Hannah's swollen lips betrayed her anger. She glared at Oscar, his contented expression infuriating her. He even said, shamelessly, "It's not unfair at all."

It was profoundly unfair. In her life, she had only Oscar; he, however, boasted a dozen girlfriends, publicly exposed by the press, and an unknown number more. Her vexation grew with each thought. She turned away, refusing to speak.

Oscar, in high spirits, simply left her alone. Hannah stared out the window; he watched her.

They arrived at the restaurant and entered, one after the other. Susan was already seated. Hannah questioned Susan's punctuality, unusual for their appointments.

"I've been waiting ages! I'm starving," Susan announced, engaging Oscar as if they were old friends. He ignored her, choosing to sit down.

"Didn't you say Oscar's friends were coming? Where are they?" Susan's obliviousness to Oscar's disinterest was striking.

"Jimmy's parking the car. Theodore and... they'll be here soon," Hannah replied, omitting Manuel's invitation to avoid Susan's immediate departure.

"Call them! How can they be late for dinner?" Susan complained.

As Hannah reached for her phone, the waiter opened the door. Susan's delighted expression instantly soured upon seeing Manuel. He feigned ignorance.

"Why did you invite Manuel?" Susan's quiet voice carried clearly. Theodore wheeled Manuel in.

"I said I'd invite friends. Weren't you happy about that?" Hannah countered innocently.

"You did this on purpose," Susan hissed.

"More guests mean more fun. I don't have many friends. Neither does Oscar," Hannah explained.

Susan remained unconvinced.

"Everyone's here. Let's begin," Hannah declared, seating Manuel beside Susan.

Susan glared but, mindful of the others, held her tongue. Hannah sat beside Susan, with Oscar next to her, followed by Jimmy and Theodore. Six people; perfect.

"To our reunion!" Theodore proposed, attempting to lighten the mood. They raised their glasses.

"Wait," Oscar interrupted. "Hannah hasn't been feeling well; she's not drinking."

"Not feeling well?" Susan's knowing glance was pointed. "Pregnant?"

Hannah was speechless.

"No, she's menstruating," Oscar explained, signaling the waiter for warm water.

"I thought I'd be a godmother soon," Susan quipped.

"If you want a child so badly, why not have one with Manuel?" Theodore interjected bluntly.

Susan's face paled. Her fear was palpable. Manuel remained impassive.

"You're comparing apples and oranges," Theodore added.

Susan bristled, but Hannah intervened quickly, "Come on, everyone. Cheers!"

Susan, for Hannah's sake, reluctantly joined the toast.

Despite Oscar and Theodore's dislike of Susan, her cheerful nature ensured a relatively smooth evening. Manuel's presence was the only discord.

Susan toasted Oscar, "Hero, congratulations on your promotion." He ignored her, leaving her slightly embarrassed.

Manuel raised his glass, "Congratulations."

As Susan hesitated to respond to Manuel, Oscar addressed him, "You can't handle much alcohol. Don't drink too much."

"I understand," Manuel replied.

"Do you two know each other?" Susan asked, sensing a connection.

"Of course. He's Hannah's best friend. How could I not know him?" Oscar responded calmly.

"Isn't Hannah's best friend me?" Susan challenged, her face serious.

"So I know you too," Oscar replied smoothly.

Susan was perplexed, finding his response logical yet still sensing something amiss. Before she could ponder it, Oscar downed his wine; Susan and Manuel quickly followed suit.

The dinner devolved into a drinking contest between Susan and Theodore, neither willing to yield. Hannah noted that Susan and Theodore clicked easily.

"Don't worry, Susan drinks a lot. She'll be fine," Hannah reassured Manuel, as Susan and Manuel switched seats.

Manuel knew it was futile to worry; Susan would ignore him.

"Eat something. I ordered some mild dishes," Hannah said.

"You chose this restaurant, right?" Manuel realized, knowing Susan's usual preference.

Hannah smiled subtly, "When Susan cares for you, she'll consider your preferences."

Manuel's smile was wry; Susan's affection was unlikely.

"That day will come," Hannah insisted with certainty.

Manuel nodded perfunctorily, his hope minimal.

By ten o'clock, Theodore and Susan, thoroughly intoxicated, declared themselves best friends, wishing they'd met sooner. They held hands, reluctant to separate, even becoming sworn siblings.

Hannah suspected they'd both regret it in the morning.