When Michael got out of the shower, they ordered pizza.
"That was delicious. I never had pizza," said Autumn, throwing her plate away.
"Really."
"I never really was interested in it, but now I am."
"How about inviting your friend over on Wednesday? We can have a cookout and we can get to know each other. What do you think?"
"I'll tell her about it."
"Awesome. Supper will be at seven. It's getting late and I need to get to bed. Join me?"
"Sure."
They snuggled close and fell asleep.
The next morning, Michael arrived back at Aspen's house. He found Aspen sitting at the bar drinking coffee and reading the paper.
"Hello. How was your night?" Aspen asked.
"A good one. The girl I met the other night invited us for a barbecue on Wednesday night."
"Why?"
"I told her about us and she thought we all could get to know one another. Her brother will be there."
"What's her name and what time?"
"Autumn is her name and we should be there for seven."
"Ok."
Wednesday evening, Aspen admired herself in the mirror. She chose a black off-the-shoulder crop top that showed a little of her mid-riff and skirt. Michael stepped into her room and she turned around. Michael wore tan cargo shorts and a black button shirt with three buttons undone.
"What do you think?" she asked.
"Very beautiful. You ready?"
"Yes."
They arrived at Autumn's house at six forty-five. Autumn answered the door and she wore a pink off-the-shoulder knot front ruched bodycon dress.
"Michael, so good to see you," said Autumn, hugging him.
"Good to see you. Autumn, this is Aspen, Aspen this is Autumn."
"Good to see you," said Autumn.
"Likewise."
"Come on in. The steaks are almost done."
They entered the pool area and Aspen noticed a guy cooking at the grill. He had dark hair with a ponytail. He wore denim shorts with a black shirt.
"Tony. I would like you to meet a couple of people."
Anthony put down the grilling fork and turned around. Aspen couldn't believe her eyes. It was Anthony Ashe.
"Tony, this is Michael and his friend Aspen. This is Tony, my brother."
"Nice to meet you," said Michael, shaking his hand.
Anthony nodded.
"Lovely to meet you," said Anthony to Aspen shaking her hand. She was shaking as he took her hand. He slid down his sunglasses and saw the most beautiful brown eyes. She noticed a scar starting from the brow and ending near his eye.
"Yes, it's great to meet you," said Aspen.
"Tony. How long until the steaks are done?"
"Five more minutes."
"Great. I will get the green beans and the baked potato," said Autumn.
"I apologize for staring. I never met a celebrity before."
"No need to apologize," he said, smiling.
"I've been a fan of yours for six years. I just love your songs."
"Thank you. The second album will be out in the fall of this year."
"Awesome. I will be sure to buy it."
"Excellent. How do you like your steak?"
"Well done."
"Awesome," said Anthony putting the steaks on the plate and bringing them to the table as Autumn and Michael came back with the rest of the stuff. They sat down at the picnic table. It was a perfect evening for a barbecue. The sky was clear and the temperature went down to seventy-five after a near ninety-degree day. Aspen sat next to Anthony, Autumn sat on the other side of the table across from Aspen, and Autumn sat next to Michael. Anthony handed the steak plate to Aspen and Aspen handed the plate to Autumn.
"So, Aspen. What do you do for a living?" asked Anthony.
"I'm a detective for the Miami PD. I've been there for five years and I enjoy it very much."
"That's cool and exciting. I bet you always get your man," said Autumn.
"It is and I always do. What is it that you do Autumn?" Aspen asked.
"I'm an attorney for Goldberg and Rosen. I've worked there for three years and I enjoy every minute of it."
"What do you do Michael?" asked Anthony.
"Mechanical Engineer and I've been there for ten years. It's an ok job and it pays the bills."
An hour and a half later, they cleaned up and Aspen and Anthony went down to the beach.