Passepar2 Writing Group

Parts #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7.

Paul felt Margot’s boot rub his leg under the table. He was sitting forward in his chair a bit so she could reach it easily from the other side. He smiled at her behind his beer when no one was watching. Margot smiled back. She had decided to stick with coffee so Paul could really celebrate if he wanted to.

Paul and Margot were sitting across from each other because when Margot had come back with some beers, the seats around Paul had been filled. The one on his left was taken by Monica, who was uncharacteristically quiet. Margot watched her glance up furtively to see Paul time and time again, every once in awhile looking up and fake-smiling at Margot.

After a few moments of trying to figure out what Monica was up to, Margot suddenly got it. And when she realized that Monica had the hugest of crushes on Paul, she actually snorted out loud. The thought that Paul would ever be with Monica was ludicrous. He could hardly stand her. At the sound of the snort, Monica quickly looked up and under Margot’s gaze, her face immediately turned red and she decided to concentrate on the rim of her martini instead of Margot.

Margot had a sudden feeling of pity wash over her. Poor Monica. So unhappy even when she had everything she wanted. And yes, Paul wasn’t the kind of guy to ever want to be with Monica, but if tonight was any indication, Margot could only imagine what she was normally like with him. For the hundredth time that night, Margot was so glad she came.

In an effort to smooth things out, Margot started up a conversation.

“Hey Monica,” she said loudly over the noise in the bar, “I wanted to tell you earlier that I love what you’re wearing. You look so pretty!”

Monica was taken aback. Her face was shocked and then she recovered. “Oh, well, thank you, Margot,” Monica replied, “The jacket is from a discount store….”

“Well, you’d never know,” said Margot, ‘It’s very, very nice.”

Monica gave her a small smile. Margot plunged ahead. “I thought Mark did such a great job tonight. He was really on his game!” Monica looked puzzled, then became wary.

“You think so?” Monica said in a tight voice, “Well, right. He was pretty amazing,” and just like that, she was oozing the old Monica charm. “Mark’s been working out like crazy. You wouldn’t even believe how much he can bench press. You’d die, I’m serious. Die.” Without looking at him, Monica said, “Mark, honey, could you go get me another drink? And tell them that this time, I’d like it to actually have some gin in it.” Mark took her empty glass from her outstretched arm and did as he was asked.

Margot thought she’d push things a bit further. “You know what, Monica? That Mark of yours is quite a catch. He’s so sweet to do everything you ask him to do. And handsome, I mean, look at him! And it’s clear he adores you. I’d hang on to him, if I were you,” Margot smiled innocently at Monica, who looked confused. Margot was aware that Paul had caught that part of the conversation and was now paying attention to them, but she didn’t break her gaze away from Monica.

Margot continued, “I mean, I could think of so many women that would snatch him up in a second! You better keep an eye out, is all I’m saying,” and Margot gave her a wink.

Just them, Mark came back with her martini and a few beers for the table. Margot raised her coffee towards Monica. “Here’s to us and the men we love,” said Margot, “and to keeping other women way from them.” Monica raised her glass followed by Paul, then Mark. Monica gave Margot one last odd look, then drank along with everyone else. As she set her drink on the table, Monica looked at Mark. She smiled and leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek. Mark looked as pleased as punch.

Paul and Margot’s eyes met. Her boot under the table ran up and down his leg. They didn’t say anything. They didn’t have to. They both knew they had moved past the pettiness of the past few months. They also knew that they would leave as soon as possible, go home and make love like crazy monkeys.

The End

Objectives –

~Mention coffee and chairs in every scene.
~Don’t ever indicate what the Game is the guys play.
~Don’t describe what any of them look like, but I cheated with the description of the guys physique.