What's Fair in Love and War?

You're Everything to Me

CHAPTER 8

“You’re Everything to Me”

“Are you sure he said to meet him here?” Elizabeth asked for the third time since they had pulled up to Maxx’s Karaoke Bar’s parking lot. She looked out the window at the glowing neon sign of the bar’s name and then at the long line formed outside.

“Yes Liz, for the hundredth time, John said and I quote: Meet me at Maxx’s Karaoke Bar at eight o’clock and bring Sara also, end quote.” Liz finished, putting air quotes after her sentence. They hopped out of the car and walked to the front of the long line.

“Hey Dwayne.” Lexi said to one of the two bouncers by the door. He nodded and let them through.

They walked through a narrow hallway which led to double doors. They pushed through and walked into a room full of people. Every table she saw was taken with people sitting down or standing around talking to friends.

“Are we supposed to stand until a table clears?” she yelled over the rumble of conversations.

Lexi leaned into her and said, “Of course not, c’mon our table is this way.” She grabbed her hand and led the way. She reached behind her and grabbed Sara’s hand so they wouldn’t get separated. After weaving through the crowds of tables filled with people, Lexi led them to an empty table near the front.

“Why do we have a six man table when there are just four of us?” Liz asked counting the chairs around the table.

“I don’t know Liz, would you just sit down and stop asking so many questions.” Lexi snapped in irritation.

“Geez.” Liz mumbled and sat down. The waiter came over and all of them ordered strawberry margaritas.

Liz looked around and noticed that even though the bar was full, mostly everyone was dressed decently. The environment in the bar was warm and friendly and so she relaxed a little more. John had text her earlier that he had a surprise for her and asked her to dress to go out. An hour later, Lexi showed up at the door with the babysitter for James and they drove to Sara’s house and picked her up. After having a quick dinner with her two girls, Lexi drove them to this bar. She was curious on what John’s surprise would be.

“Hello gorgeous.” Someone whispered in her ear making her yelp in surprise.

“Ken!” she squealed in delight, “I can’t believe you’re here.” Ken was John’s youngest brother who was the same age as her.

“I’m visiting for a week before heading out to Australia. And I wanted to see my favorite sister-in-law.” Ken smiled at her.

“She’s your only sister-in-law.” John said stepping around him.

“And what am I? Chopped liver?” Lexi huffed.

“If you want to be.” John teased.

“Oh stop it you two.” Liz said and gave John a quick peck on the lips.

“You’re my favorite chopped liver Lexi.”  Ken said semi-seriously giving Lexi a hug.

“Thanks Ken and for the record I like you way better then your brother.” She whispered loudly.

“Why did you have to have a twin?” John asked Liz feigning sadness.

“Okay you two. So what’s your big surprise?” She asked John.

“You’ll see.” He answered waggling his eyebrows. “Oh and Greg said he’ll be late.” He said to Lexi.

She was about to argue when a man got on the stage and spoke into the microphone, “Okay everyone, can I have yall’s attention please.” The crowd settled down and listened expectantly. “Thank you. Anyways, as ya’ll know. Tonight is Karaoke Love night. And we have got some great acts for you guys.”