Denny and Alan took the train to work the next morning. Before they entered 500 Boylston Street, Denny insisted they stop at the corner Starbucks so he could order an "extra-large American."
As they were walking into the elevator of their building, Alan was still laughing. "Denny," he guffawed, "I keep seeing the look on that poor barista's face when he tried to get you to say you wanted a 'Venti Caffe Americano' and you told him you didn't give a crap! Oh! Oh, I am so glad it's just us in here." He pushed 14 and leaned back and continued giggling softly. "How can you drink that anyway? It's so strong. I prefer the coffee in our galley."
"Well, even though I think that bastard was pretentious and stupid, their coffee wakes me up. I stayed out late on a 'school night' so I need it. Why do they call themselves 'bastards?' What's that about, anyway? Nevermind, I don't care."
Alan was still laughing as they walked into Denny's office. "I have to go to my office to get some research Clarence did for me before I head to court. Are you sure you don't want to cancel dinner with Ben tonight? I'm sure he would understand if you're too tired to meet him." He was secretly hoping Denny would do that, but the older man shook his head.
"I'll be fine. I'll take a nap this afternoon. Don't worry about me."
"I do worry about you, Denny. Is my invitation to join the two of you still good?"
Denny had sat at his desk, pulled out the latest issue of Maxim and tucked it inside his copy of The Boston Globe. Leaning back in his chair he answered, "Sure it is."
"Excellent. I'll see you after court and for the record, they're baristas, not bastards."
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Alan was just settling into his seat on Denny's balcony when Denny's cell rang. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the caller ID and answered. "Hi, Ben, when did I program your number into my phone? Really? No, it's fine. Yes, yes, they do. If you want to, sure, why not? By the way, my best friend Alan will be joining us. We'll meet you there in about forty – five minutes? Good, see you then."
Alan's frown originally came from annoyance at having his private time with Denny disturbed, but annoyance turned to concern as his listened to the older man's end of the conversation. "Denny? Had you put Ben's number in your phone and forgotten?"
"Not to worry, Alan; Ben said he entered it while I was in the men's room."
I'm really starting to dislike this guy, Alan thought. "Don't you think that was a little presumptuous of him? I mean, what if you weren't getting along?"
"But we were getting along; I was going to ask for his number anyway, so no harm done."
"Hmmm. And why do we have to rush our drinks and cigar? I don't like having to feel like I'm under some kind of time constraint."
"Normally, I would agree with you one hundred percent," Denny replied, "but I'm looking forward to seeing Ben. I like him. I want him to like you."
Alan crossed his legs. "I see. And what if I don't like him?"
The older man blew several smoke rings before responding, "You'll like him."
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Alan didn't like him. In fact, he was quite sure that he loathed Benjamin Tomlinson. His dislike for the man had begun the night before when he kept Denny out late and it had deepened when Denny's chauffeur had met them and was told to take them to Ruth's Chris Steak House. "I hate to sound petulant, but aren't we taking our dates to Ruth's Chris tomorrow night?"
"Yeah, so? It's not like we've never eaten steak two nights in a row before. Alan, don't be such a wet blanket; roll with the flow!" Denny had said as he got into the car.
Alan decided to let the mixed metaphors go with no comment and gazed out the window for the brief drive. Denny pointed out Ben Tomlinson standing outside the restaurant when Dave the chauffeur pulled in front. As they waited for Dave to exit the vehicle to open the rear door, Alan took the opportunity to observe the man through the tinted window. He appeared to be Alan's age and at least as tall and probably taller. He was a handsome man with dark brown hair cropped military style and he was clean – shaven. When they joined him on the sidewalk, Alan saw that his eyes were green.
"Ben!" Denny greeted the man, enthusiastically reaching for his hand and shaking it vigorously. "Good to see you again! This is Alan Shore, my best friend."
Ben stuck his hand out. "Nice to meet you, Al. I've heard a lot about you."
Alan ignored his hand and replied, "Well, here's something you obviously haven't heard about me: No one calls me 'Al.'" He then just stared at the man until Denny stepped between them and clapped both younger men on their shoulders.
"C'mon, let's go eat."
