Reason Enough - Chapter Five

I’m beginning to see a pattern. Bear with me a second but I’m about to make the most amazing revelation ever. If I drink, especially without eating, I will get drunk. Two tiny shots of tequila and a few vodka and raspberries and I’m starting to think that I shouldn’t make my way back to the table. It is getting painful over there.1

I’m not sure who arranged these tables but I’m almost certain that it was even a surprise to Rhett. There are 10 of us, all sitting in an uncomfortable silence. Or I should say there are 8 sitting in silence at the table with Katie and I propped up at the bar.2

Apart from Andy, Rhett, Katie and myself there is also Karla and her strangely mute friend Carol. Karla has been talking at her since we sat down and I’ve not managed to hear her reply even once so I am beginning to question her ability to speak. Next around the table were a sweet older couple named Carlos and Madison, but for the life of me I can’t work out which one of them works for Marlowe. They seem to bumble through everything they say, filling in sentences for each other and the like. It is adorable but frustrating at the same time. 3

Next around the table, between dear bumbling Carlos and Katie (who seems to have abandoned me) is Mr. Marlowe’s right hand man; a very loud spoken American named Liam and his diminutive wife Maria. 4

“You should buy stocks in oil. There ain’t nothing like it. I know it ain’t cheap like it used to be, but until it runs out people are always gonna buy it.”5

He was the picture of a yank, with an American flag tie, the thick American accent, and talking about oil like it was the only topic in the world worth talking about.6

Maria on the other hand was too busy making eyes at Andy to notice anything her husband was doing. He looked away awkwardly each time but she persisted. Maybe I should throw something at her when we get back to the table?7

“I bet you’re having a hell of a time sitting next to the infamous Karla! Andy told me all about that piece of work.”8

“She keeps calling me Olive. It’s on purpose too; I’ve corrected her at least a dozen times so far.”9

“Oh and don’t you know that I’m Caitlin not Katie?”10

“What is with her??”11

“Well word is that you are here with the guy she has her wallet set on.”12

“Correction, I am here with you. I’m just unfortunately stuck with Mr I-don’t-need-to-talk-to-anyone-at-the-dinner-table over there.”13

“That isn’t what she thinks. She thinks that he is so in to you it isn’t funny. She’s heard him talk about you at work.”14

“She’s heard what?”15

“Rhett. Tell people about you. More than once.”16

This was news. I mean, what could he possibly have to say about me at all let alone on more than one occasion. Unless he was telling people all about how we met in the mens toilets and that I don’t cope well with a hang over.17

“And she’s telling everyone how she saw your dress at the Baxter launch and decided it wasn’t stylish enough for her.”18

“That little liar!”19

We giggled together the way only old friends can and I was glad that we were there together. I mean, the company that night wasn’t that great. But we did always have a way of finding the fun.20

My mouth is watering, and although I know that dinner is about to be bought out and I can smell what most be the most delicious food in the whole world I’m slightly concerned that I might be a little more drunk than I thought. Perhaps the ladies should be located. I excuse myself from Katie and follow the random direction the barman just pointed in.21

As I walk into the giant hall that is the ladies bathroom I catch my reflection in the floor to ceiling mirrors. Oh my god do I not look like me or what? Hopefully no one will notice that I am completely out of place at this party and will just leave me be for the rest of the night.22

I feel fine now, clearly it was the food that was causing the waterworks in my mouth, but I take the opportunity for some me time away from the throngs of people outside, ducking into the closest cubicle.23

“Did you see her shoes? They must be at least 3 seasons old.”24

Karla had just walked in and she obviously liked our game of poke fun at the outfit too.25

“At least. And they don’t even match her handbag.”26

I’m guessing that the lovely voice of Carol had managed to function. Maybe I should report this particular bathroom for it’s miracle work?27

“And who wears green anymore?”28

Hey! They’re talking about me! I get a sudden urge to defend my shoes, seeing as they aren’t even mine and Joanie insisted no one would know how old they are. And ok my bag didn’t match, but the matching one wouldn’t fit my wallet.29

“Well she’s got taste that is for sure. Doesn’t Rhett look good enough to eat?”30

So Karla did have her eye on Rhett then.31

“Yeah, pity she’s glued to him tonight. It would be handy if you could single him out on the dance floor later.”32

“It would wouldn’t it. Well, if she’d only leave. I’m feeling almost shifty enough for sabotage…”33

“You wouldn’t would you?”34

“Maybe. If the opportunity presented itself. Maybe when she orders another one of those sugar drinks I can accidentally knock it?”35

Right. No more coloured drinks for me.36

I tried to listen for more as they walked out but the clicks of their ever so stylish up to the minute designer shoes were louder than their pompous voices. I’m glued to him? And she’s willing to sabotage me for him? She can have him for all I care.37

