As Time Goes By - Georgetown Book III - 11. ATGB XI

César Marcos Abelló Jr. and Owen Zachary Liston remained entwined, sharing their first kiss as a married couple, when chaos erupted around them. Shouts drowned out Father Chance Highbottom’s final words. The newlyweds were jostled to the ground. Decorum disappeared as the groomsmen pounced on them, screaming congratulations and cheering.

Ritchie Peterson and Spencer Liston―each one serving their respective brother as best man―led the assault. They hefted the ring boy and flower girl, ten-year-old twins Emmanuel and Gabriella Tomassi, aloft so they could kiss and hug CJ and Owen. Following the initial contact, they extracted the kids from the pile-up and returned them to the lawn. With the children pulled to safety away from the melee, no longer at risk of being crushed by the men, Ritchie and Spencer dove back in.

“Bloody hell, get off us you fools!” Owen stopped laughing long enough to sound aggrieved.

CJ pushed upwards as hard as he could and dislodged whoever was draped across his back―he had no idea who it was. Recovering his sunglasses from the grass, he rose to his haunches. Reaching out, he tried to push Tanix Janda away. His hand hit the bodybuilder’s torso, but the man nicknamed Tank did not budge. “Ouch! Darn it, Tank. That hurt. I think I broke a finger.”

“Sorry…” The large blonde-haired man did not sound too concerned; it was obvious he was trying to bring his own mirth under control. “Not sorry.”

Carson Sawyer, CJ’s Georgetown University classmate, shook a lock of hair away from his face, repositioned his Panama hat atop his head, and extended a hand to help his friend stand. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you and Ozzie up. It doesn’t look good for the grooms to be rolling around on the ground in front of all these important people.”

“What he said!” Ethan Feldman had graduated from the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School the previous year and worked for a law firm in Manhattan. He came down a few days early and spent time with the Squad―friends he no longer saw on a regular basis. “Get up, Ozzie. Off your butt now. I didn’t travel all the way from New York to watch you and your husband consummate your marriage on the grounds of the Jefferson Memorial.”

“Yeah! You two should wait until the honeymoon to start that shit.” Retired Marine Captain Brett Davenport stood next to his husband watching their son brush grass clippings and traces of dirt from his shorts. Brett reached for his head and grunted when César struck him. “OUCH! What was that for?”

“For having a potty mouth on our kid’s special day. You’re not in the barracks, Jarhead.” César Marcos Abelló shook his head, winked at his son, and wrapped Owen in a hug. “Glad you’re a full member of the family at last, Ozzie. Welcome to the crazies!”

Although Owen was one of the tallest members in the group of friends, he stood on tiptoes scanning the gathered guests over his father-in-law’s shoulder. “Thanks, César. Where’s mum and dad?”

Pamela Liston, followed by her husband Geoffrey, powered her way through the young men crowding the grooms and wrapped her son in an embrace. “We’re here, we’re here. Ohhh, my baby… I’m so happy… You two look so handsome…” Her sobbing drowned out any further words. She accepted the handkerchief Geoff offered and dabbed at the rivulets of tears coursing down her cheeks.

CJ watched the Australian couple take a step back when approached by one of the men wearing a dark suit, mirrored sunglasses, and an ear attachment with a coiled wire. When the guy excused himself and asked if anyone had a weapon, all but Harley shook their heads. Harley Oshkosh Wilkinson always carried a Leatherman multi-tool he held out on his palm, but the Secret Service agent waved it away.

“Well, well, well. About time you made it legal.” Barack Obama, former President of the United States approached the grooms with his wife Michelle on his arm. “Sorry to drop by unannounced. Michelle and I felt this was the best way to avoid the circus atmosphere following us. I see you two surrounded yourselves with a spirited bunch this morning.”

CJ and Owen wiped hands on shorts and extended them for Mr. Obama to shake but the former president swatted them away. “Handshakes are for politicians. We’re friends. I want hugs.”

Mrs. Obama slipped her arm through Owen’s after the embrace. “Are your parents here, Owen? I’d like to meet them.”

