The Party

When I get nervous or catch a plane my right arm pit sweats. It’s a weird thing, but it seems far more active than the left. I knew I should have worn the white short, it hides the wet patch batter. “Just here’s fine mate”. The cabbie who is sweating more than me pulls over and I throw ten dollars into his palm.

I had got out about 100 metres from her house and just as I got out of the cab I spot Jarrod making his way down the street toward the house. I call out to him in the hope he will hear me and we can arrive together. I hate turning up at parties on my own, I never know what to do with my hands. I usually head for the kitchen and have a few beers and make cool.
Jarrod’s already inside when I make it to the gate, so looks like another solo entry. Kellie and I had been going out for about two months and she was having a party to celebrate the office relocation she was managing. I think she was throwing it also to introduce me to some of her friends I hadn’t met yet.

I open the door and walk in, probably should have knocked, but as the host’s boyfriend I figure I can do without the formalities. Luckily as there’s no one in the hallway but I can hear the laughter and chatter from the backyard. Just as I pass the kitchen he calls out my name. Jesus! I was hoping to avoid him until at least my fourth beer.

Shane, Kellie’s ex of a few years. I had only met him once at the Rugby Club and I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him again so soon. I turn around and face the kitchen door as I was too close to pretend I hadn’t heard his shout and he throws a beer at me. “G’day mate, how you going?” he yells from about four inches in front of me. I don’t think he realises how big he is, and me all five foot nothing is absolutely dwarfed by him. “I’m alright Shane, have you seen Kellie?” “Yeah mate, she’s out back and looking smokin’ hot I’ve gotta say. You’re one lucky little bastard!”

He pushes past me and heads towards the backyard. What does he mean little bastard? I knew I should have worn the white shirt, my wet patch is growing uncontrollably. I don’t know what she saw in him? Or should it be, I don’t know what she sees in me? I don’t know why but I want him to like me. No, I want him to want to be me. I have his ex-girlfriend after all. Maybe he secretly does? But when you’re a seven foot Rugby Captain, I guess you don’t need to be jealous of too many people. I head to the backyard in his shadow.

Jeez I wish the little fella would relax. Kel had told me about when we first met and him not liking me. Well I can understand I suppose, I did spill half a jug of Tooheys on him and he had to leave in a hurry. I didn’t mean it, but the look on his face was priceless, even Kel had a laugh.

Maybe I’ve just got to spend some time with him? But that would be a bit odd I suppose, Kel and I are good mates now, but three’s a crowd. I’m not too sure he likes the rugger’s either, so a few tickets to the games isn’t the go I don’t reckon.

Well the party’s kickin’ off and the crew’s all here. “Come on Stevo’, your missus is waiting!”