Everyone had reconvened to Nick’s house for an unplanned after-show party. Now that the news about Nick’s marriage had hit, people were crowding the happy couple, trying to be the first ones to give them their well wishes.
Her friend looked dazed, Emma thought as she leaned back against the bar, a drink in hand.
“Hey!” AJ plopped himself beside her, his hand curled around a non-alcoholic beer bottle.
“Hey yourself. What’s up?” Emma stared at the crowd, wondering whether she should go rescue Sue. But then, she had Nick. Shouldn’t that be his role now? Worrying her lower lip, she missed AJ’s question the first time around. “Sorry, what did you say?”
He made a big show of sighing, “Try to listen to me, will ya? I was just asking whether you wanted to help me with something.”
She eyed him warily. AJ having ideas was never a good thing. “With what?”
“Don’t look at me like this! It’s a good idea, promise!”
Considering the look on his face, she finally gave in. “Okay but tell me about it first.”
He looked at the crowd around them and motioned her to the right. “Let’s go somewhere quieter.”
“Okkkay.” Emma let herself be led out of the room and to the patio.

AJ being AJ took the opportunity offered and lit up a cigarette as soon as he stepped outside. “Ah, now that feels good.”
“Yucky.”
“Whatever,” He winked back at her. “Okay, so I had this idea. You know with this secret wedding of theirs, Nick hasn’t had a bachelor party or anything.”
“Yeah,” Emma replied, already seeing where this was going. “Neither has Sue. A… whatever you call them for the women.”
“Bachelorette party?”
“Dunno. One of those anyway.”
“Yeah well, I thought we could organize them a lil something. What do you say?” He was staring at her expectantly but she knew him. Well, she thought she knew him anyway. “That’s a great idea, Alex. But no strippers.”
He blinked, “What do you mean no strippers? You can’t have a bachelor party without strippers? What’s the fun in that?” His voice rose.
“They’re already married, dumbass! Do you really want their marriage to start with Nick fooling around with a stripper?”
“Oh.” He seemed to think about it for a second or two before saying, “You’re right, I guess. But what else could we do then?”
“What about organizing a party for the both of them?”
“Uh. And?”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know! It was your idea!”
“But you ruined it with your no strippers rule!”
“For pity’s sake, I didn’t ask for this.” Emma muttered under her breath as she slammed her empty glass on a nearby table and strode back inside.

***

“You okay, baby?” Nick leaned down to look at his wife. She appeared somewhat dazed but love still shined in her eyes as she looked up at him.
“I’m fine. Just a bit… stunned, I guess. It’s been an interesting evening.”
He tightened his hold around her waist. “I know. I’m sorry about Kevin. I knew he wasn’t gonna like it but I didn’t think he would stoop so low as to insult you.”
“It’s okay, it’s not your fault.” Sue smiled as she turned and braced herself against his chest. “How long is this party gonna last?”
“Dunno. Why?” She just stared back at him, her eyebrow raised. “Oh. Well, I guess we don’t have to stay here. Have I showed you our room yet?”
“Yes but I wouldn’t mind a second look.”
He grinned, “Let’s go.” Without further ado, he pushed her towards the nearest door and hoping no one noticed, they left their own party.

***

Emma blinked. Once. Twice. But no, she was pretty sure it was Kevin who was sneaking through the darkened kitchen. She scanned the room to see if anyone else had seen him. It looked like no one had, thank God. She walked over to him, making him jump as he climbed down from the sink. “I hope you aren’t here to make a scene.”
“Jeez, woman, you scared the crap out of me.”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to.” She said, fighting to keep the smile off her face.
“Yeah. Looks like it.” He muttered. He sighed, “Listen. I came here to apologize to Nick and his wife…”
“Sue” Emma prompted.
“Yeah, Sue. I came to apologize to them both, but as I can’t see them anywhere, I was hoping to head off without anyone seeing me.”
“Yeah, well, they sneaked off together about half an hour ago.” She sighed, “I suggest you come back tomorrow if you want to apologize.”

Emma turned to leave, “What’s your name?” She looked back at him, surprised that he would ask. “We haven’t been introduced properly yet. I’m Kevin.” He held his hand out for her to shake.
“Yeah, I know you’re Kevin. I’m Emma.” She shook his hand and got lost in his touch. She blushed when she realized that she had held his hand for slightly too long.
“So what do you think of all this then?”
“Honestly? I’m as surprised as you are.”
“Really? You were? I suppose you have had a chance to get used to it then.”
“Not really.” She paused, “You do know we only found out today as well, don’t you?” He shook his head and Em sighed, “AJ and I found out this afternoon, before sound check, then everyone else found out when you did.”
“Oh. So how did they keep it from you?”
“It wasn’t too difficult really. I only arrived a couple of days ago. Sue’s been with them the whole time. I knew something was up, but didn’t know what. I don’t know how they kept it from the others though.”
“Oh.”
“Is that why you reacted the way you did? Because you thought you were the last to know?” He nodded. “I meant what I said though. You only have to spend some time with them to see how much they love each other.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“Come back tomorrow and you’ll see for yourself.”
“I will. I’d better go before Kris starts phoning the hospitals making sure I’m in one piece.”
“Go out the front door, it’s a little less conspicuous than climbing through the window. I’m sure no one will notice anyway.”
“Thanks for the chat.”
“No problem.” He started to walk away from her. “Kevin?” He stopped. “AJ and I were talking about throwing them a party, as neither of them had a bachelor party. I’m sure they would love it if you were there.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” Said a voice from behind Emma.