“That’s them right there.” Owen pointed at the couple standing next to CJ’s parents. “Mum, dad, I’d like you to meet―”

“Don’t be daft, Owen. Just because we live halfway around the world doesn’t mean we don’t recognize the President and First Lady. Plus, Pam and I have seen the pictures of you and CJ with them. Geoffrey Liston, sir, madam. This is my wife, Pamela.”

Sebastián Abelló waved an unlit cigar around while beaming at the grooms. “Campeón! Rubio!” Calling CJ champ and Owen blondie was his typical greeting. The man seldom used their actual names. CJ took a step away from the group to hug his grandparents. Sebastián waited his turn while his wife Rosario embraced the grooms.

Olga Santos, CJ’s other grandmother, repeated the greeting but started crying while hugging her grandson. “I’m so happy for you boys. I wish Juan had lived to see this day.” Her husband had died at the beginning of the year from complications of Alzheimer’s. She wiped her eyes and rested a hand on Owen’s chest. “You didn’t get to meet him when he was well. Juan enjoyed seeing his grandsons happy. He would have liked you because you make CJ smile whenever he’s around you.”

“Thank you, Aba.” Owen had taken to calling his husband’s grandparents the same as CJ and Ritchie did. “I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make him smile.”

Since his grandparents planned to remain in Washington for a couple of weeks, CJ figured he and Owen would spend time with them after they returned from the honeymoon. He did not feel too bad about cutting their current interaction short. “Ummm, guys, sorry to break this up but the photographer’s tapping his foot. Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, would you honor us and take a picture with me and Ozzie?” CJ turned his attention to his father-in-law for a moment. “We’ll be quick, Geoff. Then we’ll take the ones with the parents and grandparents. You’ll get a chance to chat with President and Mrs. Obama while we pose for the wedding party ones.”

“I’m down with that.” Mr. Obama draped an arm around Owen’s shoulders and motioned CJ to stand next to Owen. “You two get to be between me and Michelle. But I want a picture with all the guys too. Y’all look just too darn cool. Wish I’d worn shorts. Maybe I’ll take the blazer off and roll up the pants’ legs.”

Not only did Barack Obama end up in a picture with all the groomsmen, he and his wife were gracious enough to pose for several with the newlyweds’ parents and grandparents. By the time the photographer began packing up his equipment, the guests had boarded the double decker buses hired to transport them between locations and were on their way to the reception at the venerable Watergate Hotel. The former President and First Lady said goodbye to the grooms but not before extracting the promise of a phone call and a visit once they returned from their honeymoon.

CJ shook hands with the wedding planner, the photographer, and their respective staffs. The surprised expression remained when he stood next to Owen again. “Damn! What the fuck just happened?” The couple headed towards the motor home transporting the grooms and wedding party to the reception.

“No idea, mate. It was all a blur after a little girl hugged me. Thiago jumped on me and I lost track of who else tried to pummel me into the ground. And then… Can you believe the Obamas showed up?”

“I saw them chatting with your parents while people kept asking Barack and Michelle to take pictures with them.”

“BRUH! That was frickin’ insane. This is like the first wedding ever I’ve been to and enjoyed. And we still have all that food next! Oh, man and I can’t believe President Obama was at your wedding! You know my dad deals with politicians all the time. What with him being a lobbyist and all? But you should have seen his face when Obama came up to hug you guys. His jaw dropped so much I think you could see all the way to his stomach. Oh, before I forget. Adriano took his kids with him in one of the buses. That was so cool you guys rented those to drive people between the Watergate and here. What with parking around the monuments being a pain and all. He said since we needed to wait some before we got to the reception, they didn’t want the kids to get―”

“HARLEY! Breathe.” Owen’s use of CJ’s usual admonition had both grooms cracking up.

“Well, Ozzie and I are real happy you’re enjoying yourself, bud. Thank you for agreeing to be part of the wedding. What’s this?” CJ stared at the somewhat wrinkled envelope his friend held out.