They had to wait a few minutes for a table so they went to the bar. Denny chose a seat and Ben and Alan sat on either side of him. All three men ordered single malt scotch. "I propose a toast," Ben declared. "To friends, old and new."
Denny responded by raising his glass and saying, "Hear, hear!" and glancing pointedly to his left at Alan who shrugged and raised his glass as well.
"Hear, hear," he said solemnly and moved his glass to clink against his companions' glasses before they all took a drink. I want to know what is so spectacular about this guy.
"Denny," Ben asked after he swallowed, "what do you think about these crazy women who want to be able to have combat roles in the Armed Forces? I think it's just ridiculous."
Alan listened with feigned interest as Denny began to speak, but as he and Ben regaled each other with their opinions about women in the military, Social Security, immigration, among other things, Alan began to realize something. My God, this Ben character is a poster boy for the Republican Party! No, make that the Tea Party; he has got to be the most conservative man I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. And Denny's agreeing with him!
They were called for their table and as they were seated Alan was thinking I don't want to pick a fight with Ben for Denny's sake, but I don't know how much more of this I can take! After they placed their meal orders, he said to Denny, "I'm a little surprised to hear you agreeing with Ben about the death penalty. I thought you had softened your stance after I told you about the prisoner I saw executed in Texas." He looked at Ben and remarked, "He was given a lethal injection even though I argued before their Appellate Court that there was sufficient reasonable doubt about his guilt to commute his sentence. They killed him anyway."
"Well, Alan, this is my take on that: That guy may have been innocent of the crime he was executed for, but we all know that your basic criminal types have committed crimes for years. Think of his getting a 'hot shot' as punishment for all the crimes he did and was never caught."
"That's what I like about you, Ben," Denny chimed in, "you make me see things in a different light. Have you ever thought about the death penalty that way, Alan?"
"I can't say that I have. Denny, I'm starting to feel…nauseous. I don't think I'm going to be able to stay. Could you call Dave to come back to get me?"
"I'm sorry you're not feeling well, Alan," Ben said, "Perhaps I could give you a ride rather than you waiting for your driver?"
Truth be told, Alan thought, you don't look sorry at all. Let's see how you look when Denny says he's leaving, too!
"Alan, do you want me to come with you? I will if you do, but I didn't eat lunch today…"
Alan's heart dropped. He's choosing Ben's company over mine? I don't believe this is happening. "You know what, Denny? Why don't you stay and have dinner; don't bother calling Dave, I'll catch a cab. I don't think my stomach is getting any better." He stood and reached into his jacket pocket for Denny's coat check ticket and handed it to him.
To Alan it seemed as if Denny was about to say something when Ben said, "I hope you feel better, Alan. It was a real pleasure meeting you."
He was sorely tempted to punch him square in his smug face. Instead, he replied, "Enjoy your dinner" and turned to leave.
"Wait, are you heading back to the condo?"
"No, Denny. I'm going to my hotel. Goodbye."
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Alan was dozing off and on when he heard a key go into his door. Only one person had a key. Denny, he thought as he opened his eyes and checked the clock/radio, midnight? Really?
He could hear Denny opening and closing his five cubic feet refrigerator followed by what sounded like him getting undressed and dropping his suit on the recliner. He was as familiar with Alan's hotel room as his own condo and navigated it easily in the dark. Sure enough, Denny entered the bedroom soundlessly wearing just his socks and underwear. He sat on the other bed and rubbed his face with both hands.
"Don't tell me: You and Ben were having such a great time, the hours just flew by."
Startled, Denny jumped slightly and then said, "You're awake! You forgot about your dinner. I had them wrap it up. You can have it for lunch. How are you feeling?"
"Slightly better. Denny, I have to tell you: I don't like your new friend. I think he is bringing out the worst in you."
"Look, Alan. You don't feel well and I'm pretty snockered. This isn't the best time for this conversation. We'll talk in the morning. G'night." And with that, he got into the Alan's spare bed and rolled over to sleep.
It wasn't the first time Denny had slept over and stayed in the other bed, but this time…This time feels like he is a little angry at me. I don't like this at all. We will be speaking about this tomorrow, my friend. We will, indeed.