The waiter appeared and placed their drinks on the table. Angela took her glass and raised it. “A toast, to new friends and family.” she stated, grinning.
"Hear, hear!” Paul chimed in.
They all clinked their glasses together and chugged their spirits. As the waiters passed out pitchers of ice water, they were interrupted by loud swearing coming from the outer hallway. The place fell silent and all eyes were on the entrance of Donnie McCoy and the two girls, still clad in their filthy rags.
"Jesus, I just wanna eat my supper. Now where the hell do I go?” Donnie shouted at the impeccably dressed Maitre'D, who politely informed them that there was a dress code.
"Sir, I'm afraid the Velvet Room requires a coat and tie,” he gently told Donnie.
"You want me to be wearin’ fancy threads, then you go up to K-Mart and get me some. Sheet, you fuckin’ city folk so uppity, I oughta teach ya'll a lesson.” Donnie wailed in his face. Allison quickly went over to assess the situation. Shauna and Justin made eye contact and snickered.
"Country comes to town.” Jason murmured. Joe, Beverly, and Angela gave each other glances and cracked up.
"It's the Beverly Hillbillies.” Paul joked.
After Allison explained the situation to the hotel staff, they allowed Donnie and the girls entrance to the dining room. Allison introduced herself to Donnie.
"Hi, I don't believe we've met. I'm Allison Collins,” she said, offering her hand to Donnie, who thrust it away.
"I don't need no woman to come to my callin'. Now, for the fifth time, where's my chow?” Donnie rudely demanded, all eyes on him with disdain.
Allison remained friendly. “Please sit down wherever you like.” she told him.
Shelly tried to make nice at Allison. “I like your hair, it's fixed so pretty and all.” Shelly said sweetly, looking crushed and submissive.
Allison smiled through clenched teeth. “Why, thank you.” she answered, turning away and going over to the table where her daughter and son were sitting.
"What the hell?” Paul asked.
"They were invited” Allison explained. “Stephen was married to his sister. I understand he just got out of prison."
"He should go back in now and beat the rush...” Paul quipped.
"Paul ... Shhhh!” Allison admonished him, but grinned at the all-too-accurate joke despite herself.
"That is Aunt Linda's brother?” Beverly was shocked.
Allison nodded. “Can you believe it? She was so sweet and classy."
"I don't think there is possum on the menu.” Angela smirked.
"What did he go to prison for?” Beverly asked.
"Existing.” Paul volunteered.
"I don't know, but I hope he takes your advice, Paul.” Allison mused, then walked off to greet the other, more decent guests. Donnie and the girls found a table, sat down, and began to chug the water that was in front of them. Donnie kept demanding food, embarrassing Lilly and Shelly who smiled sheepishly.
Everybody in the room was staring at them with the exception of two people. Stephen and Andrew looked knowingly at each other. “Did you send him the letter?” Stephen asked in a low voice, careful not to let the kids hear.
Andrew smiled back “Yup.” Donnie did not seem to recognize either of them, all the better.
"Good.” Stephen grinned. “It's payback time."
Andrew grinned back “Yup."
* * * *
The man waited patiently for Brianna to get off work. The bar was empty with the exception of the elderly couple in a booth who were busy cracking open some nuts. She hastily changed out of her uniform into a flowery t-shirt and jeans and joined him at a little table in the corner. “So, it's nice of you to hang out with me.” he smiled coyly at her.
"Well, I don't get out much” she told him.
"That's odd. Pretty girl like you? I figure you would have a date every night.” he winked.
"Not really. My life is work and school.” Brianna shrugged.
"So, what can I get you to drink? White wine? Beer? Scotch?"
"Oh, just a Coke for me.” she said, shaking her head.
"Oh, come on, just one little drinkie?” he pushed.
"I have to drive home. Just a Coke."
"Let me order you a shot of tequila."
"No, thank you."
"Shot of vodka."
"No!"
"Whatever!” he shrugged and summoned over the cocktail waitress. “One Coke and one draft beer, please.” The waitress took their orders and left. The man folded his arms and eyed Brianna, then smiled. “So, what does your boyfriend think of you working as a waitress?” he inquired.
