Chapter 18

His parents came to the dinner dressed overly formally and with a few drinks under their belts. His father leered at Karen. He went toward her but bumped into me instead and stumbled. “Who are you?”

I replied, “I am Brad Gillis and she is my wife, Karen.”

“Your wife is a real looker.”

I said, “I think she is quite beautiful. Thank you.” I was trying to dismiss him. His breath smelled heavily of alcohol.

He approached my mother who fended him off. Missus Mason also kept him at arm’s length without seeming effort. Larry’s mother approached men similarly and also had no success. She approached me asking, “Are you really the best man?”

Karen walked up behind her and said, “I think so. I married him.”

She turned quickly and stumbled a bit. She regained her balance without help and looked at Karen. “He looks pretty. I might like a little taste.” She was speaking to Karen though was giving me a lustful look before she finished talking.

Karen smiled as she moved to my side. “He’s not giving out samples nor am I. Missus Moore, please excuse us. We must speak to someone. Brad, please come with me, Darling.”

I smiled at my wife and moved away with her. “Who do we need to speak to?”

“Each other. I just wanted to get you away from her politely. I think you were about to say something.”

I smiled again. “Yes, she smelled like a brewery. I like your line about samples.”

Karen smiled at me fiendishly. “You may use it freely.”

Larry came to us with Suzie-Q and said, “I hope my parents aren’t causing problems.”

Karen said, “None that can’t be handled quietly.”

Larry said, “They’ve been drinking?”

“Yes, but there’s nothing here and we will be watching and will keep them out of trouble.”

Larry smiled. “Thanks, Brad. I appreciate not having to worry about that issue. They don’t know where we’re going for our honeymoon and it’s private on top of that. Suzie-Q has the same deal from your father for us that you had.” They both smiled at us.

Karen said, “It was fun.” We smiled back.

We watched Larry’s parents as they roamed around in the hall. I had talked to the manager requesting no alcohol even if someone requested it. He agreed. I noticed Mister Moore talking to Martin, the manager. He even tried to slip him some money which Martin declined. I went to Mister Moore when he wasn’t happy about not being able to get alcohol.

I said, “Mister Moore, is there something I can help you with this evening?”

“Yes, this man won’t sell me a drink. The club and restaurant serve alcohol but he won’t bring me anything, not even a beer.”

I smiled, “That’s true. Martin is the manager and a good friend. When I ordered the dinner, I specifically requested that no alcohol be available. It’s not. That was my doing and my decision.” Martin looked at me with relief. He walked away. Mister Moore remained. I said, “Is there anything else you wanted?”

“Why?” He asked.

“Some of the attendees are well below drinking age and they shouldn’t be tempted. Others who are older don’t seem able to control their drinking and I wanted to try to avoid those young people being exposed to inappropriate behavior.”

He started a little because he realized I was talking to and about him very directly.

His face became flushed. He started,, “I’m not drunk...”

I cut him off. “Bull, you’re obviously intoxicated at your son’s rehearsal dinner embarrassing him before his friends. Your wife is, too.”

“We’re not drunk. We just had a cocktail before coming over here.”

“Sir, I beg to differ. You may have only had one drink but you are intoxicated as is your wife. It’s not appropriate here nor will it be tomorrow at the wedding and reception. If you show up for those events intoxicated, you will be removed. I regret having to take this position but neither you nor your wife shall spoil your son’s and my sister’s wedding.”

“We paid for this wedding.”

“Sir, you did not. I wrote the check for this event and my parents are paying for the wedding and reception. You can lie and bluster to some people but it won’t work with me. I also know that Larry is receiving student assistance because of your financial situation.

“Therefore, Mister Moore, cut the crap. You and your wife need to sober up for tomorrow. The only question I have is, are you or your wife able to drive safely to your hotel or do I need to arrange for a taxi? Because both of you are leaving now.”

Paul came up beside me. “Rudolph said you might need some help.”

“Possibly.” After a slight pause, I said, “Mister Moore, will you drive or should we take you and your wife to your hotel?”

My father and Mister Mason walked over with Missus Moore. My father said, “It looks like the two of you are leaving. I will drive you in your car and Don will follow me. If you show up tomorrow, you had best be sober. Give me your keys.”