The Hamptons' House

1997: Part 3

There was a slightly different feel to the stay this time around. You weren't sure exactly what it was, maybe it was just that you were all older, or perhaps the fact you were seeing someone took the edge off the need to try and make what you had with Tony anything more than what it was. What you had worked for the two of you and if it didn't fit society's expectations for what love should be, so be it. It was for no one else to decide how you and Tony defined yourselves.

The other thing was the security guy who had stopped you from going upstairs seemed to be a permanent fixture. His name was Harold, but as with everyone Tony got close to, he'd earned a nickname. His was Happy, one that seemed to be given to him for irony's sake because he was kind of a grump.

Other than that, things were as usual. Tony was still drinking too much. Rhodey had been rising up the ranks of the Air Force. You lazed by the pool, relaxed, hung out, ate food that was terrible for you, and when you were alone with Tony, you fucked like rabbits.

On the Thursday of Tony's birthday, your odd little group went out to Mirko's, an upscale restaurant in the area, to celebrate. Rhodey had even organized to have a small cake delivered so that he could attempt to embarrass Tony a little.

"Is he going to just stand at the door the whole time we're here?" you asked as you looked at your menu.

Happy had done a sweep of the restaurant before letting Tony go in and now was just standing by the door, glaring at people as they came in.

"He's new to the job," Tony said, looking over at him.

"You didn't use to have a bodyguard," you said as you looked over at Happy.

"Don't you know, Cookie," Tony teased. "I'm an important guy."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," you snarked, making a yapping gesture with your hands. "Mister big shot."

Tony and Rhodey laughed. "I am Mister Big Shot," Tony agreed. He looked back over at Happy and signaled him over.

Happy hurried over like Tony had yelled that he was under attack. "What is it, boss?"

"Sit down would you," Tony said, gesturing to the empty chair at the table. "You're making everyone nervous."

"I really should keep watch," Happy argued.

"Then keep watch while you're sitting and eating," Tony said.

Happy looked around again before taking a seat. A waiter rushed over and handed him a menu. "While you're here, can you get me a double of the 18-year Macallan? And a bottle of the 1990 Cristal."

"Sparkling? No one wants sparkling," Rhodey complained.

"Red?" Tony asked.

"Yeah, fine," he said.

"The Masseto Merlot, then," Tony said.

"Instead of the Cristal?" the waiter asked.

"As well as," Tony said.

"Jesus Christ, Tones," Rhodey scolded as the waiter left. "We drove. And no one here is impressed by you throwing your money around. So relax, would you?"

Tony waved him off and went back to looking at the menu. "You know," you said as you glanced over what was available. "Next time we do this, you'll be turning 30."

"You shut your dirty mouth," Tony playfully teased as Happy stifled a laugh.

"Damn," Rhodey said. "After last time, I thought you two would be married to each other by then."

"Who knows," you said, giving Rhodey the finger guns. "There's still time."

"You and Kurt just a fling then?" Rhodey asked.