Page 52 of See You at the Sunset

“Okay,” he said, drawing it out and hoping Jia would go on with why she was here. “Did you say invitations?”

“Oh god, yeah, sorry. I’ve got like a hundred things going through my head right now. There’s so much to do before the prom, and if I don’t write this all down, I know I’m going to forget.”

Henry knew he had heard her sayprombut had no idea what she was talking about. But if he asked her, he risked distracting her and everything she was trying to remember. “Jia,” he said.

“Yeah?”

“Do you want a pen and a piece of paper or something? To write stuff down?” he offered.

“No, no. I’m good. Streamers, punch bowl, step-and-repeat, photographer. Streamers, punch bowl, step-and-repeat, photographer,” she chanted.

Henry let out a sigh, dropping his shoulders. They could be stuck there all day at this rate. He made a mental note:streamers, punch bowl, step-and-repeat, photographer.And then asked the million-dollar question. “Jia, what brings you here this morning? Did you want to invite Dennis somewhere?”

“Yes! I’m throwing a seniors’ prom. Get it? A prom for seniors, not the senior class, but senior citizens,” she said. Her wide smile giving away how proud of herself she was for coming up with that one.

Henry shook his head but couldn’t help but let out a chortle. He was also very impressed that Jia had planned and executed so many things in a few short weeks. She was motivated and organized, and she delivered. Nothing like the person she had been made out to be back at Bakerson’s Group. Henry wasn’t used to being surprised by people. He was always prepared, overprepared mostly, and made sure to know what he was getting into and who he was dealing with. Realizing now that he’d believed in a narrative about Jia that very likely was untrue made him antsy. And angry.

This emotion was happening more and more with his work.

“And are you here to invite Dennis to the seniors’ prom? Is there a date? A time??”

“Of course Dennis is invited. All the residents are. And so are you. You have to come. All the ladies made sure I asked you. They’re dying to see you dance again,” she said. “It’s Friday night at six o’clock. I know that’s late for everyone, so I’mencouraging afternoon naps and early dinners before you arrive. Palm Springs formal attire suggested.”

“Palm Springs formal?”

“You know, anything that’s clean, ironed, and can stand the heat,” she said with a giggle.

“Got it. Well, I’ll let Dennis know. I’ll walk him down there on Friday.”

“And you’ll stay and dance a few rounds with the ladies?”

“No promises.”

“It’s gonna be a blast,” she assured him.

“I have no doubt,” he replied.

“Okay. I’m off, then. More invitations to get through.” She waved over her shoulder as she turned and walked away.

“Jia,” Henry called after her.

“Yeah?” she answered.

“Streamers, punch bowl, step-and-repeat, photographer,” he listed off.

She made a mental note, nodded, and smiled. “Thanks, I completely forgot all of that for a minute.”

He knew she would. So that was why he’d memorized it.

The community center was decorated to the nines.

An appreciative whistle came from next to him. “They really know how to throw a party, huh?” his granddad noted.

“She really does,” Henry said back, taking it all in.

The front entrance was decorated with a balloon arch in red, white, and green.

Inside, tables bordered the room with red tablecloths and plastic poinsettia centerpieces.