Lloyd gave Randy a brief tour of the operation and explained the services his company provided their clients. He explained how each department functioned and the detailed planning that went into each project. He pointed out how imperative it was that all the pieces of the pie fit together and that every segment be complete and delivered on time. If one phase was delayed for any reason, the whole project could suffer.
"That's why I have to travel so much. I couldn't allow two important elements of my production to bog down. One delay was due to a union dispute in Chicago. The other was caused by one of the key actors walking out on us after two days of shooting. Those two incidents cost me a large chunk of my bonus on that project. If I did not resolve those then the final project would have suffered."
"I had no idea how complex this Telecom contract was. It's an enormous responsibility for you to carry. How many assistants do you have working for you on these six major projects?"
"I have one senior production manager and three production managers in training. My boss pulled my two experienced production managers away last month and assigned them to his own projects. My assistants are good but they are in over their head. I've been interviewing people like crazy to fill the gap and it hasn't been easy. The problem is that the good production managers don't want a job with me unless I can guarantee them a long term contract. The free lance people are unrealistic in their salary demands. What I really need is a top production man to train my new assistants."
"I also need a good detail person with computer skills as my assistant. I'm too exhausted to load all this stuff into the computer at the end of the day. It has to be someone that will stick with me and that won't quit when the going gets rough. If anything happens to me, this project will fall apart."
Randy smiled, "I know you're Mister Wonderful and I'm impressed with your abilities, but no one is indispensable."
Lloyd smiled, "I do sound a little full of myself I guess, but I can predict with certainty what will happen if I'm not around to keep all the balls in the air. Let's have lunch; I don't want to bore you with my problems."
"Good! I'm starved and we both have one o'clock appointments."
They had lunch at one of the better Chinese restaurants in the area. The food was good and the service was fast. The waiter took their order and left them alone.
"You're wrong about me being bored about your projects. I'm fascinated with your work. You're my main concern now and I don't want you having a nervous breakdown. From what I have been able to observe about you for the last four months, you're burning yourself out. From here on in, I'm going to be selfish when it comes to you. I'm crazy about you and I don't want you to kill yourself. I want you to tell me exactly what you do for Chadwick from beginning to end. Together we will work out a plan that will keep you home more of the time. Remember you're my teddy bear from now on, and I want to keep it that way. I would also want to review your contract with Telecom and with the Chadwicks."
"You've got it," Lloyd said, "I'll be happy to tell you anything you want to know about me and my job. I don't want to keep anything from you. Everything I have on Telecom and Chadwick is on my computer at home. My access code is "DreamMan" and you'll find the folders and files you want are in my Word program listed under Telecom and Chadwick. I have created a separate folder for correspondence, contracts, staff, budgets and vendors with sub-folders for each vendor. The project files contain all the product schedules and the labor requirements for each month. If you have any questions let me know. Actually, I have three computers the big monsters, at the office and the penthouse, and the third is a notebook which I carry around with me everyplace I go. Betty, my secretary, is in charge of the computer in my office."
"I take it that I'm Dream Man," Randy said.
"Yes, my love, you're my Dream Man."
"I hate to eat and run baby, but I have to be at my Dad's office in fifteen minutes," Randy said. "I've leased a limo service for the day, so when you're ready to head home call the number on this card. My driver has a cell phone and will drop by to pick you up. He's at our disposal all day. I find it a very convenient way to move around Manhattan, especially in the evening. Love you, baby, see you back at the apartment."
"I wish I could kiss you this minute," Lloyd said. "I love you now more then ever; all I want to do is make love with you."
Randy smiled, "There will be plenty of time for that later this afternoon."
Lloyd signed the American Express slip and they left the restaurant. Randy called the limo driver and headed for his father's office.
The law firm of Cavanaugh, Cavanaugh & Associates occupied two floors in the Union Carbide building at Park and 48th Street. Randy took the elevator to the 45th floor. The security guard was seated at the receptionist's desk. Randy signed the book and headed for his father's office.