“It’s your wedding present. Hey! I know you said we couldn’t get stoned until after the whole thing was done. How about sharing another one like we did before? To take the edge off.”

When CJ glanced at him, Owen gave a quick nod. “Why not? I’ll go tell the driver we’ll be another five minutes or so. Should I invite anyone else?”

“Thiago and Carson for sure. Your brother, Tank, and the Kennedys will pass. Might as well tell Ritchie or he’ll give us shit all day. Fuck it! Just tell everyone we’re getting high and see who wants to join us.” What they were doing was illegal. Even though recreational use of marijuana was allowed in the District of Columbia, they were on National Park Service property and the law did not extend to federal lands. CJ did not care.

He was uncertain how Harley did it but before Owen reached the vehicle, there was a lit pinner at his friend’s lips. He took a long hit and passed it. “Damn, Patrick’s coming out with the rest of them. I hope you have more than one.” CJ shut up and sucked on the joint.

“Not on me. But the Altoids tin’s in my backpack.” Ritchie was the first one to run over to the end of the big motorhome and snatched the doobie out of his brother’s hand.

“I need this. Mr. A wouldn’t let me bring the flask you guys gave me!” Ritchie took several quick hits before CJ grasped his hand, relieved him of the weed, and passed it to one of the others.

“You need this? Bro! What the fuck? Hey, Paddy, I’m surprised you came hang out with the stoners.”

“Don’t worry, you guys haven’t corrupted me yet. I spend so much time around you druggies it doesn’t bother me. What I came out for is to get a better look at the rings. You kept them hidden until today and all I got was a glimpse. I figure this is the last chance to peek at them for a while. You guys will be mobbed once we get to the hotel.”

“Here you go, mate.” Owen slipped the wedding band off his finger and placed it on the palm of his cousin’s hand. “We had them custom made. Two gold flat washers joined by five miniature black titanium screws. If we ever want to, those can be taken out, replaced by longer ones, and then we can put a stone in between the screws and the washers.”

“May I see?” Carson took the ring from Patrick and twirled it between his fingers several times before handing it to Ethan. “That’s so cool. Who designed them?”

“Both of us, with a little help from Abuelo’s friend.” Owen slipped it back on his finger after Ethan was done with his own examination. “We saw one we liked which had a thick white gold band between the two thin yellow ones. We didn’t want something that big so the jeweler suggested we join two rings with screws. We liked the idea of wearing two, one for each of us. CJ suggested titanium screws to represent the strength of our love.”

“Oh, gods! Gag me with a ladle. That’s just too damn syrupy for my taste.”

“Fuck you, Ritchie. I’m disavowing you as my brother as of this moment.” CJ took the clip Harley handled him and finished the roach. He noticed his friend lighting a second one.

Carson had allowed his hair to grow over the past few months and his brown curls bounced around as he jumped from one foot to the other. “Can I be your brother? Can I be your brother? Can I be your brother?” He sounded like a ten-year old. “Your dads can adopt me even if I’m over eighteen. I mean, you already got me a job with the mayor of Washington last year. And today I had my picture taken with a President of the United States thanks to you and Ozzie. I’ll appreciate all this a lot more than Ritchie.”

CJ’s younger brother gave the man a finger salute and stuck his tongue out at him. “Screw you, Carson. At least I don’t go all fangirl if I meet someone important.”

“Okay, kids, that’s enough for now. Time to behave.” CJ looked surprised when they all laughed at him after he mentioned behaving.

 

As the motor home stopped in front of the Watergate Hotel’s main entrance and disgorged its passengers, CJ noticed two black GMC Suburbans parked on the driveway; with all the hijinks distracting him, he failed to make the connection with the woman standing next to the vehicles wearing a dark suit and sunglasses.

