Please read the author's note at the end, it's important!
A blonde man wearing glasses waved at his wife as she came in from work. The elegant brunette flopped onto a leather sofa and fell asleep right away. Her husband placed a blanket over her and checked the time.
3:48 A.M.!?
He sighed and looked over wearily at his dozing wife. He cracked a smile from an old memory. Ha, Leo was right, she is Sleeping Beauty.
The man took out the pins that kept her hair out of her face, unbuttoned her blazer, and removed the makeup she barely put on. Then he carried her up the stairs, still wrapped in the blanket, and tucked her in bed. The husband looked at her and shook his head.
We really need to enforce a schedule.
He glanced at an opened envelope on a nighstand.
I guess I'll have to wake up soon and tell her.
With that, he turned the lamp off and went to sleep.
At 5:30 A.M., an alarm clock went off. The young lady slammed her hand down on it and rubbed her eyes. She looked over at her husband who had learned to sleep through her alarm over the past two years.
He's going to be so mad if I leave now… but I must.
The woman hesitated, then held his hand for a few seconds. Then she slowly got up and padded over to the bathroom. She stared into the mirror at the ghost of herself. She wouldn't look like this if it weren't for her work.
Another long day of work. Oh joy.
She got ready slowly, as if stalling would mean she didn't have to leave so soon. She had the usual, a green smoothie and some cherries, then packed two snacks, her lunch, and dinner.
She sighed and was putting on her coat when she heard someone clear their throat.
"Piper, before you go, I need to tell you something important. Very important." Her husband, red-eyed and wearing a robe, waited for her to sit down in the living room.
"What is it Jason?" she asked, looking at his face with concern.
He took the envelope out of a pocket on his robe and handed it to her. She read the return address and quickly ripped out the letter.
Dear Jason and Piper,
As you already know, Leo and I have been moving into a new house. We haven't met any of the neighbors yet, and I think they don't want us to. It's a bit lonely so far. We were wondering if you two would be able to join us for a dinner party at our home on the night of the 16th. We miss you and hope you can make it!
Lots of Love,
Calypso
As Piper read the letter, Jason said casually, "I already told Calypso that we would be there."
She whipped her head up to protest. "You know my schedule is tight! I don't think I can go…"
He stared at her hardly. "You and I both know you don't have a fixed schedule, just a deadline. I know you work hard, Piper, but please come with me to the dinner party! Calypso is such a nice lady, and she's definitely expecting us there because of Leo. For the gods' sake, Piper, don't you want to see him?! Our best friend?"
She replied quietly, "Of course I want to see Leo. I just don't know how I'll manage my work load and the party."
Jason took her hand. "Listen, if you come with me to this dinner party to see our friends, I will help you with the work that you fall behind on as much as I can. Oh, and one more thing," he looked at her seriously. "You must have fun. You can't just sulk in the corner and be stressed about the work. I want you to relax."
She pondered about it for a few minutes, then finally said, "Deal."
The couple embraced for a few seconds, but then Piper freaked out when she saw the time.
"6:01 A.M.?!" I'm already a minute late! I love you, Sparky, but I got to go, bye!"
The door shut behind her before Jason could say another word. He looked at the closed door and slumped. "Bye…"
Hey guys! So, what did you think of this chapter? I know it was on the short side, and I know this has almost nothing to do with the auto shop, but I wanted to write separate chapters of how the people who were invited (in Chapter 1, Calypso names all of them) reacted to the invitation. Then after all the reactions are done, it'll be getting ready for the party: to Leo and Calypso, then Jason and Piper, and the circle continues. After the dinner party is done, I'll have different one shots about the shop, and about their home. Sorry if you don't like the idea! I just want to focus on the party for now, then I'll write about some of the ideas I had for later. Also, I think I might write more about what happened after the couples get married (separate stories for each of them). Agh this is a long author's note, but I just wanted to make sure you all understand what my idea is! PM me or leave a review if you have any questions or suggestions. Bye! :D