Log:A Sister's Simple Request

2021/03/28 	 Dark Horse|Al Steed Lydia Steed

1

In the mail on the counter, perhaps ignored because of work or moonlighting, is a letter that was hidden under coupons and other mailers. It's an elegant envelope embossed with some gold leaf on it addressed to Albert Steed. While it lingers yet unopened, Al receives a phone call. The Caller ID pulls up his older sister's name.

Al goes ahead and answers his phone. "Hi, this is Al. Lydia?" He's currently working on some stats, so he sets down his pencil.

"There's my baby brother. I was starting to worry when I didn't hear back from you," Lydia replies in that light, teasing tone of a big sister.

Al chuckles. "I'm sorry. Didn't hear back from me? About what? Did I miss something?"

Lydia gasps. "Really? Didn't you get it?"

Al looks over at the mail. "Wait...hang on." He takes a look at the envelope, and realizes he should have opened it first. "I think I found what you're referring to." He goes ahead and opens it.

Lydia lets out an exasperated sigh. The invitation is to the wedding of Lydia Steed and Jesse Feldman. In Las Vegas.

Al smiles, and gets back to the phone. "Hey...congrats. Can I RSVP over the phone?"

Jesse's about 6'4" of pure muscle and good looks. Honestly, it doesn't make sense that he and Lydia are together based on how much plainer she looks. Lydia grumbles. "Fine. I suppose the invitation is just a formality. So you'll come?"

Al chuckles. "I can send back the card if it's necessary. But yes, I'll come to the wedding. Congrats."

"No, don't bother. And thanks," Lydia replies, sounding at first irritated, but then happy at the congratulations. "I was going to ask you to be in the wedding party. Jessie needs more people to fill out his side. And...his current Best Man is an out-of-towner. I was hoping you could help with the Bachelor party plans?"

Al nods slowly. "I'm happy to be int he wedding. I'm honored. As for the bachelor party...sure, I can do that. Is there someone local I can coordinate with?"

Lydia cheers gleefully. "Great! Umm, no, not yet. I can try to find someone who can help. What do you need? I want Jesse to have a great time. Just...not TOO good of a time, if you know what I mean."

Al chuckles. "Yeah...I know what you mean. I'm afraid I don't know him as well as I'd like. That's why I figured a local contact might be helpful. One of his friends."

"Oh. So that would be the best man, Brennan. I'll get you his number. Just...let me think things are his idea? And steer him away from the really trashy tourist stuff," Lydia requests as she twirls her finger around her hair.

Al raises a brow. "Let him think it's his idea? Why? I mean...a lot of it will be his idea, anyway." He chuckles quietly. "Jesse's local to Vegas, right? I suspect we might end up making it a minor road trip to Reno. But we'll brainstorm a bit."

"Ehhh, Brennan's...an interesting sort. I guess being Best Man means a lot to him, and he thinks I don't think he can handle things," Lydia says with some reluctance. "Jesse's from Phoenix originally. He doesn't know it like you do. Most of his friends are from there are only know it as tourists. So...Reno, huh?"

Al grins, "You know. Where the legal hookers are." He chuckles and lets that hang in the air for a moment, "We'll keep it to strippers instead at a maximum. I promise."

Lydia's scowl is audible. "Not TOO much fun," she insists even after he left her hanging and clarifies.

"And no bunny ranches," Lydia adds.

Al chuckles. "What else does he do for fun, normally?"

"Working out," Lydia says with some annoyance. "Barbecuing. Sports."

Al raises a brow and smiles. "Why are you sounding annoyed? You wanted him to have fun, right? Or are you annoyed with him working out a lot?"

"Just that he's too simple to entertain." Lydia's voice brigthens up. "That's where you come in."

Al furrows his brow. "What do you mean?"

Lydia chuckles and says, "I mean 'Guy time'."