College reunion

"Listen everyone," Olivia called out to the kitchen. "Tonight is a big night for me, and I'm super excited. I'm having a reunion party with some folks from college. It's been too long, and I'm excited and nervous and excited!"

Olivia didn't usually talk this much, so clearly the upcoming party was doing a number on her. Andrea and Gwendolyn sat in the kitchen with her. Andrea was drinking coffee, and Gwendolyn was idly trying to solve the daily crossword.

"Who's coming over?" asked Gwendolyn, only half paying attention. She was a few years older than Olivia, but they had gone to the same college for undergrad, so she thought she might know some of them.

"It's a volleyball reunion. I know I'm a chef now, but I used to play volleyball, and I used to be pretty good," Olivia said. One of her other housemates, Isabella, was a professional basketball player now, so Olivia never really had the "athlete" thing front and center. "Anyway, during my time on the team, the men's and women's teams were all very friendly with each other, and we've all stayed in touch, and so it's a group of those folks."

Gwendolyn shook her head. "I never knew any athletes. Oh well." She erased an entry in the puzzle and re-read the clues.

Andrea sipped her coffee. "So, like, how many people is that?"

Olivia gave it a thought. "I'm not totally sure who's coming. The current women's team is in the championship at school, so there's some alumni interest and a handful of past players are returning for that. I'm hoping to see the game on Sunday. But for tonight's dinner party, I think maybe seven people are coming?" She counted to herself, and then repeated. "Yes, I think seven. Plus me. So eight of us together."

Andrea pouted. "I guess you're not cooking for the rest of us tonight?"

"Oh, stop. You know I'll make plenty. And if you're going to be around, please feel totally welcome to socialize with us."

"What's on the menu?" asked Gwen.

"Fried honey dipped chicken, spicy macaroni and cheese with crab, and roasted vegetables. I used to cook something like this when we all played together. So it's a throwback."

Andrea smiled. "Sounds delish. I may cancel some plans tonight just to be here."

Olivia scribbled something on a pad of paper and tore off the top page. "Okay, I have to run to the grocery. I'll be back later. See you soon!"