Chapter 4 – A shovel, a bush and a pink flamingo… Oh what a night
Tonight I was going to meet up with Sookie and finally meet her brother. When she called earlier to confirm tonight, I made her laugh by saying that we should go together as I required a bodyguard to enter the premises if Arlene was working. Sookie had a great laugh; it wasn't at all forced or faked like lots of the women I saw back home. I found myself enjoying the sound.
I passed the day away by playing golf. It is something that I have always enjoyed and since my drive to Texas I have decided that I will make it a point to play regularly. I did a little research online and found what looked to be a decent club in Bossier City. It was a little further drive than Shreveport, but not by too much. I called and spoke with someone in membership and let them know I was considering joining the club, but wanted to play the course first. Since they did allow for some public play, the manager arranged for me to go today. It was a beautiful day and I really liked being outside to enjoy it. Back in my regular life, I spent too much time inside working to notice, let alone enjoy, a beautiful day.
I arrived home late in the afternoon, leaving me enough time to shower and get ready before heading to Sookie's house to pick her up. Now that I know where Merlotte's is, I thought I would drive for a change. We were due to meet her brother at 6:30 so I would be picking her up about 15 minutes before. I had some time after getting ready before I had to get Sookie, so I went onto my porch to sit with a drink. I was staring off at one of the gardenia trees I moved yesterday and was lost in thought. My mind drifted back and I was thinking of my life in New York.
I was still having a hard time resolving being displaced and essentially having to start over as a new person. I was determined not to wallow in pity for myself and to make the best of what I have been presented with. I thought of what I would have been doing if I were still in New York. I would still be in my office, Octavia trying to shoo me out the door, telling me I needed to see the sun more. Little did she know how much sun I was getting now. I missed her. I was used to her worrying about me and wondered how she was holding up with everything that has happened. I also worried about her position. I would have to talk to the Marshalls to make sure she would not lose her job as I was no longer there.
Pulling myself from my thoughts I checked my watch and saw that it was time to pick up Sookie. I was looking forward to tonight and meeting her brother. It would be nice to meet another person, make another friend. Perhaps we could golf together. I pulled up into Sookie's drive and was about to get out of the car to get her when she came flying out of the front door and down the steps towards the car.
"Hey there! Nice car. How do you like being up so high?"
"It took some getting used to, but now I rather enjoy it. I like being able to see over everyone else."
"Hum, that doesn't surprise me."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You're really tall. You see over most everyone else all the time."
"Oh. I guess I see your point. So how was work?"
"It was great. It was such a beautiful day. I took some of my younger students outside where I conducted their class using pebbles and sticks and clovers to figure out their math problems. I just had to get in the sun a little bit."
"You're pretty creative there Ms. Stackhouse."
"These kids are bright and they need to be engaged or they bore easily. Plus, it helped me get out and get some sunshine. It's a vice of mine."
I smiled at her. She did look sun-kissed. She leaned forward and fiddled with the radio.
"Ya know, your iPod is probably better than any radio station. You should bring it with you to listen to in the car."
"I'll keep that in mind." I liked how Sookie seemed to speak whatever came into her mind. It's not that she lacked a filter, I'm certain she had one, but having her speak her mind was refreshing.
"Ah, Jason's already here. Remember what I told you about pool okay?"
"Sure thing, 'let him win and he'll take to ya.' That was about it right?" She grinned.
"You'll do just fine."
We went inside and there was some country music playing from the juke box. I was tempted to put $50 in and select a ton of songs so I would not be subjected to hearing any more of it. Sookie found her brother right away and pointed him out to me. He was in a group of men standing at the bar, beer in hand and deep in conversation. She approached the group and he stopped what he was doing to embrace her in a big hug.
Sookie led him by the hand over to me.
"Jason, I'd like you to meet my new neighbor and friend Eric Brigant. Eric, this is my brother, Jason Stackhouse."
"Real pleased to meet you Eric. How ya likin' Bon Temps?" He thrust his hand out to shake mine. When I reached out to shake his hand, his other hand with the beer in it went up to pat my shoulder, spilling a little as he did so.
"Real sorry about that man!"
"No problem. It's nice to meet you." Sookie had a mischievous grin, and I wondered what it was for. It didn't take long to figure it out when I saw Arlene making her way over to the three of us.
