Page 21 of Yours, For Good

IT WAS A WARM evening for late October in New York. I sat on the patio at the back of my townhouse, with a thick sweater keeping me toasty and a hot mug of tea with milk next to my laptop. After reviewing a few documents Max had sent me, and responding to a few emails from different boards I participated in, I closed my laptop and opened my journal.

I had noticed that Nora hadn't been writing much, either to Mr. B. or me as Javier. We had occasionally texted, but it never went anywhere. Her emails had paused, too, and I was glad to have an explanation. I was happy that she was getting close to Sally; my belief that Nora had been lonely had been the motivator for this whole friendly acquaintance thing, after all.

Reading her email hinted at it, again. It suggested that despite Sally, Nora still wanted to meet more people and create her own circle.

Admiration for her bloomed in my chest. The way she continued to push herself; how putting herself out there took so much out of her and she did it anyway. I could relate to the vulnerable feeling of going to a party where you knew no one, and I marveled at the way she went for it.

If only I could be that person she talked to. Someone who would be there to understand, and who could reply back.

Except I could…

Maybe it was time I gave us another chance to spend time together.

I simply needed to be careful not to abuse my position or hurt her in the process. This was a messy situation, and it needed all the attention I could give it to do it right. So I would give it all the attention.

I left my pen on the spine of my journal and grabbed my phone. A few texts later, I had an invitation for a Halloween party from Julia. I was traveling to Laguna Island again the next day, to spend time with Max and Eva, and help my friend out with the transition to take ownership of all of his father's businesses. I could make a detour to San Francisco on the way back.

The only downside was that I would have to wear a costume at the party, which brought all my cynicism to the front— it pulled the corner of my lips down. I adjusted my glasses and, with distaste in my mouth, I asked for help.

Tres Amigos + Jake Chat Grou

Javier: Help. I need a costume. Don't ask any questions.

Max: You need a costume??? Gabe: What's the story?

Jake: Have you ever considered becoming an astronaut?

Javier: So I say don't ask any questions, and that's the first

thing you all do?

Jake: of course, and you knew it would happen.

Javier: *sigh* yeah I did. I'm going to a Halloween party,

that's all.

Max: Is one of us throwing a Halloween party and forgot to tell me?

Gabe: I don't think so. I think Javier is talking about a party outside of the group

Jake: Gasp

Max: unless it's related to one of your charities or…?

Gabe: now that makes sense.

Javier: sort of. It's my niece's party.

Max: I have an idea. [image 1][image 2][image 3]

Jake: YES. Gabe: Please do it.

Max: Send pictures.

Jake: they won't even know you're making fun of them.

Javier: I'll be making fun of myself.