“LET’S PARTY!” CJ’s shout caused the murmur of conversation in the ballroom to wane before the milling guests erupted in applause and cheers. The twelve young men bursting into the place resembled a triumphant college sport team more than a traditional wedding party. They crashed through the doors hollering and hooting before dispersing through the room searching for specific individuals. The elaborate entrance arranged by the wedding planner, with each one introduced by the DJ, was tossed out in the excitement of the celebration. The same way the song planned for after the ceremony was forgotten. CJ noticed the wedding planner shaking his head once again.

Owen and CJ held hands, unable to move from where they stood due to the waves of well-wishers surrounding them. The Aussie elbowed CJ and lowered his mouth next to his husband’s ear. “Check it out, mate. Ritchie made a beeline for Lucy Wilkinson. If those two end up together, Harley’s gonna be part of the family before we realize it.”

“Like either one of you would mind having that guy as a relative.” Randall Abelló crushed his younger cousin in a hug before passing him over to Tyler Scott―his husband―and repeating the process with Owen. “Although right now I think I hate him and both of you. I smell weed and I’m guessing it’s his doing. I can’t believe you guys smoked and forgot about me and Ty.”

“Stop whining, Randy. You sound queeny.” CJ lowered his voice so only his cousin could hear him. “Later on, ask Harley to take a walk with you and to bring the Altoids. He’ll hook you up. Speak of the devil, here he comes.”

The four men turned to watch Harley walk towards them, furiously chewing on something. He held a napkin with food on one hand, and dragged a much shorter Asian girl along with the other one. “These things are frickin’ awesome! I could eat a whole tray of them.”

“Mate, you could eat a tray of anything.” Owen took a step back to avoid flying bits of crispy tostón topped with sofrito. “But I’ll give you this one. Abuela Abelló got me hooked on those smashed and fried plantain things the first time I visited Miami. Hi, Kim. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Kim Hoang was a couple of years younger than CJ and Harley, met them through her involvement with the Gay Straight Alliance at School Without Walls High School, and served as the organization’s co-chair with CJ during his senior year. “Hi Ozzie. Hi CJ. Congratulations. And thank you for inviting me.”

“I want a hug and a kiss. As one of the grooms it’s my right.” CJ always liked the Vietnamese-American girl and marveled at her connection with Harley. His friend was a non-stop talker and gobbler of anything edible, while the girl was rather quiet and a devout vegetarian who barely seemed to eat.

“You should try the marinated ’roo, young man. It’s perfectly rare and quite tasty.” Reneé Sacks―the Australian ambassador to the United States—joined the group with her husband and smiled at Harley as he covered his mouth and tried to swallow.

“The what?”

CJ had a feeling he was going laugh a lot this day. His friend’s reaction brought on the latest bout. “Harley, you uneducated grease monkey. Hello Ambassador, Mr. Sacks. Please forgive my friend. Kangaroo’s one of the few things not on his regular diet.”

“Really? You guys have kangaroo here? Where?”

“They’re passing it around, mate. It looks like steak.” Owen turned his attention to the ambassador and her husband. “My parents would like to say hello, ma’am. They want to thank you for your help.” He referred to her assistance in obtaining the necessary permits to import a large quantity of Liston wines for the wedding, all duty free.

“They already have, Owen. CJ’s fathers introduced us after that lovely ceremony and we visited for a while. We just wanted to say hello for a moment but I think you two are about to be attacked again. Time for us to get out of the way. We met your brother a few minutes ago and I see him approaching with a tray of something. With the rest of the wedding party in tow.”

As the diplomat stepped away, the groomsmen surrounded the distrustful looking couple again, Spencer Liston leading the way. “Mate, this is ace! Who thought up serving it like this?”

CJ glanced at the silver tray holding clear shot glasses filled with grouper ceviche and reached for one. “The hotel people did. We told them we wanted foods from Latin America and from Australia and this was one of the choices they gave us. Are we all doing a round? Do you have enough?”

“We took two trays and combined them. The dads already warned me I could have a little wine but none of the hard stuff. This is the only type of shot I’m allowed.” Ritchie sounded a tad dejected but the smile he gave his companion made CJ think his brother did not mind the inability to drink too much. The girl standing next to him was most likely the cause. “I still can’t believe Mr. A confiscated my flask before I left the house!”

