey, you two! Save some of those desserts for the rest of us!"

Devin and Agnes turned to see Sean, Nina, and the others watching them with knowing smiles. Agnes felt her cheeks heat up, but Devin just laughed.

"Don't worry, Sean. We've got plenty to go around," Devin called back, giving Agnes a reassuring wink.

Nina walked over, a teasing grin on her face. "You two are the talk of the barbecue. Everyone's noticed how well you work together."

Agnes felt a mix of embarrassment and happiness. "Oh, it's nothing, really. We're just friends." She gulped a bit, feeling nervous from all the eyes on her so she made a bee line to excuse herself, "Sorry guys, I have to get some more cookies. I'll be back."

Nina raised an eyebrow watching her friend scurry away before turning back to the tall male, "Friends, huh? Well, sometimes the best relationships start that way."

Devin chuckled, his eyes darting towards Agnes. "Yeah, sometimes they do."

As the evening continued, the Suburb Talks members kept a watchful eye on Devin who was bright red, not with the help of the alcohol, and the teasing looks of everyone who had seemed to already hear of the news, and continued on with the teasing.