Janis, his father's secretary, was busy at her computer as he approached her desk. She smiled and said, "Mr. Cavanaugh, it's so nice to see you again. Your father is waiting for you, so go right in."
"Thanks, Janis, it's nice to see you again; it's been a while."
Randy, Senior, stood up and walked around his desk to greet his son. He said, "This is a pleasant surprise, son, please have a seat. You look wonderful, back to your old self again. Now tell me what's so important to bring you into Manhattan on a Saturday."
"So much has happened, I don't know where to begin Dad. I had this speech rehearsed in my mind this morning, but somehow I find it difficult to tell you about my latest news."
His father smiled, "Nothing you could do or say could be that bad, Randy, unless it's against the law. Now take a deep breath and tell me your news."
"Dad, this is one of those good news - bad news stories. The good news is that I've fallen in love with the most wonderful person in the world."
"What's the bad news?"
"This wonderful person is Lloyd King."
Senior stared at his son for several seconds before answering. "I can see why you were reluctant to break this news," Randy, Senior said. "Are you absolutely sure this is the path you wish to walk from now on?"
"I really don't have a choice, Dad. This is not something I've taken lightly. I've consulted with two shrinks about this and they both agree that it's not a passing thing. I'm a homosexual. And to be quite candid with you, I've suspected this for some time, but Lloyd is the one responsible for making me realize the truth about myself. This is not an easy thing for me to admit to you, or myself for that matter. It has been a difficult thing to accept. I certainly didn't want this to happen, but as Lloyd has said, what choice do we have? It's what we are. I know there are people who will despise us if they find out. Some of them could be people I called my friends. Lloyd and I have no intention of going public with this.
We love each other and I intend to ask him to be my spouse. He is a sophisticated, intelligent man. He has changed my whole mental attitude about life. I have not had any problems since I met him. Not only that, I have stopped all medication. He is my life now, Dad and we plan to live together from now on. I hope I haven't disappointed you. Perhaps one day you would like to meet Lloyd. Don't worry though, he won't embarrass you in any way, you would never know that he is a homosexual."
"You've never been a disappointment to me, Randy. I will admit this is quite a surprise, and it's going take time to adjust to your new life style. I'm not homophobic and won't feel threatened by Lloyd. My only concern is you, and your happiness. We're having a few people in for brunch tomorrow, your mother and I would like you and Lloyd to join us, unless you have other plans. I'm anxious to meet Lloyd. If you have chosen him, I'm sure he is a fine young man. For the present, I don't think we should share this news with your mother. She is a very clever woman and will eventually figure things out on her own. It will be much easer that way, believe me."
"I agree, Dad, I think mother would make Lloyd one of her 'causes' and I don't want that to happen to Lloyd just yet. You'll understand why after you meet him."
"Do you have any concrete plans for the future, Randy?"
"I have several ideas I've been considering and I'll need a little more time to work everything out. Is my old office still vacant?"
"Of course it is. You didn't think I'd let anyone else in the office next to me, did you?"
"No, sir, I guess I lost my head for a moment. Thanks, Dad, you're the greatest. I'll be using the office starting next week. I'll be staying with Lloyd at his apartment on East 66th Street during the week, and at Waterview on weekends. Here is the address and telephone number. His apartment is smaller than I'm used to, but it will do for now."
"What don't you move into your duplex on Central Park South?"
"Good thinking, Dad. The tenants moved out last month and it sure has more space than Lloyd's penthouse. I'll discuss it with him tonight. He owns a big home on Long Island as well. His present apartment is a perk from his company. But that's a long story that I would like to discuss next week."
"Is he from a good background?"
"I think so. I've had him investigated thoroughly, but the security people have not delved into his parent's background. His folks were Canadians before they became U.S. Citizens. I'd have to hire a detective agency in Canada to check them out. He acts as if he belongs in our set. He is an old friend of Buddy Robbins, and Tommy Bluitte's. In fact, Chuck Lodge was the one who introduced us in the first place. Remember, I've been out of the loop for a couple of years. You'll have a chance to discuss that with him tomorrow. Frankly, I don't care one way or the other. You'll like Lloyd, he is our kind of people, Dad, I know you two will get along. Of course I'm prejudiced when it comes to him, I find him perfect in every way. Look, Dad, I've got to run. Thanks for your love and your support. We'll see you at brunch tomorrow."
