Party and strangers

The rest of the dinner goes well, Mark tells of his trip, and cracks jokes here and there. Turns out Mark is an easy going person, he has the ability to even ruffle Gregory's feathers without him reacting. He still finds a way to bring me into the conversation too.

“It was great catching up with you man, I'm glad to be back in town, it's been a really long while”.

“Yeah”. They give themselves a hug and a light pat at the back.

It's amazing seeing Gregory with someone he is at ease with, someone he jokes with and not in work mode with. I hope it will be the same at his Dad's place, since the party is meant for family and close friends.

Gregory and I walk them to the door. Once they leave I make my way to my room. There's no point staying in the living room. Besides, I am exhausted.

*******

When Paul Williams told me it was a small party with few family and friends I wasn't expecting this many people. There are more than twenty five people here. The house is huge and bigger than where