In another room down the hall, five shot glasses were being raised into the air.
"Alright boys, 3, 2, 1!" They all downed the whiskey together.
"Ach, that stings!" Pete said, coughing at the harshness.
"Don't be such a pussy," Brad said, slapping Pete on the back.
"He never could hold his liquor," Andy chimed in
"Bet you can't hold down another," Todd shot to Andy.
"You're on!" Andy replied. "I've been drinking you under the table since before we were legal!"
Todd started pouring another round of shots, but Jeff interjected.
"Guys, guys, go easy! Let's not get all sloppy now, there'll be time for that at the reception."
"Aw jeeze," Todd said, "What a wet blanket. This is the ultimate day to party! Besides, aren't you nervous? It'll take the edge off."
"Hell yeah I'm nervous, man. I just want to make sure this day is perfect for Brianna. She's been dreaming of a day like this forever. And having her groom slurring his vows at the altar isn't part of that dream!"
"Alright then, more for me!" Todd said as he downed a second shot. He really didn't see what all this fuss was about - the flowers, the fancy clothes. When it came Todd's time to get hitched he was certain it would be a quickie at a courthouse, maybe Vegas if he was feeling fancy. But all this? Nah.
"Listen Todd," Jeff said a bit more sternly, "Just cool it until after the ceremony. I know you're not into this pomp and circumstance but when I asked you to be my best man you said you'd go along with it. So let's just buckle down for the next hour or so and get this over with, ok?"
Todd sighed, "Yeah, alright bro. But do I really have to wear this dumb tie? It's choking me!" He reached up to loosen it, and suddenly felt a slight pinch on his neck followed by a high pitched buzzing. He swatted the air.
"Agh, damn. Mosquitos in here? This old barn is probably infested."
Luckily for Todd, he wouldn't have to worry about that tie for too much longer...
