Best Man

Jeff looked over at his father and stepmother where they sat next to Costas. “I’m glad I got to live with my dad when they divorced.”
Alex turned and smiled at Avery Howard as well. “Me too. He’s a great guy. I could always talk to him about anything.”
“When I was fifteen he sat me down for the father-son man-to-man talk.” Jeff smiled and stepped on Alex’s foot. “He talked about everything! Even the gay stuff. I was so embarrassed.”
Alex laughed. “Was there anything left that you hadn’t asked Michael or me?”
“No, but he was so concerned and serious, I never told him you guys had already had that conversation with me.”
“He loves you,” Alex said.
“He loves you, too. As much as he loves me and Mike.”
“Let’s go say hello,” Alex said as the song ended. He held Jeff’s hand as they walked over to Avery Howard.
Avery stood and hugged Alex. “The boys tell me you are in town for two weeks. When can we expect you and Costas at the house?”
“Tomorrow for brunch.”
“No, just the two of you, tomorrow’s madness doesn’t count,” Nora Howard chimed in. She left her seat next to Costas to hug Alex as well. “And have I told you how handsome Costas is yet,” she whispered in his ear as they hugged.
Hugs and hellos passed all around as the rest of the bridal party gathered at the family table. Alex sat in his mother’s vacated seat and held Costas’s hand. “Long day,” he muttered as he kissed his ear.
“You’re not done yet,” Costas replied. He smiled at Alex. “Avery Howard has not changed at all. First thing he asked me was when we are getting married.”
“And what did you say?” It was Marge Mills.
“I said after today it will probably be sooner rather than later.” Costas answered Marge but looked at Alex.
“I certainly hope so. I love weddings.” She placed a hand on each man’s shoulder and leaned in conspiratorially. “Now who wants to slip outside with me and get stoned?”
“I’m in,” a voice came from behind Marge. Alex whipped his head around.
“Mom!”
“What?” Simone Wainwright replied.
Marge turned slightly to let Simone get closer. “Hot damn, woman.” She flung her arm around Simone’s shoulders. “You boys in?”
“I think we’ll pass, thanks.” Alex replied. Costas shook his head, laughing softly.
“Your loss.” She turned to Avery. “Hey, Ave.” He looked up. “Hand me my bag and come on.” She jerked her head toward the back door.
Avery grinned. “It’s about time!” He grabbed her bag and rose to follow. “You kids behave!” He laughed as they stared.
“Hey, Nora.” Marge called. Nora turned. “Get my husband and Simone’s and follow us!” Nora smiled and moved to follow as well.
The rest of the bridal party had caught on to what was happening and all clustered together. “I can’t believe your parents all went out to get stoned together,” Costas said.
“Yeah, well the Wainwrights have been friends with my parents since college,” Leanne informed Costas. “Then when Mikey’s dad married my Aunt Nora, he got pulled in as well.”
“And the Hayses,” Costas asked.
“My parents think this crowd is nuts.” Kara shook her head.
“Yeah, well I know you married me to get my family.” Michael kissed her.
“Don’t you forget it. Now let’s go be nice to my family while yours is outside.” She grabbed Michael’s hand and led him away.
Maggie turned to Jeff. “We should go too, they are my family as well.” He just nodded and followed her across the dance floor.
Leanne looked across Costas at Alex. “I’m going to go rescue Mike from the Hayses. Bring your man and meet us on the dance floor.”