Supper
Alice and Betty came down after their shower looking fantastic.
-You girls look stunning, Zed told Alice and Betty. You make me feel so under dressed!
Alice scoffed, adjusting the strap of her sleek new top as she descended the final few steps.
-Maybe if you actually put effort into your wardrobe instead of relying on charm, you wouldn't feel so inadequate, she quipped..
Betty twirled in her flowy sundress.
-Oh, stop it, Zed! she giggled. You look wonderful just the way you are, she chirped, reaching out to pat his arm.
-Confidence is far better than silk, Zed, though a little polish never hurt anyone, Flower teased. She rose from the couch. Shall we head out before the hunger turns us all into monsters?
They went outside and piled into Flower's station wagon, with Betty excitedly calling shotgun.
Alice climbed into the backseat, letting out a huff as she pulled her phone from her bag.
-Buckle up, ladies, Ednin said as she turned the key in the ignition. The night is young and Giani's won't wait forever, she said, catching Zed's eye in the rearview mirror with a wink.
Betty turned in her seat, glancing back at Zed and Alice.
-Are you guys excited? I've been craving Italian food since we were there Tuesday night! she exclaimed.
Alice didn't look up from her screen.
-It’s starting to feel derivative, she said.
-Oh hush, Zed responded.
Flower steered the car around a curve.
-Patience, Alice, she said. Luxury is a state of mind.
-I hope they have that amazing truffle pasta tonight! Betty said.
Alice finally tossed her phone aside.
-I don’t know what that means Flower, Alice said. As long as there’s lots of wine.
Betty laughed.
-Oh, hush, Alice! It's going to be magical! she insisted as they arrived at Giani’s, pulling in to the back to make use of the private entrance.
Giani wiped her hands on her apron as the heavy door clicked shut, her eyes sweeping over the group.
-About time, Zed; I was starting to think you'd gotten lost in your own thoughts, she called out.
-I'm sorry, Zed said bashfully. I know I texted about lunch and it's almost six now, but we are finally here!
-Save your apologies for when you actually manage to order properly, Giani quipped. She surveyed them, her gaze lingering just a second too long on Zed's flushed face. You look a little winded, darling; perhaps the day was more strenuous than expected?
-Not at all, it's been a beautiful day. Hasn't it girls? Zed asked Alice and Betty.
-If by 'beautiful' you mean predictably chaotic, then absolutely, Alice countered.
Giani explained that she took the liberty of a prix fixe as she led the group to the private dining room reserved for her closest friends.
-It's perfect, Giani! Betty declared. Everything smells divine already! she said.
-Professionalism is overrated when the company is this delicious, Giani retorted, sliding a bottle of vintage red onto the center of the table.
Flower sank into her chair as she accepted a glass of wine.
-Ignore her, Giani; she only bites when she hasn't had enough carbs, Flower teased. She turned her attention to the spread.
-I've got quite the surprise for you too, Giani said with a smile.