"I don't have a boyfriend. I'm too busy.” she answered.
"No boyfriend? Are you a dyke?” he ridiculed her. She looked at him, blankly.
"Sorry. So what are you planning to study in school?” he asked her, not really interested.
"Nursing."
"Nursing? Hmmmm. Gonna see an awful lot of naked bodies."
"I guess."
"What kind of nursing? OBGYN? See some pussies?” The man guffawed belligerently, making her squirm in her seat. He enjoyed making her uncomfortable. Just then the waitress came with their drinks. She set them down on the table. The man apologized for his rudeness. “I'm sorry for all the sexual jokes. See, my father molested me as a kid. It was terrible, scarred me for life.” He hung his head in mock sorrow.
"Oh, no, I'm so sorry.” Brianna looked at him with sympathy.
"Traumatic experience, I'm still trying to get over it,” he explained. As the man kept talking, he slowly reached into his pants pocket. The little pills were right where he put them, front right pocket of his pants. He easily reached in and took one in his hand, as he had done so many times before. Now, the trick was to slip it in her drink without her noticing. The secret was to keep her distracted by making her talk.
"So, tell me more about yourself. Did you grow up in California?” he smiled.
"Yes, I am from Santa Barbara.” she continued.
"What was it like? I really want to know. Where I'm from, it's cold all the time."
"Where is that?"
"Chicago."
"I've never been there."
With the little GHB pill in hand, he got ready to put it in her drink. He pulled out his wallet and opened it, getting as close to her as possible. “Here, let me show you a picture of me in front of my house.” he said. As she leaned in for a closer look, he made his move. He dropped the little tablet into her drink with a plop. She was none the wiser. “That is my childhood home. What do you think?” he asked with a grin.
"It must have been nice growing up with a change of seasons.” she said, and took a sip of her drink. He watched her anxiously.
"I can imagine it being summer all the time,” he said smiling. The man knew it was just a matter of minutes.
"I loved growing up by the beach, though. I knew how to surf by the time I was five,” she told him. She kept on talking, and the man just waited for the drug to take effect. Finally Brianna started to slur her speech. He knew all the signs and just what to do.
"Are you all right?” he questioned her. She put her hand to her head.
"I just started feeling dizzy all of a sudden.” Brianna told him, looking as if she might faint.
"Here, why don't you take another sip of your drink? You are probably dehydrated, running around in the heat and all,” the man said, clumsily holding her. She started to collapse; her eyes were rolled back in her head. The elderly man and his wife came over to offer help.
"Is the young lady okay? Shall I call somebody?” the older gentleman inquired, his concerned wife looking on. Brianna started making gurgling noises and her head fell back towards the floor.
"No, she does this all the time. My sister is a diabetic. I have to take her to her room for her insulin shot.” the man explained. He quickly gathered her up and started to carry her off, the old couple still watching. “It's okay, go back to your Geritol!” the man
angrily snapped at them. He managed to drag her unnoticed through small, side hallway and out the back door.
She started to squirm. “Where am I going? Hmmmm?” she groggily asked.
"You are going to be just fine. I'm going to take real good care of you, real good,” the man whispered to her. He burst into a nasty laugh as he gently placed her head on his shoulder, and motioned for a taxi.
* * * *
Dinner was finally being served. They dined ravenously on crab cake appetizers, sirloin steak, and garlic mashed potatoes. For the vegetarian guests, the fare consisted of squash soup, grilled eggplant, and stuffed artichokes. Red and white wine flowed freely, and nobody had an empty plate or glass. It was a fun, joyous occasion, with the exception of the ill-mannered Donnie, who constantly talked with his mouth full and complained loudly about the food. Justin chowed down on the sirloin, much to the amusement of his twin.
"I thought you were trying to go veggie” Jason chided him.
"I am.” Justin spoke between mouthfuls. “It's hard when you grew up on Philly cheese steaks."
