Everyone stopped and turned to look at the door. Denise walked in, smiling as usual. She lit up the room, every time. You couldn’t help but watch her walk in.
“Hi everyone! I brought cookies! I hope you like them!”
Denise set down the platter and removed the cover. Delicious, home made chocolate chip cookies appeared.
Joe beamed and unloaded the wine. He always thought about the first time he saw Denise. She’d made him a believer in love at first sight. He was a lucky son of a bitch, he was.
They took off their coats and Denise settled into the couch. The game was on, and everyone turned their gazes back to the TV.
Joe opened a bottle of wine and handed Denise a glass, sitting down next to her. “Da BEARS!” he said in his Chicago accent.
It was the weekend after Thanksgiving, and everyone was over being with family – it was friend time, and they were at Kathy and Mike’s.
Kathy was shoving cookies in her mouth. She loved Denise’s cooking, especially the cookies. “Yum!” she managed to get out between bites.
Mike poured another cocktail and sat next to Joe, punching him in the arm, then giving him a giant bear hug. “I’m so glad you’re back in Austin, guys. Have I told you that lately?”
Mike was sure to tell Joe and Denise how happy he was that they were back every time he could. Mike liked being able to visit Joe in Chicago, but this was way better.
“I was just telling Kathy about the owl we saw over by the tower. She doesn’t believe me!”
“There is no way there’s a giant white owl in this area, you guys! I think you saw a barn owl.” Kathy had her matter-of-fact face on.
“Fine – we made it up. Because that’s what two dudes make up. Owls.” Joe laughed it off.
When the football game was over, the group split up, and the foursome decided to go for a walk and do the usual “exploring.” They loved walking around in the undeveloped area of the old airport. The sun was setting, and there was a fall crispness in the air.
They made their way down the granite paths with their to-go cups, each filled with a drink of choice. As the friends walked past the old control tower they all kept their eyes peeled. Especially Kathy, who not only didn’t believe there were giant white owls there, but also couldn’t see that well at night.
A large, white creature swooped down in front of them, grabbed a field mouse, and was gone.
“So, yeah. Ok.” Kathy started walking back toward the house. “More cocktails, guys?”
