Surprise
Ednin cleared her throat to break the silence of the quiet intimacy.
-So listen Zed, Ednin began. We were all plotting at the coffee shop, a surprise dinner for you tomorrow night, at my wonderful friend Giani’s Italian restaurant.
The girls who were listening turned to her in shock.
-What are you doing? Alice hissed.
-Frankly, I don't like surprises, Ednin explained. And these leftovers do not look good, she added, pointing at the food on the table. So I went ahead an arranged for the dinner with Giani tonight. She was happy to accommodate.
Betty turned to look at the spread, wrinkling her noses at the less than appetizing sight.
-That's a wonderful idea Ednin, Betty said. We wanted to surprise you, Ted, because you opened your house, and your heart to us, but isn't this still a grand surprise?
-It is, Zed said happily. He was tired of leftovers too, even though he was tired of Italian too. He’d heard Ednin mention Giani before, and wanted to meet the woman for himself.
-What time did you make reservations for Ednin? Zed asked eagerly.
Ednin chuckled and waved a dismissive hand.
-I wouldn’t call it a reservation, honey. Remember, I have certain connections in the restaurant scene. I asked Giani for a private after hours dining area. Pickup will be here by 7pm sharp.
-And we're getting picked up? Zed said with a whistle. I thought we'd have to shovel into your SUV and Flower's station wagon.
-Oh, we have a far more glamorous mode of transportation lined up for tonight. Let's just say it involves stretches of luxurious leather and a uniformed driver.
Carla piped up eagerly, unable to contain herself.
-It's a limo, Zed! Like, a real fancy one! Ednin rented it for us as part of the surprise date night extravaganza! All while driving us here.
Alice and Betty exchanged a surprised glance at Carla's revelation. Alice's expression remained guarded, but Betty's eyes sparkled.
-Wow, a limo? Ednin, that's incredibly thoughtful of you! Betty gushed, squeezing Zed's hand affectionately.
Alice raised an eyebrow skeptically.
-Well, I suppose that beats cramming into Ednin's SUV like sardines. Still, let's not go overboard with the fanfare.
Flower took another long drag from her joint.
As the evening progressed, the twins found themselves drawn into separate conversations. Alice engaged in a heated debate with Ednin about the merits of different strains of marijuana.
Betty sidled up to Zed, pressing her body against him. They found themselves in the backyard sharing a joint while the other girls chatted inside.
-It's me and you a lot, isn't it Betts, Zed asked.
Betty blushed, nestling closer to him as they sat on the wooden steps. She took a puff of the joint, coughing softly.
Flower overheard them, smiling indulgently as she wandered onto the porch. She leaned against the railing with a cigarette.
-Ahh, young love, she sighed. Mind if I join you two lovebirds?
She settled herself on the step below them, between Betty and Zed’s les.
-You know, Zed, I've been watching you navigate this web of relationships, shall we say, she continued carefully. And while I admire your ability to keep all these balls aloft, I worry that perhaps you may be spreading yourself a tad too thin.
She turned to Betty.
-No offense meant to you, sweet pea. Your bond with Zed is palpable and precious.
Flower paused thoughtfully.
-But Zed, darling, even a man of your considerable talents and stamina needs to prioritize. To choose wisely where he invests his deepest affections.
Deb found her way outside too and plopped down beside Zed, draping an arm across his shoulders.
-Aw Flower, always the voice of reason, aren't ya? Deb teased, plucking the joint from Zed's fingers. Face it, variety is the spice of life. Keeps things exciting, wouldn't you say, Zeddy?
Betty stiffened slightly at Deb's insinuations, her grip tightening on Zed's hand.
-I like this open thing we've got growing a lot, Zed admitted. Alice and Betty seemed like too much when they first got here four nights ago. Now I have to admit I'm super excited about finally meeting Giani, Zed said, to see what she'll add.
Deb raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
-Giani on your mind, huh? she purred teasingly. Well, I suppose diversity is the spice of life. Just don't forget who was here first, rockin' your world, she added with a sultry wink.
-I was here first, Alice said with a tone of territoriality, arriving on the backyard deck. Hate to break up this love fest, but Ednin's limo is outside waiting for us, she said, pointing at her wrist as if she had a watch.
-Oh, wow, already? Betty glanced anxiously at Zed. Is everyone ready? I hope I look alright... she asked, hopping up and twirling in place.
-Relax Betty, you look fine, Alice said. Let's round up the troops and get a move on.