"Well hi y'all! It's such a pleasure seeing y'all here." She had a big, bright smile for me and was trying to get close to me.
"Arlene, hey! I'm standin' right here." Jason seemed a little put off that he wasn't the object of Arlene's attention.
"Oh sugar, I see ya there, no need to get your panties in a twist." She patted Jason's arm and he smiled. She obviously was shrewd enough to realize that she didn't want to alienate a good tipper. "Why don'tchy'all follow me. I'll get you seated." She grabbed a few menus and we followed her to a booth.
I sat next to Sookie and her brother slid in across from us. We ordered a few drinks as we looked over our menus. Jason tipped back his beer and drained it, letting out a large belch when he was done.
"Jason!" Sookie chided him.
"What?" She threw a couple of napkins at him. "Oh, yeah um, excuse me."
I know that first impressions can sometimes be deceiving, but Jason was not really what I expected. With the exception of being really friendly, he was not similar to Sookie at all.
"So Eric, Sook here tells me that you came from Miami. Can't imagine why you'd want to leave. There's got to be thousands of hot girls there." Definitely not what I expected.
"Yes, I'm from Miami. I needed a change. The market took a turn and I really wanted a change. It seemed like a good time to make one."
"And the girls?" He seemed to have a one track mind.
"There are beautiful women in Miami. But then it seems as if there are some here too."
"Really? I don't know man, I think after Miami you'll be pretty disappointed." He was thick. I was trying to pay his sister a compliment and he just didn't get it. He sure was different from Sookie.
Sookie just laughed.
"What Sook? Come on, ya gotta admit the pickin's are pretty slim 'round here."
He was just digging the hole deeper for himself. Sookie was about to say something when Arlene came back over with our drinks. She made sure to bend over low enough to give a prime view of her cleavage to Jason and me when she gave us our drinks.
"Arlene," Sookie interrupted, "could ya be a little more obvious?"
"Why Sookie, I don't know what you mean." She huffed and asked if we were ready to order.
Jason proceeded to order. Sookie and I both ordered a burger Lafayette.
"Sookie, why is it called burger Lafayette?" A sad smile briefly crossed her face.
"It is named after the cook who created them. Lafayette worked here for years. He was so much fun and was the life of the place."
"You sound a little sad."
"Yeah, it's hard not to get sad thinking about it. Two years ago he was on his way home after closing here late one night. A drunk driver hit him and killed him."
"That is sad. I'm sorry you lost your friend."
"Thanks Eric." She smiled genuinely at me.
We all made small talk while we waited for dinner. I learned that Jason worked as a gym teacher in the high school and as a football coach. Apparently, he was quite the star QB when he was in high school but was injured his freshman year in college and was unable to play again. I told him what I did, actually what I supposedly used to do. He sounded impressed. Thankfully, I wasn't too concerned with him remembering all of the details or bringing it up again.
Sookie asked about my day and I told her about the golf club I visited. After checking with the Marshalls to make sure it was okay to join, I intended to buy a membership. I asked Jason if he'd played there before and was surprised to learn that he didn't play golf. I was perhaps more surprised to learn that Sookie played.
"How long have you been playing for?"
"Probably about 6 years or so. I remember hearing that there was a player on the Men's tour, a Vijay someone or other saying that he didn't think that Annika Sörenstam had any business playing at a men's tournament that she was invited to play in. It just pissed me off. The woman worked hard and was invited to play. He was such a chauvinist and I took up golf to be spiteful." Amazing. I can remember that controversy. I couldn't believe that she would be so fired up after hearing about that, that she'd start to take lessons.
"You'll have to come with me next time."
"I'd like that."
"Hey Eric, how's about a game of pool?" Sookie gave me a nudge and a wink.
"Sure. I'll play. Do you mind Sookie?"
"Go for it guys. I'll watch." Jason jumped out of the booth and made his way over to the pool table. I stood up and waited for Sookie.
"It's really been so long since I played pool that I can't remember the last time I played. What do I need to know to not embarrass myself?"
"Nothing. Jason prides himself on being a good pool player, but the more beer he's had the worse he is. Just follow his lead and you'll be fine Eric. I think he's taking a liking to you."
I made my way to the table where Jason had already racked the balls and was waiting for me to break.
