Denise - New Beginning

"Good night, Daddy," she managed to say in a near normal voice. "Good night, Mom."

"Good night, Darling." Was that a hint of a grin on her face?

I took a glance at Denise. I could tell she wanted to talk, but we couldn't just hang back here. And I was sure that she didn't want her parents to see us going into the same bedroom together any more than I did. We retreated quickly to our own rooms.

Just after I closed my door my cell phone rang.

It was Denise. "Tony, I'm so sorry! I was as surprised as you were."

"Not to worry. I like your folks and it seemed they were pretty set on including me." I paused. When she didn't respond, I added, "I hope you don't mind that I accepted..."

"It's not that. It's just we..."

"I know. But hey! What good is a birthday if you can't break a rule or two. How old will you be, anyway?"

"Very funny! Thanks, Tony."

"G'night, Denise."

"G'night, Tony."

Somehow I managed to get a little sleep, but all sorts of strange thoughts were playing bumper cars in my mind. I believed that Denise was really as surprised as I was. Did her parents assume that there was more to our relationship than the coexistence we had hammered out? Did they want there to be? Maybe it was simple gratitude for my staying in the apartment so Denise wouldn't have to find new roommates, or for agreeing to let them stay in the apartment? Perhaps I was a token outsider to make it seem like more of a party. No idea emerged as a front runner.
Damn! I'd probably be expected to wear a suit and tie. We would be going to Stephan's after all. Well, I'd just have to try my best not to spill soup on myself and try to keep up with the conversation. And try to look at Denise as if she was actually my friend and not just a roommate. Hell, I just love a challenge.

The next morning Denise seemed pretty much her usual self, happy to have her parents there. On their part they looked well rested and ready to face the day. Martha made us all a nice bacon, eggs, and toast breakfast.