“Whaaaazzzzzzuuuuuhhhp,” he said again, at greater length. A few people hooted. “I’m here to talk about my main man, my tin-can Sam, my...” The mic stand tilted the other way.
Mikey had stood up at the head table. He was looking at Cary. Cary was already on his feet, headed for the dance floor.
Bobby greeted Cary with open arms. “Carrrryyyy. Whazzzzuuuhp. I missed you, bud.”
Cary wrapped an arm around Bobby’s waist, propping him up. Cary was saying something too softly for anyone else to hear.
“Thasssright,” Bobby said. His eyes were closed. “Thasssright. We’re here to talk aboutMikey.”
Cary gently took the microphone away. “We’re here,” he said, “um, both of us—all of us—to celebrate Mike and Janine as they make this commitment to each other...
“I was going to say‘as they begin their life together,’ but—” Cary turned to the head table, where Mikey was still standing, his hand now resting on Janine’s shoulder. Cary smiled. “I think that the love they share began a long time ago. So instead I’ll say that we’re here to honor their commitment and the promises they made today.”
Shiloh winced a little. Of course Cary would get hung up on thesacred honorof it all. He’d always loved an oath.
“Janine...” Cary went on, in a clear, serious voice. “I’ve known Mike since I was twelve years old, and he’s always been the guy who makes everyone else feel lighter.”
“You arecorrect,Cary,” Bobby chipped in.
“I think we all wanted to be around Mikey,” Cary said, “because he brought the sun with him.”
The whole audience was humming in agreement.
“But you’re the bright spot in Mike’s sky. You’re the one who makeshimfeel lighter.”
More humming. Bobby was nodding deeply.
“So thank you, Janine,” Cary said, “from all of us who have stood in Mike’s light, for bringing him so much joy.”
Bobby held his glass in the air.
“And, Mikey,” Cary continued. “You know I’ve never been married. I can’t imagine the gravity of this day...”
Shiloh could practicallyhearevery unattached woman in the room rev her engine.
“But I’m just so happy for you. And proud of you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’m honored to share this day with you. We all are. To Janine and Mike!”
“To them!” Bobby agreed, sloshing his glass in the air.
One of the bridesmaids ran onto the dance floor to hand Cary a flute of champagne. He held it aloft.
“Cheers!” Cary said.
“Cheers!” everyone answered.
“Cheers,” Shiloh murmured. She held up her Diet Pepsi.
Mikey was making his way to the dance floor. He gave Cary a bear hug when he got there.
Shiloh had never felt so far away from another human being. From two human beings. Mikey and Cary, best friends. Still best friends. Always best friends. How did Shiloh fit into any of this?
Tangentially. That’s how.
She wondered how her kids were doing. Ryan had promised to make popcorn tonight and let them watchHercules. They were both obsessed with the DisneyHerculesmovie for some reason.
If Shiloh left now, she could possibly get fifteen hours of sleep before Ryan brought the kids back in the morning...
Or she could go hang out with Tom, her assistant and deskmate at the theater. He’d invited her over to watch this week’sSopranos...
