In the Company of Friends

Amanda was pleased that her closest friends came for dinner tonight. She looked around the table at each one, their eyes reflecting the soft glow of the overhead crystal chandelier. She rose from her seat to fill the stemware with wine. 

“How have you been, Mike?” she asked as she poured into his glass.

“Crazy as usual.” He took a sip of sparkling wine. “”Mmmm…this is good,” he said, with a nod. “Yeah, things are going to slow down after we finish the new tower on Twenty-Second Street.”

“Me too,” said Julie. I’m being crushed by my caseload, but I’m finally digging my way out.”

David nodded. “I feel your pain,” he said. “I’m so swamped at the office that I brought in a cot to sleep on.”

Amanda chuckled. “For real?”

“For real. David replied. I’m practically living there these days. I’m well-stocked with food and beer in my office fridge. Especially beer,” He chuckled. “For after-hours, of course.”

Mike gave him a wink. “Being the boss has its privileges, doesn’t it?”  

“It has a few,” said David, “but working a hundred hours a week isn’t one of them.

“Yeah, no kidding,” chimed Kristi with a laugh. “At my house, I’m the boss, and I work 24/7. And I don’t even get paid!” 

Amanda finished pouring the wine, then took her seat. She beamed at each one. “I’m so glad you are all here. We all have such busy lives, but tonight, we can all relax, enjoy good food, and even better company.”

She lifted her wine glass. “Cheers!” she said. “Cheers,” they repeated together. Glasses clinked, and laughter filled the air as they shared food and camaraderie. 

Amanda knew it was a big deal for them to fit this evening into their schedule. Life was not always so busy for everyone. But that’s what friends do; they make time for what’s important. And tonight, there was nothing more important than being in the company of friends.