Listen, Arden was very awkward and also everyone else here was an Adult^TM and knew one another pretty well. Bailing before the Puppybowl sounded waaaaay better than standing awkwardly around on the outskirts on conversations!

...Besides, now she had to run home and surprise Cal with the Puppybowl. There was a three-legged puppy.

"Oh, thanks!" she said with a smile, his greeting soothing the concern that the invite had mostly been performative. "I wanted to make sure Little Miss turned two in style, you know?"