“Hello, Lucy. You look very pretty as usual. Is my brother taking good care of you?”

“Hi, CJ. Hi, Owen. Yes, he is. He introduced me to all your dads’ friends he keeps calling uncle. They’re nice.”

“Okay, gang, grab one and let’s toast the grooms with some marinated fish!” Spencer held the tray out for everyone to take a shot glass. “To my brothers, Owen and CJ, may they have a long and happy life. And may they bless me with lots of nieces and nephews.”

“I can’t wait to see which one of them ends up pregnant!” Thiago’s quip earned him a hard punch to the arm from his girlfriend.

“Chiiile, my momma would slap the black right off your face for that comment.” Nadine Cox and Thiago Baravento both attended Howard University and had dated for the past two years. Her family was from North Carolina and she often joked about being a disappointment to them for not acting the way a proper southern lady should. She was known to spice up her language with a cuss word or two now and then.

The wedding party separated once again, spreading outwards to mingle with relatives and friends. CJ smirked, thinking how they resembled a pile of iron shavings flowing towards and away from him and Owen, who served as the magnets. As they filed away, Chipper asked the grooms to stay where they were and Brad and Patrick remained behind.

“What’s up, Red?” CJ clasped a hand on Bradley Kennedy’s shoulder while taking a sip from the champagne flute someone placed in his hand. “You’re looking a little out of sorts.”

“I’m alright.”

His brother Patrick was quick to contradict him. “No he’s not. He’s been moping around since he saw Chipper’s sister hanging on to that man’s arm.”

CJ was confused. “Really? I thought you and Cristina talked during our graduation party two years ago. I thought you were fine.”

“I have been. Honest. Just a little weird seeing her with that guy even if I knew he existed.” The two years spent in the Army had changed Brad. He had bulked up; his upper body appeared wider than during his lacrosse playing days in high school. The crew cut he sported looked good on him and his eyes were still bright green. Although, CJ thought they were missing the mischief they often sparkled with in the past. There was sadness in them and his face seemed harder these days. The Army Ranger was no longer the baby-faced kid he met years before.

“If you haven’t talked to her, you better get ready, mate. Chipper’s dragging her and Damien over here.” Owen whispered his comment so only the four of them could hear.

Cristina Pereira had graduated from New York University the previous month with a degree in finance; she would begin work with a Wall Street firm at the end of summer. Her plus-one for the wedding, Damien Prado, was older and employed in the same field at a banking house she interned with while still in school. “CJ! Owen! Congratulations! That was such a lovely ceremony. I’m so glad Damien and I were able to share your day.”

CJ accepted the kiss and hug from Cristina and shook hands with the man while the same was repeated with Owen. “Thank you! We’re both glad you could make it.”

“Yeah, mate. I understand congratulations are in order for the two of you. Chipper told us you got engaged on graduation day.” Owen shot a quick glance at his cousin Brad. “Have you set a date?”

“Hi Brad, Patrick. It’s good to see you guys too.” Cristina smiled at the Kennedys but her fiancé’s expression was far from welcoming. “We have a date, Owen. I hope you and CJ are free the first weekend in October. Your invitation will be waiting for you when you return from the honeymoon. They’re being mailed out on Monday.”

“No long engagement for you?” Brad had a smile on his face CJ thought was fake.

“Damien Prado.” The man extended his hand towards the Kennedy brothers. ”We haven’t met before but I’ve heard a lot about the two of you. My future brother-in-law thinks the world of you.” He did not sound convinced Brad was due the praise.

Brad tipped the beer bottle he was holding to his lips and drained the remains. “Yeah, well, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Nice meeting you. Sorry to run but I think I need another drink. Come on, Patrick. Let’s go talk to JP and Tom and figure out if we’re taking the boat out tomorrow or not.”

Damien watched Brad walk away and shook his head. “Not very friendly, is he? He’s the one who didn’t go to college, right?”

