Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five

Pre-Wedding Events, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five

Wednesday Evening:

In the tradition of weddings, Erik and Kayleigh took their Honor Sims out to dine at the newly remodeled and reopened, Chez Llama in Willow Creek. Formal attire was required.  After an afternoon of final fittings, it came as a delightful reprise from having to fix dinner in either household. They didn’t even mind being seated behind the Cook Station. “Hey, maybe we can watch a pro in action,” Erik said.

The one thing about this particular restaurant was the innovative menu. Experimental food. Erik was intrigued.  In his desire to truly learn how to cook, which included gourmet foods, he couldn’t wait to try the Free Range Sixam Pit Beast. Both he and Joey ordered it.

“Oh, I can’t choose between the Honeycomb Garden Vegetable Cups and the Jungle Moss Egg with Lavender Wisps.” Kayleigh complained.
“How about if I get the Honeycomb Garden and you get the one with Wisps. That way we can compare notes and share the recipes once we’ve got them figured out.”
“Deal,” Kayleigh said. “I knew you were my Best Friend for a reason.”

Just as their Server arrived, however, a Paparazzo approached their table.  He stood respectively quiet while the party placed their order. Once the Server left, he said, “Hey, Erik, look this way.”

“Say, which of these two beauties is your bride?” Erik held his hand palm up, indicating Kayleigh. 
“The other one is my younger sister, Lt. Cantrell. And this dude, is my next younger brother, Dr. Joseph Cantrell, Jr.”

“Thanks for the shots.”

For the second time in the several minutes since they arrived at the restaurant, a man approached the end of their table. “Captain, er, Drake,” Erik said, surprise in his voice.

“Daddy?” Kayleigh said, getting to her feet. She threw her arms about his neck in greeting. “Is everything all right? You’re not being deployed again, are you?”

“I stopped by your place, the others said you were over here. I was just checking to see if the wedding was still on.”
“Daddy, you stop that. Of course it’s on.”
“Okay, don’t bite. I was just checking.” Erik knew at that moment; the wounds were not healed. I hope if I have a daughter, I don’t ever do this to her. He gave a sympathetic glance to Kayleigh.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Saturday evening:

Erik wasn’t inclined to participate in the stereotypical Bach Party, but his brothers insisted he let them throw him a party. “Okay, but let’s keep it low-key, okay? I don’t want dancers or anything the press will twist into something less than descent.”
“We promise, we’ll keep it squeaky clean," Joey said. “I’m a doctor, now, after all.”
“And I’m a judge. We all have reasons to keep it low-key, but I do insist you unwind, Little Brother, and have some fun,” he said, placing a hand on Erik’s shoulder and giving him a bit of a shake. “You’re as tight as a corkscrew. And that doesn’t by any means, mean you’re allowed to get fully snockered and throw a chair off of the roof, either. I will not bail you out. We’ll get together over at Stone’s Throw around eight tonight. Be there.”

And that’s how Erik came to be at the lounge on Saturday night.  He had to admit it was good to see his dad and he was even happy to see Drake was in attendance.  Erik was careful to order one drink for himself, which he nursed all evening long. He had no wish to start married life with a hangover. Erik came to the conclusion that these events were an attempt to fill the last few days before the wedding as a means of causing time to run out. But why exhaust us?

After a time Erik ordered a meat and cheese platter, to quell his sudden ravenous hunger. Still only sipping at the lone drink of Von Haute Estate Meloire.

The guys sat around the bar, chatting, joking — all jokes at Erik’s expense, which he took with a smile.  Toasts were given by both of his brothers.

“To my hapless older brother,” Joeys began, glass raised, “who lives on a wing and a prayer and has decided to take the plunge into marital waters. I sure hope you can swim, there, bud, or that you pack a lifejacket, at least.  Nah, but seriously, I wish you and Kayleigh all the best. And could you introduce me to one of her sisters?”

“To my annoyingly, talented next younger brother whom I always wanted to stuff into my toy box and then tell our parents he ran away, I am honored to be a part of your wedding. I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”
Erik smiled and raised his own glass in response to both toasts. “Thanks, guys.”

Before the night was over, the men decided to play darts.

Erik’s turn came up. He wasn’t a bad player at Darts, but following his soon-to-be father-in-law, he ruminated over with what was the most diplomatic approach to take. Dare he unleash his talent, or dare he fumble it so as not to upset a delicate ego? As it was, without even trying, the dart slipped from his fingers. Took him a bit to find it again, too. Somehow, it had attached itself to his jacket. Drake roared at this. “Here, let me show you a better technique, there, son.”

In the end Drake did win.  The group dispersed around one o’clock in the morning. To Erik’s dismay, his phone glowed a deep red, indicating he had something scheduled.  He had largely ignored it the entire evening, attempting to do as his older brother prescribed. Unwind. Not going to happen. He sighed. He had both a concert and a photoshoot. I need some sleep!

All for now, thanks for reading!