An Invitation Without a Partner

When Jo received the invitation to her oldest friend's dinner, she read the words bring your partner twice. Her relationship had recently ended, and she had not told many people. She imagined a table full of couples and herself answering cheerful questions while passing the bread.

She nearly invented a reason to stay home. Instead, she called her friend Alice and explained what had happened. Alice was sorry, but immediately offered to invite a single colleague. Jo stopped her gently. She did not need a new partner or someone chosen to balance the table.

What Jo wanted was to come alone without becoming the evening's main topic. Alice listened and promised not to announce anything. She also asked where Jo would feel comfortable sitting. Jo chose the place near the kitchen, where she could help with dishes if she needed a short break.

At dinner, they discussed a neighbour's noisy parrot and Alice's attempt to make bread. Nobody treated Jo like an empty half of a pair. When someone casually asked about her former partner, she gave a brief answer and changed the subject. Alice followed her lead. Jo left with some bread wrapped in paper and an invitation to return next week, exactly as she was.