His father stood to walk him to the door. Randy hugged his father and said, "I love you, Dad." Senior smiled and walked with him to the elevators.
The limo was waiting for him at the front entrance of the building. He smiled when he looked into the back of the car. It was packed with boxes and flowers. He opened the front door and sat next to the driver. The driver handed him the Tiffany package and they took off for the penthouse.
The porter and driver helped him with his packages. He rushed to get everything ready before Lloyd arrived. The florist did an outstanding job with the flowers, they were perfect. He had a display made for each room and for the table in the entrance foyer. He distributed the packages into three rooms. The crystal and china were arranged in the dining alcove, the bed linens in the bedroom, and the shirts on the sofa. He did not plan to give Lloyd the watch and cross until tomorrow.
Randy finished and decided to take a look into Lloyd's computer. He was reading the Telecom files when Lloyd arrived.
"The flowers are beautiful. What's the occasion?" Lloyd asked.
"Those are for our engagement, sweetheart." He turned off the computer and walked over and took Lloyd in his arms and kissed him. "Now my beautiful baby, come with me and open your engagement presents."
Lloyd opened the boxes in the dining room while Randy watched the excitement as he carefully unwrapped each plate and piece of crystal until all the boxes were empty. He was so happy as he stared at the table laden with his new china and crystal. "You're so observant, how did you know I wanted a service for ten?" He walked over to Randy and sat on his lap, wrapped his arms around him and kissed him. They sat like that for a long time. "I've never known a man like you before," Lloyd said. "You're very generous. This is a new experience for me. I wish I could think of something more to say than, thank you, but that really is all I can think of to say."
"You're welcome, now let's begin on the boxes in the living room," Randy said. Again, Lloyd was overwhelmed by Randy's generosity. The shirts were selected with loving care. Finally to the bedroom, again he was awed by the beautiful rich paisley colors and the softness of the silk bed linens. He could not control himself any longer it was too much, he threw his arms around Randy and cried.
Randy's eyes filled with tears also. He was so happy for Lloyd. He rubbed his back until he settled down.
Lloyd stepped back and began unbuttoning Randy's shirt and then removed all his clothes, until he was naked. Randy undressed Lloyd. They lay down on the bed and held each other, then made love slowly and tenderly until they were spent and fell asleep in each other's arms.
They slept for over two hours. Randy was the first to wake. He looked at the clock and said, "Baby, we're due at the restaurant in less than forty minutes. Let's hit the showers."
They showered and dressed in record time. They had ten minutes left as they approached the limo. Randy used the car phone to let the headwaiter know they were on their way. They arrived ten minutes later and were shown to their table. Randy ordered a bottle of fine white wine.
Lloyd was impressed with the restaurant. "This is our first dinner together since we became lovers. You have made me so happy. It's hard to believe sometimes. I must watch myself at the office, because I think of you all the time. You are so wonderful, I feel bad that I haven't given you anything in return for all the gifts you have showered on me."
"You're my gift," Randy said. "The only thing I want from you is your love for my lifetime. I don't expect you to buy me gifts in return. In all honestly I have everything I need now. I get more pleasure watching your face as you open your gifts. Promise me you won't spend you're hard earned money on gifts for me."
"It's all right if I give you little presents, isn't it?"
"I'll grant you that request, but no extravagant gifts. I was touched by the roses and your card yesterday, which meant more to me than any expensive gift you could have bought me."
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Randy asked.
"I had planned to go to an early Mass and thank God for answering my prayers. I usually go to the Actors' chapel just off Broadway and 48th Street. I should be back by nine o'clock. After that I plan to make out with you on the sofa the rest of the day."
"That sounds like a good plan with one little exception. We have been invited for brunch at my folks' home tomorrow at eleven. My father would like to meet you."
"You must be serious about marrying me if you're taking me home to meet the folks."
