Page 59 of The Romantic Agenda

Before they get out, Fox says, “Remember, the goal is to have fun. Nothing else.”

Joy nods.

“If he notices, if he says anything, then we’ll take it from there. Otherwise, no pressure. This is a completely passive play.”

“Aye, aye.”

“You still want to do this, right?”

“Oh yeah.” Joy gives his hand two gentle squeezes. “I do.”For me.

Sixteen

The air conditioning inside the restaurant is a welcome relief from the outside weather.

A host, Mary—with flaming red hair, light brown skin, and a face full of freckles—sits them at a table on the second-floor balcony under an oversized umbrella. She explains the details of their packages and how the wine tasting works, encouraging them all to not actually imbibe the wine if they don’t wish to get drunkveryquickly. The food that will be brought out will all be complementary to whatever wine group they’re sampling at the moment.

“This should be fun,” Summer says, slightly bouncing in her seat. “I’m going to go to the restroom first.”

“Me too,” Fox says. And they leave together.

“Joy.” For once, Malcolm wastes no time. “I didn’t mean to talk to you like that. I’m sorry.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Joy smooths the napkin in her lap as if she’s trying to get rid of the permanent pleats.

“I’m just feeling really stressed out today. I didn’t mean to take that out on you too.”

“I know.”

“Do you forgive me?”

Joy sighs, finally looking at him. “I always do.”

Lunch lasts for nearly three hours. Slowly, Joy’s anxiety recedes, inch by inch until she’s able to relax enough to have a good time. Fox smiles often. Summer’s infectious drunken giggles charm everyone. And Malcolm, oh Malcolm, he seems so happy. As far as anyone knows they’re just four friends having a great time together.

As they’re descending the stairs on their way out, Summer says, “We should skip the museum. It looks boring.” Her face flushes as another drunken hiccup bursts through.

Joy is already sitting in the golf cart and in the middle of situating her purse when she hears, “I’m riding with Joy. You go in that one. With Malcolm. Over there.” She looks up in time to see Summer gently pushing Fox away before plopping down on the seat.

“Hi,” Summer says.

“Hallo.”

“I made an executive decision.”

“I see. Malcolmreallyloves those, by the way.”

Summer shrugs. “That was a total boss bitch move earlier. I’m going to be more like you.”

“Oh, you don’t want to dothat.” Joy’s sarcasm will hit a fever pitch any second now.

“They need to spend some time together. Haven’t you noticed they’ve barely said anything to each other all weekend? I’m sick of it.”

Drunk Summer apparently doesn’t fuck around. Joy gives her an appraising look. “Is that something you do often? You know, meddle. Interfere. Set people up and push them together?”

Summer’s innocent, wide-eyed look doesn’t quite work as well after drinking the equivalent of two bottles of wine. “What?”

“Uh-huh.”