CJ bristled at the thinly veiled insult and straightened up his shoulders. “No he didn’t, Damien. He enlisted in the United States Army as soon as he graduated from high school. He’s following in his father’s footsteps. Helping keep our country safe so people like you and I can spend our time making money. I admire men like him who are willing to sacrifice themselves so we can do what we want. I guess neither you nor I have the balls to serve.”

“So what do you think of the wedding so far?” The change of topic and Owen’s firm hand squeeze warned CJ not to rip the man apart. They discussed Damien after meeting him the previous year and agreed he was full of himself.

“It was… interesting. Somewhat more casual than what I’m accustomed to. The number of politicians, diplomats, and celebrities present surprised me. I recognized the former President, of course. So far I’ve met the French ambassador, Washington’s mayor, and that gay Olympic skier and his boyfriend. How do you know all these people? Are they friends of your parents?”

“Not the dads nor me, Damien. That’s all CJ’s doing. He’s the rock star in the family.” Owen leaned down and kissed CJ’s cheek.

“Interesting, as I said. Oh, by the way, our wedding will not be this informal. It’ll be a black-tie evening affair. If you guys don’t own tuxedos, we’ll be happy to give you the name of the place we’re using in the City.”

“Nah, not necessary. Owen and I both own them. However, I’ve been wanting to get a custom-made Tom Ford for a while. Maybe I’ll order it in time for your ceremony.” CJ was ready to show the man whatever connections he might have and whatever amounts of money he had were nothing to him. He realized it was petty but Damien had dissed his friend and he was not feeling charitable.

“That’s a lot of money, CJ. You don’t have to do that for us. Damien and I will just be happy to have you there no matter what you wear.”

“Don’t worry about it, Cristina. You know money’s one thing Ozzie and I don’t have to be concerned about. Both our families have plenty. Speaking of New York, you’ll have to excuse us. Come on, Oz. Let’s go say hello to Ethan and Sean. They’re standing at the bar with Colt and Tony. We’ll RSVP as soon as we get back from California, Cristina. It was lovely seeing you again, Damien.”

The newlyweds had to stop half-a-dozen times to shake hands and kiss friends before they reached the bar. “If we didn’t get out of there I was ready to punch that asshole. Why the hell is she marrying him?” It had taken a huge effort not to trash the man and CJ needed something stronger than the champagne he was nursing. “Hey boys, how about some tequila?”

“Sounds good to me. Barkeep, six shots and some lime wedges, please.” Sean smirked at CJ while pulling out a wad of bills from his pocket and peeling off a twenty. He dropped it atop the bar and started passing the small glasses to the other men.

CJ stared at his friend’s actions a bit confused. “What’s the money for, Sean? It’s an open bar.”

“Just a tip. What did you think those bowls on all the bars were for?”

“They have them on all of them?” CJ’s calm was short-lived. He twisted his head around trying to find anyone with hotel management. If he was going to chew somebody’s head off it would not be the bartender’s. And if he had to scream to get one of the big shots to come over, he was ready to do so. “Where the fuck’s the catering manager?”

“Bloody hell! Down, CJ. I’ll take care of it. Consider this a bonus for marrying a lawyer.” Owen winked at his companions and spoke to the bartender. “Mate, could you please get the catering manager over here? Tell him the grooms want to talk to him.”

Antonio Martellini and Colton Mann owned a bar and a gym in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Both employed Sean and became friends with CJ and Owen through their employee. “Is there a problem with the bar? Can I help in any way?” Tony’s offer made CJ shake his head.

“Problem’s they’re not supposed to ask for or accept tips. Don’t worry, Ozzie will handle it. I trust him. I was already pissed about something else and this was about to push me over the edge.”

In contrast to his partner’s Italian olive skin and dark hair, Iowa born Colt had a fair complexion and blonde hair. They had joked about the yin and yang of their looks with the grooms and with CJ’s dads, claiming mixed marriages were the in thing. “When are you guys coming to New York next? We’d love to have you visit us on Fire Island again.”

“We just found out we have a wedding to go to in October. But since we’re traveling all summer, I’m sure we’ll be up before school starts.”

