Rita and Sam sit at the dining table. The sun shines through the window. Their wedding anniversary is next week, and they are making the invitation list.
Rita writes some names. Sam adds more.
Rita looks at the paper. “Why is Peter on the list?” she asks.
Sam smiles. “Because he is my best friend.”
Rita frowns. “But he never comes. Last year, he didn’t come. The year before, he didn’t come too.”
“He sent flowers last time,” Sam says. “And a nice card.”
“But he didn’t come in person,” Rita says. “This year, I want people who really come.”
Sam crosses his arms. “That’s not fair. He’s my friend. I want him there.”
Rita crosses Peter’s name with her pen. “Only fifty people. That’s the rule.”
Sam sighs. “Then don’t write your cousin’s name. She always brings five extra guests. Last time, they ate all the cake!”
Rita gasps. “That’s not true!”
Sam laughs. “It is true! Even my uncle didn’t get cake.”
Rita tries not to smile. “Okay… maybe just a little true.”
They both laugh. Then Rita says, “Alright. Let’s invite Peter. But I will call my cousin and tell her not to bring extras.”
“And I will call Peter and ask him to please come this time,” Sam says.
“Deal,” Rita says and holds out her pinky finger.
Sam laughs and links his finger with hers.
They smile and start writing the names again, side by side.
