Alan was annoyed. He'd barely talked to Imogen, which was fine since they were preparing for the party. It only became annoying once he saw Jack and her talking.

Later on he saw Jack smiling. When Jack caught Alan lookng at him, he looked into his eyes and smiled even more.

Alan wanted to choke him. Squeeze that smile out.

"How ya doing, bud?" Jack said.

"Good. Good," Alan lied. "What about you?"

Jack's smile was now a grin. "Got a surprise for you." After glancing at his phone, Jack said, "arriving in three minutes, 22 seconds."

Alan's annoyance rinsed away. Replaced by

anxious

confusion. his mind raced to come up with possible explanation. What the hell could Jack be suprising him with? Also why such the precise time. Jack had looked at his phone right before saying it. Had he gotten something delivered to the cafe on his behalf?

Maybe it was a special beer or liquor they used to dirnk together. 

Jagermeister

or 

Busch Light

maybe? to live the old days. Imogen would think that was funny. Or stupid. Maybe stupid.

Alan's mind raced. Imagining possible scenarios. All probably false. People had begun pouring in. He was in a room surrounded by people getting drinks and saying hi to each other. It annoyed him. What the hell had Jack meant?

Then someone bumped his shoulder. He was about to explode.

"Watch where you're going!" said a familiar voice.

He turned around. "Aaron?"

"Fuck yeah, buddy!"

"What are you doing here?"

"Surprise!" Jack came in with his arms wide. He then embraced for a group hug.