“What the hell are you guys looking at!?”, exclaimed Tomas. “How long have you guys been waiting out there?”
“Us?”, laughed Jewel. “We just got here! Well, I did. How did you get in? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Oh, I texted you, but I think my phone is being weird. Either that or it’s just a bad signal. No service, you know? See? Look.” Tomas showed them the unsent messages in the group chat. “And I just came in through the back. The door was unlocked. Well, the door was wide open actually. Kinda weird, if you ask me. I got here several hours ago and looked around. The place is really nice from the inside.”
“Uh oh”, moaned Eric. “Zoe is not gonna like that. I wonder how long the back door has been open. Also, that’s what she said.”
“Ugh”, groaned Sarah. “Well, Eric and I haven’t been out here for long either. It’s good to see you Tomas.”
“Oh, man! It’s amazing to see you all!”, shouted Tomas. “I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you. You guys work too hard. Well, except for Jewel.”
“Very funny,” Jewel conceded.
“I’m just joking! I’m just so happy to see you guys! Oh! I almost forgot. Okay, don’t be mad but -“
“Don’t be mad, but what!? Tomas, what did you do?” Eric was fuming.
“Woah, nothing bad. Calm down. I just invited a new friend to hang out with us. I met him last weekend at a party. He says he knows the area and I thought ‘the more the merrier’, you know?” Tomas jumped outside. “Ok, I think he’s taking a shower or something. I haven’t seen him since we arrived this morning and started exploring. But he seems nice and he’s quite handsome!”
“Cool with me!”, said Jewel.
“What the fuck, Tomas!”, Eric said turning to look at Sara.
Sara looked down. “Yeah, that’s not very cool. You should have asked us. But, honestly, why would you invite a stranger over to our retreat? Oh well, I guess there’s nothing we can do now. Zoe will be here tomorrow. You’ll have to explain the extra person to her.”
“I’m sorry guys! You guys know I can get a little lonely and… and I just met him, so I didn’t want to miss the opportunity you know!?” Tomas slumped his head. “But I promise you guys are gonna love him!”, he exclaimed. “His name is Sean.”
“Alright, well let’s drink to our new friend!”, said Jewel as she walked in. “And no, Tomas, that wasn’t very cool. I love you honey, but I wish you wouldn’t feel the need to rush your love.”