Chapter 25
"Have you thought about it?" Nadine asked that night after the guys had gone downstairs to Paul's to watch a movie.
"Thought about what?" Briana looked at her cousin curiously.
"Well, with you getting married again, having kids. Have you guys talked about it?"
"Bri's talked about it here and there casually, but as for an actual discussion between us, no not yet. To be honest, I didn't have much success with that with my first marriage."
"Maybe Gary was the problem?" Nadine suggested. "I'm not meaning to speak ill of the dead, but–"
"No," Briana shook her head. "Gary had thought of that and got tested. He was perfectly fine. Apparently all was normal with me too, according to my doctor back home at the time. Maybe some things just weren't meant to be."
"Well, maybe you'll get lucky this time around."
"Perhaps, but nevertheless, I'm going to get an exam with a new doctor before our wedding. I haven't really had a good checkup since Gary died anyway."
Nadine looked at her, wide-eyed. "You let things go that long?"
"I figured it didn't really matter at the time anyway. Plus I got busy with work and other things and thought nothing of it."
"You really should get a checkup at least once a year," Nadine pointed out.
"I already set up an appointment," Briana smiled. "On Thursday, in fact."
"Good, keep it that way every year from now on, especially since you're going to have a husband in your life again, and should luck have it, some lovely youngsters."
Meanwhile:
"This is some good bud, dude," Paul laughed, "but don't you think Bree will have your ass in a sling if she smells it on you when you go home?"
"Which is why I opened your fucking window and sat next to it, and have gum and Visine," Brian grinned. "I'm probably not going to get laid tonight as it is; I don't need to make things worse by smelling like weed. Anyway, what did you think of Nadine?"
"Hot as hell."
"Yeah, figured she'd be right up your alley. She'll be at the wedding so you'll be spending lots of time together."
"Wooo!" Paul cheered.
"Dude, that doesn't mean making out behind the bushes like you were with some bimbo after the Hallof Fame last year."
"I think Nadine has a little more class than that. So are you and Bree still going with the judge thing in the gazebo out front?"
"Yeah. You're still barbecuing, right?"
"Wouldn't miss the opportunity for the world, my man."
"Just take it easy with some of that Mexican spicy bullshit," Brian warned. "I'm not going to have fifty people puking their guts out with flames coming out of their asses. We're in America; this isn't your ancestors' country, holmes."
"Have your ma bring some of that kick ass chicken alfredo with broccoli and you got yourself a deal," Paul grinned.
"I'll give her a call Thursday while Bree is at the doctor."
"Wait, doctor? Something wrong?"
"Nah, some routine thing with the gyn. Guess she thinks she has to make sure everything is in working order before she gets married."
Paul made a face. "Oh. Ewwww. Let me guess, you're going for a pre-nup prostate exam?"
"Very funny, dude. Anyway, she's going with Nadine to find a dress after that, so my whole day will be pretty well open."
"Cool. Want to shoot some hoops after you talk to your ma then?"
"Sounds good to me, considering you'll whip my ass again anyway."
"Who knows, maybe you and Bree will get lucky and have a tall kid," Paul chuckled.
"More like a legacy of funny-looking, short things."
"So have you discussed this kid thing with the little lady yet? I mean, considering your own childhood and shit, I wasn't even sure where you stood on that."
"To be honest, Paul, she and her first husband didn't have any, so I'm not even sure if Bree wants kids this late in her life or not. In any case, if it happens, I can guaran-damn-tee I'll be a far better dad and give them a better life than I had."
"Oh, no doubt there. The old man spoils while Mom hands down the punishments. I can vision it now."
Brian laughed. "Yep. You know me far too well, dude."
Paul took a swing of beer and belched loudly. "I certainly do."
"Jesus, man, if I were you, I'd keep the bodily functions under control or your prospects will dry up."
"Been hanging around you too long. Anyway, let's finish this movie. I didn't rent this kick ass porn flick just to bullshit all the way through it."