"Ya know Eric, pool was originally kind of a croquet for snooty French folk. But the royals hated to sweat, so they moved the game indoors. That's why the table is covered in green felt. It reminded them of the grass. Not alotta people know that." I think that Sookie had to pick my chin up off of the floor. To say I was astounded that Jason spouted out that fact would not be exaggerating. It was not at all in keeping with the picture of Jason that I'd formed so far this evening. "So, since this is our first time playing, you get the break."
"Sure thing."
"HEY HOYT! COME ON OVER HERE!" Jason yelled just as I was breaking. Needless to say I didn't sink any balls at all. I'm surprised that I didn't wind up breaking the stick.
Hoyt walked over to Sookie and wrapped her up in a bear hug. Sookie hadn't mentioned anything about having a boyfriend, but I wondered if there was anything between them. He put her down and extended his hand to me.
"Hey there. I'm Hoyt Fortenberry. I'm Jason's best friend and I've known Sook since forever. You must be the new guy."
"I'm Eric."
"Well real nice to meet ya. Welcome to Bon Temps. Are ya finding everything okay?"
"Sookie has been an excellent tour guide and a good neighbor."
"She's the best!" He replied giving her a squeeze. It was my turn to shoot. I was stripes.
"Hey Jase, Sook, Eric, I'm hittin the bar, ya need anything?"
"Yeah man, get me a Bud." Jason was loud this time, but not so loud that I completely screwed my shot again. I actually managed to sink the 12 ball.
"Sook? Anything?"
"Surprise me Hoyt."
"And Eric, anything for you?"
"I'll take a Bass. Thanks Hoyt. I'll get the next round." Little did I know that those words would be some of the last coherent ones that I would utter, or at least recall, for the remainder of the night.
I did get the next round; and the one after that and probably after that too. I tried to expand Jason's and Hoyt's horizons past Bud. I convinced them that they didn't know a fine drink until they had really good bourbon. I was surprised that Merlotte's had Basil Hayden and insisted they try it. I had to laugh at seeing Hoyt's face when he took his first taste. He was drinking it as if it were soda. He learned quickly that it's best if you drank it slowly instead. One glass led to two, led to several over the course of the night. These guys weren't all that bad. A little simple perhaps, but they seemed like good people. I think I can remember Jason harassing Sookie for being 'such a girl' because she wasn't having any bourbon. She was the only sane one at the time. After a while and with a little encouragement from the bartender who I think was hitting on Jason, we added a couple of shots of tequila to the mix. It was right around that time where things got pretty fuzzy.
I vaguely remember Sookie driving us home. I remember threatening her not to run anyone over like she almost did to me. That's the last thing that I remember.
It's morning now. I can tell because it's bright out, but I'm not in my bed. I'm pretty fucking uncomfortable actually. I can't figure out where the hell I am. I rub my eyes and open them fully. God that hurts. I realize that I'm lying on the ground, with one leg up over the arm of a chair and my other leg in a bush. What the fuck? I'm hugging a shovel. My head is on stone. It takes a herculean effort, but I manage to sit myself up and look around. I'm in my backyard. I have no idea how I got here. I notice that there's a small blanket draped across my body.
Looking around I see Hoyt, lying face down on the patio, close to the door to the house. He's hugging what appears to be an empty bottle of liquor, I can't tell what kind from here. That can't be good. He's got a blanket on him too. Then I see Jason. Man he takes the cake. His upper body is lying across my table, he is kneeling in one of my chairs and he's hugging a pink flamingo. I know it's not mine. God only knows where he took it. Jason had a blanket too.
Holy shit. I feel like garden gnomes have invaded my skull overnight and are currently doing an Irish step dance on my brain. I manage to get myself up off of the ground and for a few minutes I'm not sure that's a good idea. I steady myself and start to make my way into the house. I need an entire bottle of Advil, a gallon of water and a good greasy sandwich… and soon. Stepping over Hoyt and opening the door to the house I hear noise in the kitchen. Since I have no concept of what time it is I'm afraid of who may be in my kitchen. As I round the corner I see it's Sookie.
"Well good morning there Bing. How're you feeling?" I'm too tired and hung over to ask what she means by Bing.
"I think it's too early to call. Must get Advil."
"I've got a whole bottle right here for you tough guy."
"Thanks." I trudged over to her and took the bottle from her hand. After a few shaky tries to open it, Sookie grabbed the bottle back from me and opened it, pouring two into my hand. I shook my head at her to indicate I wanted more. She put two more into my hand and I swallowed them immediately without any water.