……………………………………………38

She is perfect. Seriously perfect beyond measure. The thought of my Fathers conditions on his will originally freaked me out but now all I can think of is settling down with Livi. She’s beautiful, thoughtful, hot blooded and everything that I could possibly look for. And she is sitting right next to me. The more my mind focuses on her, the harder it is for me to function as a person so I know it’s extremely rude but I’m sitting in silence. And just to prove to me further just how perfect she is she’s managing the conversation at the table like a pro. 39

If only I didn’t have to share her with that little snake Karla. I checked the table earlier and the seats that Karla and Carol are now sprawled over were meant to be set aside for Amy and Father when they show up for the presentation later tonight. And yet there is Karla, probing Livi with all sorts of absurd questions.40

“So you live with your sister?”41

“Yes. And my Grandmother.”42

“Right. And your parents? They are..?”43

“Divorced. Actually I don’t see either of them.”44

“So you’re like an orphan then?”45

“No, I have parents. I just don’t see them. It’s not like they are dead.”46

“And your Grandmother. She’s young is she?”47

“Is your Grandmother young?”48

“I’m just saying, you live with a person who might die any minute. I suppose you’re thinking at least of moving?”49

“You could die any minute Karla. Does that mean no one should live with you?”50

It amazed me that no matter what was said to her Livi never backed down from anything. I thought that maybe I should leave the two of them to their own devices and see if Livi would find it necessary to go at Karla with the table centrepiece like I wanted to but thought better of it. I had better jump in on this one.51

“So Livi, I just realised that I have no idea what it is that you do.”52

“Do?”53

“Yes. For a living.”54

“I’m a receptionist. At a gym actually. Mainly during the week, the odd weekend here and there. But it pays the bills.”55

I could see Karla’s eyes light up as she opened her mouth to splurt out some sort of thoughtless remark. I had to beat her.56

“That is a different sort of job; I can say with complete honesty that I don’t know any other gym receptionists.”57

“Like I said, it pays the bills.” 58

“I thought that your Grandmother didn’t like girls to work.”59

“That’s why working at the gym is so handy. I don’t have to say I’m going to work; I can say I’m going to the gym and I’m not lying.”60

“That is true. Well perhaps you should look into other fields? Like say fashion? You’ve got some obvious fans here tonight.”61

She just shrugged at me, and failing to find anything else to say I excused myself to find another drink.62

<>-[]-<>63

I could tell the moment that my father had managed to grace us with his presence. The conversation at nearly every table stopped all at once, except Karla who I could hear from the bar talking up her new car again. Could that woman ever just shut up?64

I spotted Amy first and knew that he couldn’t be that far behind her. I knew I should go and help him to the table, but I was more interested in greeting my little sister. 65

“You my angel look more beautiful every time I see you.”66

“Rhett you saw me this morning. Don’t exaggerate.”67

“Not in that dress I didn’t. You look more grown up every day.”68

She brushed her hair out of her eyes and I wondered if maybe it was my place to suggest she get her hair cut? Or was that not something that a brother could say to his nearly grown up little sister?69

“Where is she then? I want to meet her.”70

“Meet who?”71

“Don’t act dumb Rhett, it doesn’t become you at all. Where is Olivia?”72

I took my gorgeous little sister by the hand and walked her through the crowd. The room was returning to normal as my Father followed us a little way behind. Maybe it was ill-bred of me to not have even acknowledged him yet but I really couldn’t be bothered with him tonight.73

“May I introduce my younger sister? Livi, this is Amy. Amy, this is my partner for tonight Miss Olivia Baxter.”74

The formality seemed justified as the two women I wanted in my life met for the first time.75

“That is a stunning dress Livi. May I call you Livi?”76

“I wouldn’t have you call me anything else. And thank you for the compliment.”77

“She made it herself you know.” I piped in, not wanting to be a complete bystander.78

“Simply remarkable.” Was all Amy could manage to get out of her mouth. 79

Maybe the two of us are more alike than I thought.80

“And this is my Father. Mr Marlowe.”81

“A pleasure to meet you sir.”82

He sat down in my seat with such force the chair moved back a little on the hard wooden floor. I’m not sure which grated on my nerves more; the noise the chair had made or the fact he had taken my seat.83

“Carlos, you and your wife can move tables can’t you. The meal is finished I assume so you won’t be missed.”84

My Father really is a disgrace. I glanced at Livi with mortification but either she was really good at ignoring his stupid remark or she didn’t hear. I really hoped it was the latter.85

……………………………………………86

Rhett’s father arriving was not something that I had expected but then again I didn’t expect anything from tonight. Nothing was going to be a surprise. But I wished that I didn’t have to face him with an empty drink. 87

Rhett had abandoned me to find the amazingly tolerant Carlos and Madison a new table to sit at, Katie and Andy were to in to each other to notice I was even there, and I was feeling beyond abandoned.88

“He’s on some pain pills tonight.” A small voice whispered from my side.89

I looked at what I had thought was Rhett’s empty seat to see the pixie like Amy looking back at me.90

