Yep, everyone knew, or soon would. I was smart enough to know that alcohol wasn’t the answer, but at the same time, was willing to accept it as a crutch. So I flipped Tracy off and walked to the bar for some liquid courage. She laughed at me and wandered off in the other direction.
The party was in full swing, and it looked like everyone had drunk a little too much. I could imagine how a picture of this mess would be captioned: ‘This moment brought to you by hard liquor.’ I was happy when my dad took the microphone while the band paused between songs.
“For anyone drinking, there is a free cab service to get home. Just leave your keys with the valet, and we will take care of your car overnight. This is last call. Be sure to tip the bartenders and waitresses,” he reminded everyone.
I found Chuck and Scarlet all but making out at their table. Kent pulled Ashley off the dance floor, and it was evident that both the girls were drunk.
“Chuck, Kent, I need to talk to you for a second,” I said.
They both got up to find out what I needed.
“Guys, what I am about to say is not to be a dick, but because I care about your dates. I need to say this. I was taught some hard and fast rules about dating. You never date someone who is in a relationship. You don’t go after a girl that one of your friends is interested in. And you take a drunk girl home,” I explained.
“Dude, she is into me,” Chuck said.
Kent was smart enough to put it on pause and let Chuck figure this out before he weighed in.
“Both of those girls have just started to get their lives back on track. They came out tonight to have a good time and be reminded that they are women worthy of the attention of decent men. The two of them went out with you because I set it up, and they trust me. The last thing they need is to compound their past mistakes by rushing anything,” I continued.
It was clear I hadn’t yet won them over to my way of thinking.
“Do you really like her?” I asked Chuck.
“I think so.”
“What about you?” I asked Kent.
“Yeah, maybe.”
“Good. I hoped you would hit it off, but you have to agree that you’re not at the ‘I want to date her’ stage. Am I right?” I asked.
They both nodded.
“Look, I get it. I’ve been in LA and other places and picked up girls for a good time. Tonight was a good time. I’m going to leave it to you both what to do. But I suggest if you want more than just a one-night stand that you take them home and put them to bed. Believe me, they will look at both of you as stand-up men, not the typical boys they’re used to seeing. Plus, sex is a lot more fun sober,” I said and then smiled.
“I get it,” Chuck said. “Yes, I know I was ranting earlier today, but honestly, I would like it to turn into something more than just a date.”
“I don’t know how it’ll work out, but me, too,” Kent said. “Thank you for reminding me what the right thing to do is.”
They both returned to their dates and got ready to leave. I turned around and found there was a crowd standing behind me. It was my family and friends. Tami bolted from Tim’s side and put me into a bear hug.
“I think my work is done,” Greg said and took Angie’s hand so they could leave.
Somehow it felt like he and I had come full circle. He had been the one to teach me that, and now I was passing it on. ‘Take a drunk girl home’ was something guys needed to learn. Getting laid just once wasn’t always the best outcome. All I had to do was look at Brook and know that was true. It really was a Happy Frickin’ New Year.
◊◊◊
Chapter 24 – Not Close to Housebroken Sunday January 1
We all came out of the terminal to find a larger plane than I expected. Brook and I had sprung for a charter flight to LA from our local airport. With us were all our friends who were staying for the week.
“I thought we were getting something practical,” I said.
“We did, but Rita James is flying back with us, and she upgraded us. It’s an Airbus A318 Elite configured so it seats 18 and has sleeping quarters for eight,” Brook explained.
“I could use a nap,” Tami said.
She did appear a little hungover after last night.
“Mile high club,” Wolf said as he high-fived Tim.
“Are you planning to do each other?” Sarah, Wolf’s girlfriend, asked her boyfriend and Tim.
“I like her,” Cassidy announced.
My two friends were not as impressed and scowled at Sarah.
“I’m sure David has done it,” Wolf whined.
“I’m sure David has earned frequent flyer miles doing just that. It doesn’t mean I’m going to,” Sarah warned him.
Wolf had sent me an Internet link to suggest a destination for spring break. There was a resort called ‘Sex Island’ in the Caribbean, where they provided you two hookers and all the drugs and alcohol you could handle for the week. I’d read that almost half the guys who signed up were married. One had even brought his wife. Somehow, I didn’t think Brook was up for something that over-the-top.
