Shed party

This is about how he is having a shed party and I'm not
invited.

He says 'all the usual suspects' are being invited and then gives a
tight smile and I know immediately what's up.
'So you haven't invited Jane?'
Jane works with us and they know each other well.
'Well yes I have - she hasn't let me know yet whether she's
coming.'
The latter part of this sentence is a lame diversionary tactic which we
both know I won't swallow.

He looks at me and smiles, it looks more like he's wincing.
'You can come, it's just I though it would be a bit odd.'
'It would. I agree. But I &;#8230;&;#8230;'
'You can come.'
I keep shaking my head and pursing my lips.
'I think&;#8230;&;#8230;.I'll come to the next one.' This is a
cop out and I can see the relief on his face.
'Yes&;#8230;&;#8230;&;#8230;..good idea. I'll have a pond
opening or something.'

I can't help thinking that there will be no other guests, just me and
him, no public declaration. Nothing to declare.

'I hope next time I can come as a friend.'
He nods, 'Yes. Good.'

I know the 'good' relates to the fact that this conversation is over
and is not in anticipation of me coming to his next party.