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"Maybe ten or twelve people?" he summed

"And would you ?" I asked

"Sure, they’re welcoht, and I’ll grill steaks How does that sound? Then everyone will be relaxed, happy, and well-fed"

Ryan slid his foot undernow under the table and I was hyper-aware of his presence

"We’ll check everyone’s schedule and get back to you Is that all right?" Cal asked

"Sure Just so you know I have entertainht or Sunday if that suites you Just give et the steaks"

We played for another hour; Marie started to yawn "Are you ready? It’s getting late" She grabbed Gary’s arm and started to pull him up out of his chair

"Oh … et on top tonight!" He grinned

Ryan and I could not stop laughing

Everyone started shaking hands and having those brief "it was nice to meet you – see you later" conversations Cal used his cell phone to call for their driver I was sad to see the night come to an end; it seemed to fly by so fast with Ryan here

I walked my friends to the door and locked up behind them Ryan and Cal would leave by the back door Cal departed for the bathroo me all alone with Ryan I started to clean up

"I had a really great tilasses on the bar "Your friends are great"

"Thanks!" I sh"

Ryan shrugged his shoulders "Don’t worry about it"

"I’h I truly ure out what night we can do this party gathering, okay? Um, so what number should I call?" Ryan asked