Mixed Metaphors XI

The sun was just breaking the eastern horizon as the stretch limousine pulled up in front of the Davis residents. Tony and Becky had gone to bed early so they could pick up her mom, dad, her little brother Peter and his friends, for the party at their apartment.

“I’m sorry to get you up so early Jake, but we have a big children’s party and we had to get things going early,” said Tony to the limo driver.

“Please don’t give it a thought. I told the boss I would like to be asked whenever you needed a driver. I’m at your disposal all day.”

“Great we may need the help. We have Pete, his three friends, Diane’s little boy and the three sons of Ronnie, my daily cab driver. Actually we are baby-sitting so Ronnie and his wife can have a day off and see the sights of New York. She has lived here all her life and never been to the statue of liberty or the empire state building. We have them booked at two fine restaurants for lunch and dinner, a Broadway show and then a night at the Plaza Hotel.”

“I can see that I’m not the only one who is lucky to know you,” said Jake.

“Thank you Jake, that was very gracious.”

“You are very welcome … Tony.”

Tony felt groggy, but good. He and Becky could spend Sunday in bed to catch up on their lost sleep, if necessary. Becky was snuggled next to Tony sleeping. Although he didn’t want to wake her, he whispered in her ear,

“Sweetie … wake up … we are here.”

“Ooookkk,” she said yawning.

As they alighted from the warm limousine, the cool October air attacked them from every angle. The couple and Jake all went to the front door and Becky began to knock.

“Shhhhhh, honey not so loud.”

“Well if we are going to do this they had better be awake and ready to go. The party planners are scheduled to set up at nine and Ronnie will be there at nine forty five. We still have to pick up Diane and her little boy.”

“I know … You’re right,” said Tony.

Just then the door opened and Becky’s mom came out. She had dark rings around her eyes and was yawing much like Becky.

“The boys all stayed over so we could be ready. They didn’t go to sleep until two in the morning. They sure are a noisy bunch. I’m glad we only had Becky and Peter; any more would have killed us.”

“Well Mrs. D, after things get going at the party, you can crash in one of the bedrooms if you like.”

“Come in out of the cold. The boys are getting dressed … hopefully.”

“I’ll check on them,” said Jake to Tony.

As Jake walked into the bedroom, the four fourteen-year-old boys all said simultaneously,

“It’s Jake.”

They would never forget the ride they had in the limo, not knowing what was in store for them today. Over the next ten minutes, a lot of pointing, loud directions, and corrections were fired off by both Becky and her mother. Most of what they were saying was directed toward the boys, however every so often a little jibe was directed toward Becky’s father.

“So Tony … you think you will like being a family man?”

“I believe … I will love it. Until your daughter came along I was a very lonely person.”

“Trust me son, I understand just how you feel. When Becky’s mom pulled me from the football field, I had little else but the game. She made me into a family man, a father and an all around happy person. Becky’s mom is truly my best friend, and I love her with all my heart. Are you two still going to tie the knot in December?”

“We are … unless she changes her mind. You are coming to Hawaii with us for the wedding … aren’t you?”

“Funny you mentioned that. My boss was very pleased to hear that you and Becky were getting married. He gave me two weeks off and told me to have a good time. It was a little strange … the way he reacted.”

Tony thought to himself how the conversation went with Mr. Thomas, Bill’s boss. When he heard of the advertising Tony had promised to send his way, he couldn’t be have been nicer. Tony was leaving nothing up to chance. A beautiful bride needed her Dad to walk her down the isle and her mom to sit in the church and cry.

Jake walked into the kitchen and said,

“We are all ready to go Tony. They are all in the limo. Are you two ready?”

As they all got in the car, Tony was surprised as to how quiet the boys were. Jake said,

“It shouldn’t be long. Saturday morning at this time of the day the traffic is very light.”

“We still have to pick up Diane and her son,” said Tony.