Dinner is Prompt-ly at Eight - 23. Chapter 23 - The Pact

February 2018 Prompt - The Pact

“So, what’re you going to do about Gene’s party tomorrow night?” I asked my brother.

“I’m psyched. It should be a blast. I even bought a new pair of shoes for it. Schneider’s parties are always epic.”

“You bought new shoes?” I asked, in awe.

“Hell, yeah. It’s not everyday the Super Bowl is right down the street from you.”

“No, that’s true.”

I was worried. My brother was a little sensitive at times. His demeanor could easily flash from glee to the darkest pits of despair. After his hell week, I’d kind of expected him to beg off the big bash at our mutual friends. I know I would have, but then I’m not Danny. I am the level-headed one. My brother is the exuberant one, first to hug you, shake your hand, talk your ear off, and leave you laughing with his razor-sharp wit.

Meanwhile, I’m the one you mostly ignore. It’s quite surprising that we’re twins, identical, not fraternal, and yet we couldn’t be more different. Well, we look exactly alike, but our personalities are polar opposites.

“Derek, you should buy something special for the big day.” My brother urged. “Go out and spend some of that hard-earned cash for the occasion. Gene’s friends are pretty status-conscious and you could impress some hot stud and get some.”

As I said, my brother is more, er, outgoing than I am. “I think I’ll pass on Gene’s high-maintenance friends.” I paused to collect my thoughts. “Are you sure buying some Tiziano sneakers are wise right now given your situation?”

“What situation, bro?”

My twin was being deliberately annoying.

“Your job.” I said, softly, hoping that cushioned the blow.

“What the fuck does that have to do with anything,” he exploded. “We’re invited to a Super Bowl shindig with one of our best friends from high school. Pro football players, superstars, will be there and you’re being a bitch about a pair of goddamned shoes? You are pissing me off.”

And with that, my twin hung up on me. I felt terrible. Yet, I still worried about it.

***

I’d already taken two showers, but could still smell my anxious sweat. I was worried about how Danny’s employment situation would make him look amongst our oldest friends and acquaintances. The party would start in less than two hours, and I couldn’t calm my nerves.

I caught a glimpse of my reddened face, as I wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror. My cheek twitched from a nervous tic. My breaths were short and labored. I couldn’t stand still. I fidgeted with my tie tugging it this way and that. I slipped my sweater vest on, then took it off again.

Meanwhile, my skin was crawling and I could feel the shame my twin would experience.

Hearing the doorbell ring, I brushed a lock of my hair back into place, then rushed to the living room. I opened the front door to a smartly dressed Danny, grinning broadly and already chatting.

“God, this will be the best party of the year. Did you know Esara Tuaolo will be there? I wonder if he’s seeing anyone? I’d love to date a former NFL player and he’s really hot, you know? Of course, he’d be the lucky one. Hooking up with Danny ‘The Man’ Thompson should be everyone’s goal, right Der?”

I couldn’t believe my brother and his attitude. “Maybe you should be a little more low-key today?”

Danny grimaced at me and playfully cuffed my shoulder. “Lighten up. Jobs come and go. I don’t give a crap about the little shit like a job.”

“Maybe you should be more nervous about things like that,” I said. “You were at the top of the firm, and now you’re out.”

Danny looked at me and grinned knowingly. “It’s your job to worry bro. It’s my job to embrace life, to realize we are the big catches in this little dipshit pond.”

I wiped away the sheen of sweat that had covered my face again. “Don’t you have any sense of decorum?”

Danny looked at me, shook his head, and said nothing.

The silence stretched out as he looked at me, his eyebrows arched, waiting for me to squirm. It didn’t take long.

“Fine. I remember the deal.”

“That’s good, because I’m going to enjoy it while I can.” My brother combed his plush, brown hair with his fingers.

I looked down at the ring on my finger. It was gold, inscribed with the symbol of a goat, upside down and gleaming. Danny had its twin on his finger -- the stylized head of a lion.

I had a small white scar on my index finger, matching my brother’s. It had sealed the pact and the promise we’d made. Was it a mistake?

I felt the prickle of embarrassment cascade over my nerve endings as I watched Danny preen smugly. This party would be difficult, and I hoped it was worth it.