Wild Lady
After college, the five of us rent a place together.
From the very first day we move in, we set one rule. No matter how busy we get, we will wait for everyone to come home and have dinner together every Friday night.
The first week, my cousin, Martha Baker, is busy with a project and comes home late. My older brother, Gavin Abbott, says, "There's no rush. If Martha's not here, it's not really dinner.
The second week, Martha is out celebrating her best friend's birthday and doesn't make it home in time for dinner. My boyfriend, Bryan Hadley, says, "We can wait for her. Or we can just call it supper."
This week, it's my turn to work overtime until 9:00 pm. The moment I open the door, I'm greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of dinner, but only four sets of cutlery are on the table.
I freeze for a moment before turning to the cabinet to grab another set of cutlery. Gavin pokes his head out of the kitchen.
"Don't bother. The food's only enough for four of us. We thought you'd be working late and wouldn't make it home in time for dinner, so we only bought enough for four."
I stand next to the table, cutlery in hand. For a moment, I'm at a loss as to what to do.
Bryan pulls out a chair for me. "It's fine. We'll make do with what we have tonight. If you're coming back for dinner, let us know earlier so we can prepare."
Martha nods, pouting. "I guess I should let you know next time if I'm going to be home late."
My childhood friend, Ethan King, puts a slice of beef on her plate. "Why are you getting in on this? When have we ever let you go hungry?"
The entire room erupts into laughter, except me. Deep down, I feel completely hollow.
I pick at my food in silence.
Just before dinner is over, Ethan says, "Ginny, let's have dinner together next Friday. All five of us."
I say nothing, not letting myself say, "Okay."
If they can't even leave a place for me at the table, I should move out of this house before next Friday.