“Hey, Sean and I were talking about taking a share in the house Tony and Colt rent for next year. Why don’t you do the same? You said you liked the place when you were there last summer.” Ethan and Sean Brody had what CJ and Owen often referred to as a complicated relationship. They were not an official couple, yet neither was known to sleep around. They marveled at how much the young lawyer had influenced redhead Sean’s attitudes towards sex, steering him away from escorting and porn.

“I like that idea, mate. Maybe we―”

“Excuse me, Mr. Liston, Mr. Abelló. You asked to see me?” The hotel’s catering manager was all smiles when he approached the group; his blue eyes shimmered as he brushed imaginary lint off his lapel. An impeccable dresser, he had charmed the grooms with his excitement about hosting a high profile, same-sex wedding.

CJ assumed the hand Owen clasped his arm with was a signal to keep quiet. “Yes, Mr. Rooney―”

“Please, I’ve told you both it’s Xander. Now, what can I do for you?”

“Well, sir, I’d like to inform you that you are in breach of the contract we signed with the hotel. This is Ethan Feldman”―Owen spoke in a friendly but firm lawyerly tone and pointed at their friend―“our personal lawyer. I’m hoping we can resolve the matter now and not have to involve him in a professional capacity.”

CJ smirked. Liking the approach his husband employed, he decided to enjoy the spectacle and not interfere. Their friends watched in silence as Mr. Rooney’s smile disappeared replaced with consternation.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Liston. At the Watergate, we pride ourselves in making our guests’ experience unforgettable. If you and Mr. Abelló would be so kind as to tell us where we’ve failed I’ll do my best to remediate the problem immediately.”

“Good to hear. You’ll recall we added a rider to the contract. It specified bartenders and wait staff were not to ask for or accept gratuities. However, we find our request ignored. We are paying a premium so our guests would not have to spend money and we now find all the bars have a tip jar on them? Entirely unacceptable, sir. You have embarrassed us in front of our friends on our wedding day. You have caused us pain and suffering on a day we expected to be a flawless celebration.”

The man looked shocked. He glanced at the container his client pointed at and snatched it away while leaning in and whispering to the bartender. “I’m so sorry, sir. I’m not sure how this happened. We discussed all the contract requirements with the staff and floor managers. Please accept my apologies. It’ll be taken care of right away. And we’ll arrange for a courtesy discount on the final bill to compensate you for our mistake.”

The man seemed unable to stop apologizing. While Owen remained polite, the others were getting antsy and breathed in relief when he at last walked away heading towards the other bars. “Damn, Tony. Could that man have kissed ass any more? Is this what being married to a lawyer’s like? You unclip the leash and set him loose on whoever pissed you off? I may want one for myself.” Colt did not stop laughing until CJ smacked him on the shoulder.

“Asshole! Don’t be comparing my man to a dog I have to keep leashed. I may just order him to bite you. How about one more round of shots, boys? They’ll be opening the doors to the other room soon. We’ll have to head in and do the first dance and the other usual bullshit.”

“Careful, CJ. One tequila, two tequilas, blah, blah, blah. You know what follows. For the record, Colt”—Ethan threw an arm around the blonde’s shoulders—“you have my number. You don’t need to sleep with me to get a good lawyer. All you have to do is pay the exorbitant hourly fee the firm charges for my time.”

“Maybe I want to sleep with you anyway.” Colt wiggled his eyebrows the way Brett always did, making CJ burst out laughing again. Nothing like friends and laughter to forget assholes and their comments.

Sean grabbed Ethan by the neck and gave him a shake. “Watch it, buster. You keep flirting with my boss I may have to leash you!”

CJ had his back to the crowd and was confused when his friends quieted and seemed to stand straighter until he heard César’s voice. “CJ? Ozzie?”

Leaning against the bar, CJ was reassuring the bartender he was not in trouble. “Yeah, Dad?” He replied before turning around.

“I have a couple of people here who’d like to say hello.”

