Monday, June 27
(Before dinner at The Westchester Steak House)
"Lorna and I have been friends forever," explained Julie. "You know that, John. So, when Danny told me he was finally retiring from the military, I let her know Mr. Right was coming to town."
"Julie asked me... no, Julie told me she wanted me to meet Lorna," I chuckled. "Actually, I met her years ago, at your wedding as a matter of fact." Julie smiled and nodded. "But I was in the service, and Lorna was engaged at the time, I think. To some loser. Whatever. I remember thinking even then that she was my type. Well, Julie told me that Lorna and I were both going to be at Katelyn's wedding anyway, so..."
"I told Danny, you need a date for the wedding, she needs a date, let me put you in touch with her. He said sure, why not, so I e-mailed his picture to her. She was all excited! So, I put them in touch, simple as that."
"We wrote back and forth, we talked on the phone. We talked and talked for weeks..."
"And Danny was hooked!" Julie laughed.
"I got cold feet," I laughed. "I told Julie I wasn't sure that I wanted to be caught. That was the day I got here for the wedding."
"They met in person for the first time in twenty-three years at the rehearsal. I could tell Danny had hearts spinning around his head, just like in a cartoon!"
"I did. It must have been obvious to everybody. Especially to Lorna."
"They went out on Friday night, after the rehearsal dinner."
"Right. After the reception, we went out on Saturday night. And Sunday."
"Danny cancelled his flight, the one he was supposed to be on today."
"I rented an apartment today, one of those furnished short-term places like corporate relocation people refer you to. I'll be moving in on Thursday."
John drained his Scotch on the rocks, then scoffed. "Sounds almost like one of those mail-order bride deals, Dan. I mean, I wish both of you all of the happiness in the world,
but... but, I couldn't jump into a commitment like that so soon."
"I look at it this way. When you're holding on to a winning lottery ticket, do you not cash it in because you think you're gonna keep playing and win something bigger? Or, do you refuse to start driving from coast-to-coast until you're 100% sure all the traffic lights are green?" I stared at Johnny. "Not me. I'll take the prize here and now. And who cares about being on a predictable route? A poet wrote about a road splitting out in the woods. He took the one less traveled, and that made all the difference."
"And there's a song, John, you know it," said Julie. "I took a ride, I didn't know what I would find theeeere..." she sang.
I picked up from there. "Another road, maybe I could find another kind of life theeeere..."
Julie and I, in unison: "Ooh! Then I suddenly see you," Julie took my hands in hers. "Ooh! Did I tell you I need you, every single day of my life!" She smiled at me, neither one of us letting go of the other's hands. John's ears were turning crimson. People at the bar turned to stare. Not that I gave a fuck. Neither did Julie.
Lorna put her hand on my shoulder. I stood up. "Hi, Danny," she said, then kissed my cheek. "Julie, hi!" Julie stood to hug Lorna. "Hi, John!" she said. He nodded without standing. "How are you, Lorna?"
"Great! Looks like you're having fun! Have you guys been waiting long?" she asked.
"Not at all. Can I get you a drink? Something girly and sugary with an umbrella?" I asked.
"No, I'll probably have wine with dinner, but nothing now, thanks."
Lorna sat to my left, Julie to my right. All I could do was grin like the Cheshire cat. John looked as if he couldn't wait to go home. Not that I gave a fuck. Neither did Julie. Neither did Lorna. A lady walked past the table, behind John. She looked at me, with two hot ladies beside me, and smiled. Lorna and Julie giggled; John couldn't figure out what was so funny.
Tuesday morning, June 28
"He was so pissed off the other day. He said his pillow smelled like sweat, and he asked me if you slept on it. I told him yeah, you did. I insisted. You're my brother, and you can sleep there."
"Did he expect me to sleep on the couch?"
"I guess so. Or back at the hotel."
"Don't let him bother you. I'll tell him I'm sorry."
"No, Danny. Don't say anything. Don't let him find out I told you."
"Okay." After a moment, I asked, "Does he think we were in bed together?"
"No. He hasn't said so, anyway."
"Good. Listen, I just got back to my room after working out. Let me take a shower, then I'll call you back. We can get lunch, OK? Lorna gets off work around 4:30, and we're going out tonight."
"Should I just meet you at the hotel at 11?"