Chapter 98
“We would always decorate it with flowers.”
“You’re funny, Pad.” She found the wig she fancied. “What do you think?”
The wig had a mixture of dark brown and grey. “Try it on.” He watched his aunt put on this new wig. It seemed more a natural fit than the other ones she tried out. “I think it looks good.”
“Bring the walker to me, please.”
Pad did as instructed. Maddy stood up, leaned against the walker, and checked out the image in the mirror. While standing and leaning against the walker, she grabbed Pad’s hand and did a half-twirl. She laughed after she finished. “You know if your mom was alive she would get a kick out of all this.”
“You think she would be happy? I mean that I’m gay and getting married?”
“Listen, sweetie. Not every mom is like RJ’s mom. Your mother loved you before you were even born. My little sister had gay friends in school. She wouldn’t have cared one iota that you were gay. She would have planned this wedding from the moment she got a whiff if she were here on this earth. And wherever she is, I’m sure she is happy that you’re marrying someone you love.”
Pad’s phone buzzed. He took it out of his pocket and read the text. Hey, babe. We’re legal in all 50. Supreme Court said can’t discrimin8. Pad smiled then showed the text to his aunt.
She took the phone, hugged him, and yelled. “Woohoo! Love wins baby, love wins!”
* * * *
Pad pulled up to the parking lot and shook his head. Of all the places, Chaz and RJ would get drunk for RJ’s bachelor party. The hideous brown and orange colors of the building made it stand out from Semoran Boulevard. Anyone traveling to and from the airport couldn’t miss its sign. He walked up to the door, and a hostess opened the door. He couldn’t help but see that she had a very bountiful décolleté, which was barely contained in the tight T-shirt. Her orange shorts sat high on her thigh.
“Welcome to Hooters!” she said. She had a smile in her voice. “Party of one?”
Pad shook his head. “I’m actually looking for two or three other guys. Can I look around?”
“Sure,” she said. She showcased her perfect smile as she motioned for him to look around.
It didn’t take long for Pad to see the two of them. They were huddled in a corner with a large pitcher of beer, half-done, their heads bowed like conspirators. He suspected, based on the texts he got earlier, that they both had downed several pints of ale at least before Pad even got there. Chaz sat taller than RJ on the bench and they both were laughing so hard that Chaz’s face was red. Chaz finger-combed his strawberry blond hair and bellowed. He waved when he saw Pad.
“Hey!” said Pad. He fist-bumped Chaz’s own right hand and put his other hand on RJ, who threw his arm around Pad and brought him close.
“Come here, baby.” Pad moved closer and RJ kissed him quickly on the lips.
Pad protested. “Hey, no PDA!”
“Yeah, you guys need to get a room,” blurted Chaz who slurred his words.
“Whatever,” boomed RJ. “Love wins tonight Pad! Love wins! Can you believe it! Now when we get married in a few days, our marriage is legal all over this country! And it’s so awesome it happened on the same day when my friends threw me a bachelor party!”
Pad laughed. “I’m sure that’s not what you guys were laughing about, but I won’t ask.”
“We’re just talking about good old times when we were in college and some of the people we knew,” chimed Chaz.
Pad noticed RJ was giddy. “Okay, I agree it’s an awesome day. It’s a monumental day—let me correct myself. And I think you both have drunk for the whole bar. Are you guys ready to go? It’s midnight! And what happened to your bachelor party? Why’s there only two of you left?”
RJ slumped a little as he peered at his glass. Old froth lined the top of his beer mug. “Liam got called into work an hour into my party. He took his chariot with him. His new boyfriend also left with him. Quentin and a few others bailed right after Liam. They all have to work tomorrow. So what you see here, is what you get.”
“Well, I’m happy to be the designated driver. Come on. I’m taking you both home.” Pad looked around the table. “Have you paid the bill yet?”
“Nope. I have this though,” said Chaz. He checked the tab and peeled off two Benjamins. He raised his hand. “Hey!”
Another attractive server came forward. “Yes, sir.”
“Here’s the bill and keep the change.”
The waitress’ eyes widened when she saw the amount of the tip. “Thank you! Have a great night.”
RJ stood, and as he did so he did a quick wobble. Chaz went first and Pad and RJ followed him. When they got to Pad’s car, Chaz scooted and sat at an angle as he had a difficult time fitting his legs in. RJ scooted the chair in the front seat passenger side back a little.