âFind a chance to talk things through with your mother. Tell her where you stand. Youâre still the one who has the most influence when it comes to how your mother views Jewel,â Eugene advised.
Alex nodded. âI know, but I think she might not have recognized Jewel.â âWell, keep an eye on things, then, Eugene said.
Meanwhile, Nathan and North had their heads together as they talked about games.
Brian finally realized that everyone else was paired up and he was the only one who didnât have a partner. Then, He leaned back into the couch and started wondering, Is this contagious? Why do I suddenly have the urge to start dating someone?
They were seated in the VIP room, so the food was served faster than expected. Eugene and Brian both raised their glasses to give a toast to Alex and Jewel before expressing their deepest and sincerest gratitude.
Even though they had initially invited the two over for Alexâs sake, the two did end up saving Ellen, too. Alex started squirming at how solemn they were being. He called out to Eugene, âHey, now!
Itâs me. You donât need to do all this.â Eugene downed his glass and remarked, âI donât always treat you with this much courtesy.
You better appreciate it while it lasts.â Alex glared at him. âGet out.â Eugene snorted. âIs that how you should be talking to me?
Have you forgotten who I am to you?â
My future brother-in-law! D*mn it! Heâd have every right to knock me down a peg or two! âOh, fine. My bad, bro.â Alex went along with it and drank from his glass.
Jewel smiled. âEugene, Brian, sheâs my godmother, too. You donât have to thank me!â Olivia chuckled and piped up, âThey just want to have a drink together. Why are you guys making it so formal? Come on. Letâs all share a toast.â
Everyone picked up their glasses and finished them off. âLetâs play a game,â she suggested. âThe one that guys often play. Letâs throw the dice and see who gets the highest and lowest number. The one who gets the lowest number will have to do one thing that the one with the highest number decides or forfeit with a drink instead.â
Naturally, everyone agreed to her idea. Brian asked the server to bring them two dice. Then, he poured three glasses of wine and set. it down in the middle of the table. The game started, and everyone around the table rolled the dice. Eugene had 9;
Olivia, 10, Kate, 5; Nathan, 7; Jewel, 8; Alex, 8; North, 4; and Brian, 12.
The results shocked everyone. Brian eyed North with a sly smile. It was finally time to get his revenge. âYou got the lowest number, North, and I got the highest. Do you know what that means?â
North pondered in all seriousness before saying, âDoes this mean Iâll have to drink the wine?â Olivia had a fright. âWho said youâre drinking the wine? You should sit out of this game. Youâre not touching any alcohol.â
However, Eugene stopped her. âEveryoneâs having fun together, so you shouldnât leave North out. Even if he canât drink the wine, Brian can still make a request, and North can carry it out.â
However, he also warned Brian, âDonât make it too difficult!â North gave Brian a look of provocation. He wasnât afraid at all as he knew heâd get back at Brian at some point! Brian looked at North and chuckled. âIâll give you something simple if you declare that your Uncle Brianâs the best.â
North snorted. âNot happening. Go ahead and say it!â Brian eyed the stubborn little fellow. Still, he never planned on making things hard for North. He merely wanted to frighten the boy. âFine.. Give us a demonstration of your martial arts techniques.â
âOkay!â North agreed with ease. As it was, North was looking forward to teasing the others with his demands, so naturally, he had to be able to do what others asked of him, too.