The words were uttered as soon as he turned. “Bill! Hillary!” CJ clamped a hand over his mouth when he realized he had addressed the former President and Secretary of State by their first names. “Ooops, sorry about that. President Clinton, Secretary Clinton. It’s so good to see you.”

William Jefferson Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton stood smiling between César and Brett, until the former President placed a hand on CJ’s shoulder and chuckled. “A little excited there? I’d rather you call me Bill anyway. After all, we are fellow Hoyas. I’ve heard some good things about you, my friend. Georgetown University survived me, but I’m thinking it’ll never be the same after you graduate. And when you get elected—”

“Oh, hush, Bill. Don’t listen to his hubris, CJ.” Mrs. Clinton leaned closer to the grooms and hugged them. “I’m so glad we’re able to spend time together without politics being involved. I won’t let him talk about anything but you and Owen today. By the way, Chelsea sends her regards and congratulations.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Clinton.” Owen draped his arm over CJ’s shoulders and shook his head. “We stood by the motor home which drove us here and I reckon inhaling all those fumes addled my husband’s brain. He’s being rude. I’d like you to meet four friends who also traveled from New York to be with us today.”

Distracted by everything going on and everyone surrounding him and Owen, CJ almost failed to notice the movable partition retracting into the walls. The ballroom had been split, a third of the space used for the reception and dance floor. The remainder was set up with tables. The grooms forwent a dais or large table for the wedding party; they instead chose to have a smaller one set in the middle of the space just for them.

As guests scrambled to find their seats, the grooms took a bathroom break. They were not worried about the meal service since they had also decided to skip the actual lunch. Instead, they requested a tray stacked with the appetizers passed around during the reception. It would make it easier to grab finger food whenever they were not visiting with others. CJ looked forward to tasting the curried lamb on naan and the duck spring rolls.

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” CJ took a step back from the urinal and wagged his dick around, splashing urine all over the porcelain.

“Ohhh, pee-pee show time? Wanker! What was in the envelope Harley gave you?”

CJ almost sprayed the floor when he laughed. “Asshole! I got pee all over my hand now. I have no idea. Let me wash my hands and we’ll take a look. Unless you want to lick it off…”

“Pig! Here we go with your golden shower fetish again.”

Hands washed and dried, CJ retrieved a wad of envelopes from his back pocket. He suspected most of them contained checks. “When we get back inside, let’s give all these to the wedding planner to hold. I think you have as many of them as I do and I’m afraid we’ll lose one. Okay, here’s Harley’s.” In the envelope, they found a notification from the Harley-Davidson Museum confirming the purchase of a decorative rivet to be placed on the property’s plaza. Smiling, they stared at the computer-generated image of the engraved metal disc.

CJ ABELLO &
OWEN LISTON
MARRIED
JUNE 23, 2018

“That’s awesome, mate. He’s getting a huge hug from me as soon as I see him. Okay, let’s head back inside, do a quick shot, and face the music.”

And face the music they did. Waiters were collecting plates from the first course―a spinach and strawberries salad―and the DJ had soft background music playing. However, as soon as the couple stepped back in the room, Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” blared from the speakers. CJ shook his head while chuckling and automatically looked towards the table where both sets of parents and all the grandparents were sitting. His suspicion as to who was responsible was confirmed when he saw Brett pump his arm in the air and César slap the back of the retired Marine’s head.

“So, do I kill Papa now or do I wait until after the cake?”

“Oh, I don’t know. That was kinda funny. You can’t do it now anyway. Chipper’s coming over and he looks ready to sing. Remember this is when we’re doing the first dance.”

Wanting to maintain the atmosphere set by Chipper and Thiago singing “As Time Goes By” at the beginning of the wedding, the grooms asked their friend to perform the song chosen for the first dance. They selected another classic and the music student arranged for a few friends at the Frost School to record the music before leaving Miami. The song was written as a secondary theme for a James Bond movie and was originally sung by Louis Armstrong, “We Have All the Time in the World” encapsulated how the two men envisioned their future.