The First Catch

Chapter 10: The Barbecue

Melanie stared out the window, watching while Victoria and Levi got the grill started.  She wasn't all that thrilled about the evening.  Knowing full well what her friend's intentions were.  Melanie wanted to skip the barbecue altogether and regretted telling Victoria yes.  The moment she heard the words fly out of her mouth.  For some reason, something in the back of her mind told her to say yes.  That she wouldn't regret the decision.  A small sigh escaped as Melanie's thoughts tumbled in her head.  I sure hope you're right.

As it got closer to when Tony would arrive.  Melanie began getting ready.  Then made her way downstairs.  Heading to the kitchen so she could see if Victoria needed help.  Melanie rounded the corner into the room.  In time to see Victoria reaching in the cupboard for some plates.  "Did you need help with anything?"  Victoria turned her head, giving it a shake.  "No thank you.  We almost have everything done."  Melanie felt a bit bad about not coming sooner.  To help with setting up.  But she wanted to avoid Victoria as much as possible.  Knowing Victoria would try and stir up some small talk.  Try and fill her in about their friend.  Melanie assumed Victoria would try "selling" him.  To make Tony sound good.  And get Melanie excited about meeting him.

"So.  Do I get to know anything about this person you and Levi are trying so hard to set me up with?"  Melanie asked.  She knew she'd kick herself for asking the question.  But Melanie didn't want awkward silence either.  Victoria glanced at Melanie grinning.  "Does..  That mean you're interested?"  Victoria's voice sounded hopeful.  Melanie rolled her eyes.  Yep, I knew I'd regret this.  "No.  But you and Levi are trying soooo hard..."  Victoria reciprocated Melanie's eye roll, hearing the sarcasm.  "Well, he's funny...  Very smart..  And don't tell Levi this, but I sort of found him quite attractive at one point."  Melanie glared.  "You know I'm not interested in those qualifications.  I meant what does he like doing?  What are his hobbies?  What does he do for work?"  "Hey.  I was trying to sell a sales pitch here!"  Melanie gave another eye roll.  Go figure. "You are unbelievable."

"Are you sure this friend of yours is coming?"  Anthony asked.  He'd arrived five minutes before Levi and Vic told him.  In case they needed last minute help setting things up.  Levi glanced over. Giving him a duh kind of look.  "She's lived with us this last half of the year remember?"  He grinned a little.  "Because she lives here, doesn't mean she will come down for the meal." Anthony reminded him.  Rolling his eyes at the response.  So bossy.  "I suppose.  Like I said. Victoria can be rather persuasive.  I've hardly heard Melanie tell her no."  Anthony gave another roll of his eyes.  But didn't respond.  Something caught his attention and distracted him.

A familiar figure stepped out of the house, behind Victoria.  When Melanie made her way outside, and heard the familiar voice.  She stopped dead in her tracks.  No no..  That can't be.. Melanie's heart raced.  Hearing Melanie stalling her sentence.  Victoria turned her head to check and make sure she was okay.  "Mel?"  "What are you doing here?"  Melanie asked.  Ignoring Victoria's concerned question.

Seeing Melanie step out of the house, something registered on Anthony's mind.  "You're..  That Melanie?"  The two were so engrossed in each other.  They didn't notice the exchanged confused glances between Victoria and Levi.  "Will..  One of you explain what's going on?"  Melanie furrowed her brows.  I should've known something was fishy when Victoria left.  And Anthony showed up at the restaurant.  She added, putting two and two together.

"You said your name was Anthony.."  Melanie said, breaking the awkward silence.  "It is..  But Tony is short for Anthony."  He shrugged.  "Are..   One of you going to fill us in?"  Levi asked again. Since they ignored him the first time.  Melanie swept a sideways glance.  "Umm..  Long story." She mumbled.  "Well, I am sure those can get filled in while we eat!"  Victoria said.  Reminding Levi he had hamburgers on the grill.  Melanie rolled her eyes at Victoria's excited tone.  Don't start!