It smells like watermelon and balsamic vinigrette but it gives you an excuse to run into the kitchen and away from Cynthia. The caterer tells you he'll get it and says everyone should start sitting down for dinner anyway. You take a seat next to your wife where she's chatting with Matt's Cynthia. She gives you a look but says nothing. Harris is next to you but is also not saying a word. Marty sits next to Kim's husband, who's dull as a board, even though there's a spot next to you. You feel Janelle's eyes on you where she sits across the table but you know better. Your wife grabs your hand where it sits on the table and squeezes it. "Love you," she says. You smile.
Congrats! Not only did you make it to the dinner table unscathed, you had a cookie and an espresso after! You'll see them again in 6-8 months and hopefully you can reconnect with Marty, but til then, you're doing just fine without them.