"I'm fixing up some eggs, biscuits, sausage, bacon and gravy for you guys. I figure you'll all need it and that you wouldn't mind me making myself at home in your kitchen."
"God that sounds great. How did you know we'd need it?"
"Well, after you all drank yourselves into a complete stupor and started singing and dancing with inanimate objects, I thought it might be in order. I have no point of reference for you with drinking, but I know Jason and Hoyt. I haven't seen them that drunk in… well probably ever. Y'all were quite entertaining."
I cringed.
"Yup, definitely a night to remember. Too bad none of you will."
I managed to drag myself over to the refrigerator and pull out a big bottle of Poland Spring. I sat at the table and began to drink.
"I couldn't really move a single one of you so I covered y'all when you passed out. It was almost as if you guys were hit by some kind of poison or something. One moment you guys were living it up and the next you guys were dropping like flies. It was funny."
"Ha ha." By this point Sookie put a plate of food in front of me. My stomach was rebelling against putting anything else in it, but I knew if I didn't, I'd be done for.
"Thanks Sookie. This looks really great. What time is it?"
"Seven. I went home after you guys crashed and went to sleep. That was around 2:00. I got up early and instead of going for a run today, I went to the store and picked up stuff for breakfast and came back to cook. I figured you guys would really need it. I've got to head to work and I'm sure that those fools need to be getting up soon to do the same."
I was impressed. But then again, Sookie didn't drink like we did. She quit before we started on the bourbon.
Sookie took the large bottle of water from my hand and walked outside. I heard a scream soon after. And then another one after that. Oh that's cruel. She was pouring water on the guys to wake them up. Sookie came back into the house crinkling her nose and got back to work in the kitchen. Moments later a very wet and very hung over looking Hoyt and Jason stumbled into the house.
"Hey man." It seemed as if Jason used all his remaining energy into forming that sentence.
"Your sister was thoughtful enough to make us some breakfast." Jason and Hoyt dropped their bodies into chairs at the table. We looked like a bunch of Neanderthals. Sookie smiled and brought plates over for her brother and Hoyt and made her way back into the kitchen and started cleaning.
I managed to make my way over to her in the kitchen.
"Sookie, please don't clean. You've done enough. I've got all day to clean up."
"Thanks Eric, but something tells me that you're not going to be in any condition to clean anytime soon. I don't want to leave a job half done. It won't take too long. I've been cleaning as I go. Go. Hobble back to the table and finish your breakfast. It'll help."
"Man, I can't remember the last time I got so drunk." Hoyt mumbled.
"Hoyt, you've never been that drunk. Not even the time that you stripped naked and ran through JB's yard after one of the football games." I heard Sookie snicker from the kitchen.
"That was quite the site Hoyt."
"Hey! It was cold out!" Sookie and Jason burst into laughter.
A little while later after Jason and Hoyt finished their breakfasts; they started to make their way home so they could get ready for work. They were walking to Sookie's as she said she'd take them home.
I walked her to the door. It took all of the energy I had.
"I'm glad you had fun last night Eric. You really needed to let loose a little bit. And now I think you have a small fan club."
"I'm sorry Sookie. I don't usually get like that. It's not like me at all."
"I can imagine. Like I said you really needed to let loose." She was right. "Eric, you were mumbling in your sleep last night after you passed out."
"Really? And what did I mumble?"
"I don't know, but you seemed pretty bothered at first. You screamed once and then you were out cold."
"Hmph. Interesting. It was probably the mix of booze making me have some bizarre dreams."
"Right. Probably. Feel better Eric. I'll check in on you later."
She stood on her tiptoes, put a hand on each of my shoulders and kissed my cheek.
"Phew. Make sure you get a shower in at some point would ya?"
"As soon as the world stops spinning."
Sookie made her way out of the house and I could hear her yelling ahead to Jason and Hoyt who were apparently moving pretty slowly. I managed to make my way upstairs to my bedroom and peeled off my clothes. I really didn't have the energy to shower, so I dropped into my bed and fell into a deep and much needed sleep.
A/N – Have you ever had a night out like that?
I'm so excited I was able to post a new chapter for this and for Beautiful Stranger tonight. I feel so productive! Thanks to those of you who have put this story on your alerts or favorites or left a review. I really appreciate it.
Disclaimer – Charlaine Harris owns it all