“He says things on these ones. I’m guessing Rhett told you he’s sick?”91

“He mentioned it but not in any detail.”92

“Well don’t give anything he says any thought. It’s just dribble for the next hour or so.”93

She leapt out of the seat and bounded effortlessly over to the woman I remember being introduced as Janice. Obviously they were old friends.94

“So you are here with my son then?”95

“Kind of sir.” I didn’t know why I was calling his sir but it seemed fitting.96

“What Kind of?”97

“Well we’re sort of here as a group. My friend Katie is the blonde girl next to Andy and we’re sort of here as a foursome.”98

“My son isn’t in to any foursomes. Don’t you go leading him astray.”99

Me lead him astray? The thought nearly made me laugh out loud. What would I possibly do to lead him astray?100

“He’s got important things to do this year. Life changing things.”101

“I’m sure he does sir.”102

“He will get married soon. Probably to Karla. Unless he finds someone else in time.”103

This time I did laugh. I couldn’t picture Karla and Rhett together but anything is possible right. Maybe he liked her more than he let on.104

“Yes. And they will have children. I want a grandchild before I pass away. Which will be soon. It’s always too soon.”105

Way to bring the night down for everyone. I know that everyone is going to die some time. I’m not an idealistic idiot or anything; but it doesn’t do anyone any good to dwell on it. That is why most cultures say that death is the beginning of something else don’t they? Heaven, reincarnation, all that was to make dying more bearable right?106

“Well my Grandmother is a firm believer in Heaven sir, so I’m sure that it’s not ending…”107

“Your Grandmother is a fool. There is no heaven. No Hell. Just where we are now for only as much time as our body cooperates with us. Then we rot and die.”108

Ok that was a world of blunt that I didn’t need. It was ok for people not to believe in the teachings of the church. Not everyone needs to have read the bible and not everyone has to agree with me. But no one has the right to attack what me or my family think.109

“She also says that anyone who doesn’t believe in Heaven or Hell only have one destination when we die and I’m not sure you will need anything warm to wear if you get what I mean.”110

Rhett had been standing behind my chair for the last comment and I felt his hand grip on the back of my seat. I pictured him stiffening up like he had when Jon grabbed his arm earlier and didn’t want to imagine the expression he was making in my direction.111

“If you will excuse me sir I think I hear my phone ringing.”112

I picked up my non-matching handbag and headed for the balcony.113

Would it be rude of me to leave? I wasn’t here on a date and I wasn’t trying to impress anyone so I didn’t have to worry about letting anyone down. And besides it’s not like I had to stick around for Katie. We didn’t come together so I don’t have to be there to take her home or anything. 114

I pace back from the railing toward the glass door again and glance at my table. Katie and Andy are making pathetic eyes at one another and I feel the pang of jealousy once again that I didn’t meet him first. Rhett is having a chat with his dad, Amy is talking on her phone and no one else seems to have noticed that I’ve gone. That settles it. I’m calling a taxi.115

Thankfully I’ve got my bag already, so I don’t really have to go back to the table before I leave but I do anyway. A quick goodbye is probably called for. Rhett stands as I walk towards the table and pulls my seat out for me to sit back down.116

“Please, sit down. I’m really sorry but I’ve got to go. It’s my Grandma you see…”117

I can’t lie well on the spot and I stupidly didn’t think of an excuse before I got back to the table but from the way he’s nodding along to my explanation I think that he’s buying it. Or choosing to anyway.118

“Let me see you out?”119

“No, really I’m fine.”120

“Or I can organise the driver?”121

“I’ve got my sister coming.”122

Another lie. Could I dig a bigger hole?123

Some ear piercing feedback interrupted our uncomfortable conversation and a nearly inaudible voice requested that the Mr Marlowe’s make their way up to the stage.124

“Well I guess you’re needed. I’ll see you around?”125

“Definitely. I’ll give you a call.”126

“Sure”127

I walked around to Katie’s seat and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.128

“My dear, I have to go home.”129

“So soon? Wait, I’ll come with you…”130

“No you won’t. Stay with Andy, enjoy his smiles. Your night would be wasted with me. And besides, you need to tell me how easily that dress of yours comes off.”131

I winked at her and walked away.132

<>-[]-<>133

“Do you have a lighter?”134

It was Amy, she was out the front with her phone pressed up against her ear and I hadn’t realised that it was me she was talking to.135

“Livi? Light?”136

“Sorry, didn’t hear you. No, I don’t smoke.”137

“Neither to do if Rhett ever asks.”138

“Your secret is safe with me.”139

The person on the other end of the phone must have answered because she suddenly stepped away from me as a signal the conversation was over. And she had seemed so nice inside.140

The taxi pulled up and I opened the front door.141

“Have a lovely night Livi – I hope to see much more of you.”142

I shut the door without replying, just a quick wave through the closed window.143