"One day at a time," mumbled Hugo, watching me as he steamed some milk. "I can hear your brain working all the way over here."
It was working. And I was loving it.
Until I saw Mike come in the front door.
Was this some kind of a set up? Did Hugo call him at home to just "stop by?"
I looked at Hugo when he motioned back towards the door. Kurt followed Mike and they sat at a corner table.
"He's been getting some advice from Kurt." mumbled Hugo.
"On what-- how not to be an asshole?"
"He's cleaning up shop, Fran."
He was and it pissed me off. I suppose I still had this thing inside me where I wanted him to be an asshole-- just to confirm to myself and everyone else how much of a loser he was.
Hugo looked at me, seeing my disgusted face. I stared him back and said "I'll make a deal with you. I'll forgive Mike-- if you forgive Greg."
He stared me down. I knew that would get him.
"That's a whole different story."
"Really? If you want to practice 'forgive and forget', shouldn't it be with everyone?" I asked.
Only good friends could have this kind of conversation and not get hurt. Or pissed off.
"I let him have his birthday party here, Fran."
"And Eric paid for it and you barely spoke two words to Greg all night."
"I said three, actually. 'How are you.'"
I didn't smile.
"All right." said Hugo. "If you go up to Mike right now and say hello-- the next time I see Greg, I'll do the same."
The line had been drawn and I stood up. Hugo smiled, impressed. I went over to Mike and said hello. We were very civil. Quick, but civil.
As I sat back down at the counter, Hugo put his hands together and clapped in silence. I retorted, "Now if only Greg would stop by for a cup of coffee."
Hugo steamed more milk and then blessed himself in a mock display of over-dramatic horror.
I couldn't help but smile.
