The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
22: Chris
Overview
Chris arrives late to a tiki-themed pool party where he and Larissa accidentally match outfits, strengthening their easy rapport. Larissa can’t eat due to nut-heavy food, and Mike, who vowed not to drink, begins drinking and plans to leave early. Chris sings karaoke with Larissa as Mike continues drinking. Grandpa’s wheelchair-and-cigarette antics add chaos, underscoring family dynamics and Mike’s impulsivity.
Summary
Chris arrives late to a lively backyard party and spots Larissa dressed up. He joins friends and discovers he and Larissa accidentally wore matching Woofarine-print outfits, which delights the group and highlights their growing camaraderie. Mike jokes along and keeps close to Larissa, while Chris deflects by focusing on small details.
When drinks are ordered, Mike claims he isn’t drinking because he’s training, but Chris and Larissa note Larissa’s nut allergy. Chris reminds Jesse to alert the bar. At the food table, Larissa and Chris discuss her slowing snackle-box business. Chris encourages party platters, and Larissa shares a goal to make an extra hundred dollars a day, though time is tight. Chris wishes Mike helped her more as she’s been staying with him several nights a week.
Grandpa barrels in with an oxygen tank and demands a cigarette. Mike obliges and sneaks him to the gazebo, prompting comedic chaos as Grandpa later zips across the dance floor with Joy in pursuit. Mike returns with a drink despite his earlier promise, and when Larissa questions the driving plan, he shrugs it off and promises it’s his last.
Larissa asks Mike to sing a duet; he refuses and volunteers Chris. Chris agrees but avoids romantic songs, steering them to “Sweet Caroline.” While they wait, Larissa notes she couldn’t eat because nuts were everywhere and says Mike will take her to get food; they plan to leave early. Onstage, Chris sees Mike at the bar getting a second drink, underscoring Mike’s impulsivity and Larissa’s unmet needs amid the party’s family chaos.
Who Appears
- ChrisNarrator; arrives late, shares accidental matching outfit with Larissa, supports her business ideas, sings duet, observes Mike drinking.
- LarissaWears matching Woofarine-print dress, discusses money goals, can’t eat due to nuts, asks for a duet, plans to leave early with Mike.
- MikeSays he won’t drink but does, enables Grandpa’s smoking, declines duet, plans to leave early to get Larissa food.
- JesseFetches drinks, jokes about Grandpa, encourages party fun and karaoke.
- BeccaTeases Chris and Larissa about matching outfits; observes Grandpa’s chaos.
- GrandpaStorms party in motorized wheelchair with oxygen, demands cigarettes, causes commotion on the dance floor.
- JoyChases Grandpa when he tears across the dance floor with a lit cigarette.