Mario grit his teeth. Angelina was sitting a little too close to Martin for comfort. The two sat facing each other as if the party around them didn’t exist, as if he didn’t exist. Martin leaned closer and said something that caused Angelina to burst into laughter. That made Mario hate him. Worse, he felt shame, guilt, and confusion. Why was she laughing? He knew Martin wasn’t funny. Mario angrily gulped down some beer. He didn’t remember it being so bitter.

Angelina said something back but the music swallowed their conversation. Then she touched his knee before standing up. Martin grabbed her hand and made to pull her back into a sitting position but she slipped away with a playful wag of her finger. Mario longed to stomp over and show Martin who was the better man but Angelina always got mad at him when he scrapped.

He tipped the plastic red cup back and finished the beer. Maybe it was time to take her home before she got into trouble.

Mario met Angelina halfway to the kitchen.

“Babe, it’s time to go.”