Chapter 29 – Finalising Plans

The front door banged shut a few hours later that same day, just as Woody was hoping it might. He was alert, and waiting, eager to make plans with his best friend. Getting up, he ambled out into the hallway, just in time to see Buzz taking off his jacket, his back turned as he busied himself with the item of clothing.

"Hey Buzz, glad I caught you." Woody's voice caused Buzz to jump slightly. He had been thinking about his glorious day alone with Jessie. They'd spent most of the morning in bed, only rising to dress, and then he'd suggested the movies. They'd had a lovely couple of hours, curled up together on the back row of the local movie house, eating popcorn and stealing kisses in the darkened screen. So it was true to form that Buzz was miles away in his own world when Woody approached.

"Oh, hey."

Woody didn't notice Buzz's skittish behaviour, too engrossed in his own agenda. "I was hoping to ask you something. It's kind of important."

"Sure Woody, what's up?" Buzz stuck his hands in his pockets, in an attempt to appear nonchalant.

"Well, not here, or anything, more an invitation, actually. I was going to ask you if you could make dinner, next Friday?" Woody leaned against the doorframe casually.

Buzz thought of what Jessie had said about her brother wanting to make dinner plans. "I'm not sure I'm free," he hedged, but Woody wasn't having it.

"Oh come on Buzz. It'll be like old times. I hoped it'd be okay. You're always busy, and I only just said to Bo this afternoon that I really miss hanging out with you these days."

The omission made Buzz fidget. He hated feelings of guilt more than anything. "I guess I could clear my diary." He finally caved, begrudgingly. "It's been a while since we did anything, I suppose."

"Great. Oh, I thought that Jessie could join us. Is that alright?"

"Uhm…" The dangerous territory Woody was proposing was not good news. Jessie's intuition was right after all. Buzz swallowed, unable to come up with any avoidance tactic. "Sure, that'll be okay."

"I'm so glad you're okay with it, I was hoping you would be. We've got so much to catch up on and talk about," Woody said, slapping Buzz on the shoulder before heading off, leaving Buzz to head up to his room, wondering what he had just let himself in for.

"Woody wants you there at dinner too?" Jessie asked, pulling at her ponytail as she sat in her dorm bed, her phone glued to her ear. It was a few hours after Buzz had dropped her off, and she had been going through her dorm room, getting rid of a few things. She'd need to have it cleared by the middle of the next week, and so she'd left the whole project a little late. However Buzz had called with news, which was a massive distraction to the young woman.

"He asked us separately, clearly, to catch us off. Although he did ask me if he minded you being there."

Jessie was taken aback, "He did?"

"I guess he wants witnesses there in case I hit him for interfering," Buzz grumbled.

"I'm sure you wouldn't do that." Jessie smiled a little into her phone. "Maybe Woody's just going to tell us that he knows and do the whole 'if you ever hurt my sister again' bit."

"I feel that Woody could probably say that without you in the room. He could have told me earlier, but he didn't." Buzz sighed into the phone, running his hand through his hair. "Woody's definitely making us sweat."

"Well, are you going to come to dinner?" Jessie asked, changing the subject away from Woody's intentions. "I mean, it would be easier to present that united front we discussed. I'll need a lift to the place anyway."

"I suppose it all works out for the best." Buzz agreed. "Just as long as it doesn't rain and we can actually get to the venue this time."

Down the line, Jessie giggled at his blatancy. "I'll try not to distract you, this time."

Jessie's text was succinct and direct.

Happier than a pig in slop about meeting for dinner! 6pm is fine.

Overjoyed, Woody had texted back.

Great! Will be getting a taxi there. Did you want to share it? Can come via your dorm.

The ping of his phone again in a short while carried Jessie's response.

I'll be busy that day. Will make my own way there. Promise I won't be late.

"Understandable," Woody thought to himself. He was fairly certain Jessie was running behind with clearing up her dorm. Why she hadn't asked him for help, he didn't know. He typed another text.

Okay, if you're sure. See you Friday.

The reply further just had one word.

"Certain."