Chapter 3
"Monica! I can't believe it! Long time no see!" Henry exclaimed as they approached. He quickly wrapped his arms around Monica's petite shoulders and gave her a kiss hello on the cheek. "You look stunning." He complemented as he drew back before turning to shake hands with Andrew. Monica then received another kiss on the cheek and hug from Adam as well. She was beginning to think that maybe she would enjoy this party.
"You look good too." She told Henry in return. But it was then that Adam cleared his throat ridiculously loudly as if to say 'hello!' Monica laughed quietly and turned her attention to Adam. "Yes, Adam, you look wonderful too." She assured him with an amused smile. Adam chuckled and smoothed out his suit proudly as he rolled his friend's words over in his mind.
Monica couldn't believe how long it had been. She suddenly realized she had known both Henry and Adam before she had met Andrew in her second year of casework. She, Henry and Adam had worked together when she was in Search and Rescue all those years ago.
"Wow, this is such a great party." Henry smiled as he glanced around at his co-workers. But then something obviously entered his mind, as he turned his attention back to Monica with an almost disbelieving expression. "Hey, Monica, you know what this reminds me of?" He ventured excitably like an adult who had just recalled something from grade school. But whatever it was, Monica didn't recall, as she stared back at him with a blank expression, persuading Henry to continue. "That Christmas party when you were still in Search and Rescue, remember? You and I both had a lot to drink and ended up kissing?" He reminded with an amazed laugh that he had forgotten about that all these years.
Monica suddenly burst out into laughter as she too, recalled that night. She had forgotten as well. But it was clear that Andrew was not amused. He merely glanced quickly from Monica to Henry, clearly unable to believe that this had happened, but before he could question the situation, Monica excused herself to grab some punch for them and disappeared into the crowed.
"You kissed?" Andrew repeated, in obvious disbelief to Henry. But Henry only nodded and was quick to assure Andrew of the meaning of it all. "Oh, come on, Andrew, it didn't mean anything. We were really drunk. We didn't even remember it the next day." Henry recalled reassuringly, but Andrew didn't seem to care about that. He was sure this never could have happened. "No. No way. Monica wouldn't do that." He confirmed confidently as he stared after his absent friend.
"Go ask her if you want." Henry offered openly, knowing for certain that Monica would tell him exactly what he had. Andrew thought for a moment and nearly let the issue go, but eventually decided that just wouldn't work for him. He needed proof. Just then, as if on cue, Monica returned.