"You hippie!” Jason teased. Justin flashed him a peace sign with his two fingers, and continued to gobble his dinner. Jason glanced around the room. Being an FBI special agent, he had the unique talent of being able to do so with the utmost discretion. He noticed there were other people around their age in attendance at another table, two cute girls and two attractive guys. Outstanding, he thought. There were going to be people to party with after all. He had not planned to be the quiet, good son and get kissed by a bunch of old ladies this weekend. He turned he attention to Shauna. “So, have you hit that beach yet?” he asked.
She nodded and swallowed a mouthful. “This afternoon.” she said.
"How was it?” he grinned.
"Wonderful. I plan on going back tomorrow,” she said smiling at him. His mischievous eyes reminded her of Robert, whom she remembered she had to call later.
"What about tonight? How about a midnight swim? Hey, Jus'? You up for a moonlight dip in the ocean?” Jason asked his twin.
"Sure, why not?” Justin nodded his head, his big, dark curls springing up and down. Shauna giggled.
"Are you sure we're allowed to go swimming at night?” she questioned.
Jason leaned in closer. “Honey, we can do what ever we want. I'm the law!"
"The law? What do you mean?” she gasped, looking at him.
"You didn't know? Your father didn't tell you?” Jason inquired of her. She shook her head.
"Jason is in the FBI. He'll tell that to anybody who will stand still long enough.” Justin chimed in.
"Yeah, well I'm proud of it.” Jason simpered.
Shauna looked impressed. “Wow! Really?” Cute and could protect her, she thought.
Jason nodded his head modestly.
"No wonder you have such a great body.” she shot back.
"Your body is not so bad, either.” he winked. She blushed. A little harmless flirting between third cousins twice removed never hurt anybody.
"All right. A swim it is.” she agreed. “Let's just hope no sharks come."
"I doubt that.” Jason shook his head. “If they do, I'll kick their asses! I promise no shark is going to come near you!"
She smiled bashfully. “I believe you!” she stated.
Andrew joined in the conversation. “What is this I hear about swimming? Did you know there is a dance and a bingo game after dinner?"
"A what?” Justin looked surprised.
"We are here to mingle with family.” Andrew raised his eyebrow at his sons.
"I plan to, Pop.” Jason volunteered.
"Bingo? Dad, you are not really going to make us stay for that, are you?” Justin looked irritated at the idea.
"Yes, son. You guys can party anytime. This is a special occasion.” Andrew told them.
Stephen piped up. “It won't be so bad. You guys can go swimming afterwards. Besides, there is going to be scuba diving and surfing tomorrow morning."
"Justin would like that, he definitely has the hair to be a California surfer dude.” Jason burst out laughing at his own joke.
"Very funny!” Justin retorted. Bingo? Jesus! What is this, the old folks home? This was going to the most God-awful weekend of his life, and he hoped he wouldn't die of boredom. He looked apathetically around the room. Suddenly, he smiled with jubilance. To his delight, he noticed an upright piano in the corner. He could not resist, as the musical instrument was the passion of his life. He got up and went over to it.
"I knew he was going to do that.” Jason nodded in the direction of his brother.
"Do what?” Shauna asked.
"Every time he sees a piano he has to go and play it. He can't help himself, it's in his blood.” Jason explained. Justin approached the piano, and sat down on the bench. He ran his fingers lightly over the keyboard, and then broke into a perfect allegro moderato by Beethoven. The room immediately fell silent.
"My God! He is awesome!” Shauna gasped.
Jason nodded. “He was playing the piano before he could walk.” As the waiters were serving dessert, everybody was fixated on him with astonishment.
Beverly whispered to Joe. “Who is that?"
"I'm not sure. I think he is here with Uncle Stephen.” Joe responded.
Angela chimed in. “He's incredible, whoever he is. A long-lost cousin? Maybe?"
"I guess.” Beverly answered, transfixed. When he finished, the whole dining room burst into thunderous applause. Justin got up, smiled, and took a humorous mock bow. He returned to the table, where the chocolate mousse was waiting.
Shauna gushed. “That was amazing."
"Thanks.” Justin responded humbly, then he sat down and attacked his chocolate mousse.
"Where did you go to school to learn how to do that?” Shauna asked excitedly.
"Julliard.” Andrew answered, bursting with pride that his gifted son had attended such a prestigious school.
