'What time's this party?'

'Are you coming, Kate? Jeez, I thought you said you were never going to one of Si's parties again, as long as you live.' Ned drags crooked fingers through the air in a show of quotation.

'Fuck you Ned.'

'Long memories, Kate.'

'Yeh, well things have changed ok?'

Polly walks in from the kitchen, 'Oh shut up both of you. Your track record with these parties isn't too good either Ned.'

'Me!' Ned swivels to face her, 'Wha'd I ever do.'

'Gee. Well, I can't remember all their names but I'm sure you don't either.'

Ned glances over at you and half-smiles, 'I'm not that bad.'

Kate snorts and stands, 'Well, I'll see you there. I've got some stuff to do first.'

'Wanna go up later with me, Katie.' Polly asks.

'Yeh, okay. About 10?'

Polly nods, 'Sure. I might go up to the pub first and come back and get you.'

'Pol...'

Polly holds up her hand, 'It's my life.'

Ned watches them.

'Yeh, okay. 10 here.' Kate wanders out and you hear the stairs creaking.

'What's all that?' Ned asks.

'Nothing. Are you going now then?'

'I guess. Seems like I'm not invited to the pub.'

The silence stretches between them until Polly turns to you, 'Wanna come to the pub or go straight to the party with Ned.'

Ned turns and stomps out of the room.

Polly wrinkles her face, 'He's such a baby. But he'll be fine in about...' she checks her watch, 'ten minutes or two beers.' She smiles at you, 'So coming with me or going straight there with Mr Grumpy?'