So THIS Is What a Friend Does?

Practical joke — (also known as a prank, gag, jape or shenanigan) is a mischievous trick or joke played on someone, typically causing the victim to experience, embarrassment, confusion, perplexity, or discomfort.

I experienced all the above on Saturday afternoon.

Linda calls me her friend . . . but I’m not so sure.

My husband and I had just come back from a B’nai Mitzvah (I’ll blog about THAT marvellous experience tomorrow!) and we were enjoying a relaxed afternoon together. I hadn’t checked my cell phone for hours but when I did,  I noticed that Linda had texted me at 1:45.

Where are you? People are showing up for the book signing!!

At 4:21, Linda had sent me another text.

About 20 people so far. We’re serving snacks now.

I read the two texts at 5:30—and I freaked.

Let me explain.

I recently completed my first book, Sisters in the Son, and my wonderful friends decided to host a book-launching party for me at Linda’s house. The original date set for this special occasion was May 31st – this past Saturday. However, as the month of May unfolded, I realized that the book would not be ready because of formatting issues so reluctantly, I changed the date of the book-launching party to September 6. 2014. My friends sent out a second Evite, announcing the change of date.

I must admit that last week, the thought crossed my mind, “I sure hope everyone received the second Evite and they realize that the date of the book-launching party has been delayed. It would be terrible if people came on the wrong date!!” I double-checked to make sure my friend had indeed sent the second Evite, she reassured me that all was well and I went on with my days.

So, when I received Linda’s two texts late Saturday afternoon, I was indeed embarrassed, uncomfortable, perplexed and confused. Let’s face it – I was in a frenzy.

I quickly texted Linda back.

What???? I just got your text! It’s not until September! An Evite was sent out with the correct date!

Linda texted back.

We’re just wrapping up now. We’ve got a party to go to. 

My worst nightmare had come true! All I could picture was Linda trying to deal with all these unexpected guests at a book-signing party where the author wasn’t present! When Linda hosts a party, she goes all out and I could only imagine my frazzled and frustrated friend running all over the house, trying to entertain strangers.

I texted her back.

Linda, I’m so sorry. I have no idea what happened. People must not have read their emails. 

My heart was beating quickly, I was sweating and completely overwhelmed with this dilemma . . .

. . . so I called Linda.

When she answered, she was laughing so hard, I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

I’m just kidding, Diane. 

Fifteen minutes of agony—and it was all a joke.

Actually, one guest did actually show up because she had misread the second Evite so when she arrived at Linda’s door, the two of them decided to play a joke on me.

Ok, Linda. You won this time . . . but I owe you big time!

Have you ever been the victim of a great practical joke? I love this one below!