"Julliard? Wow!” Shauna exclaimed.
"Dad always answers that question for me” Justin looked over to his father, smiling knowingly.
"Well, he paid for it, didn't he?” Jason laughed.
There was absolutely no sibling rivalry between the two brothers, very unusual when one was so talented. But Jason was talented in his own right, and the brothers supported each other faithfully. Andrew was very well aware that both of his sons were going to go very far in life, and he considered them his most prized possessions. He felt very lucky to have such great kids. He was sympathetic to his friend Stephen, his troubled son Michael, and the introverted Shauna, even though Jason seemed to be getting her to come out of her shell. Jason had an impeccable judge of character, a must for being in the FBI, and seemed to know how to make her tick. Andrew looked at them, laughing and giggling. They seemed to be hitting it off nicely. Yes, indeed, they certainly were.
Donnie stared with disgust at the dish of chocolate mousse and cursed. “What t'hell is this? Am I payin’ to eat dog shit? Get this away from me.” He knocked the dish off the table; it landed onto the floor and splattered all over. The waiters scurried over to clean it up. Donnie was drunk, obnoxious, and making a fool of himself. Lilly and Shelly quietly ate their dinner, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
"I've had enough of this Californy foo-foo faggot food. Get me a cheeseburger!” he demanded of Cindy, who had the misfortune of having to wait on his table.
"I'll see what I can do for you, sir,” she answered, eyeing the other members of the wait staff, and disappearing into the kitchen.
"Hey! Hey, girlie. I ain't done talkin’ to you. Get back here, girlie. Girlie?” he shouted after her. The whole room was now staring, and murmuring uncomfortably.
"Poor Cindy. Having to put up with that shit.” Joe volunteered.
"I hope he gives her a big tip.” Angela told them.
"I'm sure she's not holding her breath.” Paul nodded.
Donnie piped up again. “Sheet! Fuck you, city folk.” he shoute
d. Donnie got up, and in his drunken stupor, kicked his chair over. He roughly grabbed Shelly and Lilly by the hand. He continued to curse loudly and pulled them from the room.
"Who are those two girls?” Angela asked.
"I don't know, but I intend to find out.” Beverly stated, ever the sympathetic social worker.
"Don't get involved, honey. That man is bad news.” Angela glanced at her.
"Somebody has to do something.” Beverly responded.
"Yes, but why you?” Angela demanded.
"Why not me?” Beverly answered back. Angela just shook her head.
Just then, John proceeded over to the stage, stood at the microphone, and began to address the crowd. “Does this thing work now?” John's voice blasted full volume over the crowd. He chuckled. “I guess it does.” The room hummed with amused giggling. John was a natural actor, and was very at home on the stage. “I hope everybody enjoyed their dinner, as well as the impromptu entertainment, courtesy of our friends from the heart of Dixie.” The room burst into laughter.
"No kidding.” Jason whispered. Shauna stifled a giggle.
John continued. “As you all may have read in your packets, we have plenty of activities planned. For the over fifty crowd, we have bingo."
"All right, bingo!” Paul shouted. Beverly smiled and shook her head at her crazy brother. More snickering. “And for the under fifty crowd, we have the Roxbury Room, complete with a D.J. and dance floor."
"Sounds cool.” Justin piped up. This might not be such a bad weekend after all.
"The Roxbury Room is up on the roof, and is ready for you kids to boogie the night away. So, if I may suggest, we continue our weekend of mingling, and most importantly, have a good time!” John put down the microphone and left the stage. Cheers abounded. The room began to disperse.
Jason looked at Shauna and Justin. “So, to the roof?” he asked
"Sure, let's go.” Shauna got up excitedly. She turned to her father. “Are you all coming?"
Stephen shook his head. “You kids go ahead, Andy and I want to talk about old times."
"Yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do.” Andrew agreed.
"Okay, see you later, Daddy.” She kissed her father on the cheek and joined Justin and Jason. She was worried about her father. He and Andrew seemed so secretive about something. Hell, it was the weekend, she thought to herself. She was going to put all that out of her mind and have a good time. Jason held out his arm, and she put her arm around it.
Weekends Page 6