"Listen to me my little one. As far as I'm concerned we are already married. You are the only one for me. I'm just waiting until I can get up the courage to tell you my life story. It wouldn't be fair to you to ask you to marry me on blind faith."
"I told my dad this afternoon that I was gay and that you are my lover. Dad has invited us for brunch because he wants to see the guy his son is planning to spent the rest of his life with."
"I love you so much, Randy. Thank you for thinking of me in that way. I want you to answer two questions for me about your mental illness. I don't expect you to elaborate, just a simple yes or no will do. Would you ever lose self control and hurt me, or become so depressed that you would take your own life?"
"God, no, I would never hurt you ever, and I would never take my own life. My breakdown has nothing to do with that. It was brought on by a chain of emotional experiences that hit me hard all at once. It just took me a long time to recover, that's all."
"In that case I will accept your proposal, I would be proud to be your spouse. You don't have to tell me about your problems until you're ready. I love you, Randy, and I don't want to live without you anymore."
Randy's voice broke as he started to speak, "You have made me extremely happy and you will never regret your decision to marry me. I love you more that you'll ever know."
"Now don't you start to bawl in this nice restaurant," Lloyd said. "I wish I could lean over and kiss you now, but we would be asked to leave and be banished for life."
They finished dinner and headed downtown for the show. After intermission, Lloyd said, "Would you be terribly hurt if we skipped the Rainbow Grill tonight? All I want is to sit on the sofa and make out with you."
"Your wish is my command. I'll be back in a few seconds; I'll have the driver cancel our reservation. How do you like the show so far?"
"To be perfectly honest, I haven't been able to concentrate on the play. You are driving my crazy. I can't restrain myself any longer. Pressing arms and legs together is not enough. This has been the most exciting day of my life and all I keep thinking about is being married to the most wonderful person in the world. I want to hold you in my arms so much I don't think I can hold out much longer."
"We're leaving now, your scent has been driving me crazy as well," Randy said. "We can see the show some other time."
They returned to the penthouse, dismissed the driver for the night and took the elevator the top floor. Once inside they embraced and kissed.
"Will you marry me?" Randy asked.
"I've already said yes, my love."
"Let's change into our lounging robes and have a glass of champagne to celebrate our marriage. I wish we had a Bible so we could take our vows together."
They changed and returned to the living room; Lloyd took his Bible from the bookcase and turned to the marriage ceremony section. Lloyd said, "I'll go first." He took Randy's hand and read the marriage vows from Bible. After he finished, Randy took the Bible and repeated the vows to Lloyd. He then said, "In the presence of each and in the name of Jesus Christ, we declare that we are husband and husband." He took Lloyd into his arms and kissed him. "Now, my love, you're mine, forever."
"I will love you until the day I die," Lloyd said, "You're the only spouse for me. Now let's make a toast with our new champagne glasses." Lloyd poured the champagne and made a little toast. They sipped their wine and kissed again.
"You have made me very happy, baby. Promise me you won't make a fuss again, but I bought you your first wedding gift. He handed Lloyd the two gifts."
Lloyd opened the Rolex package first, and gasped when he saw the Rolex watch. "Oh my God, this is beautiful. You shouldn't be spending so much money on me. He opened the second box and saw the two crosses and chains. These are beautiful too, but why two?"
Randy took the chain and slipped it over Lloyd's head and kissed him. "These wedding chains will take the place of wedding bands."
Lloyd took the other chain and slipped it over Randy's head. "With this chain I thee wed, Randy, to have and to hold from this day forward and for the rest of my life. Always wear it over your heart to remind you of my love for you."
Randy wrapped his arms around Lloyd, "I love you, my wonderful baby, don't ever leave me."
"I never will, now let's move into the bedroom and consummate our marriage." They turned off the light and went into the bedroom and made love.
Randy woke at four o'clock to use the toilet. After returning to bed he turned Lloyd on his side and pulled him close. He kissed him on the neck and cheek as he rubbed his genitals until Lloyd was aroused.
"Good morning, handsome," Lloyd said. "What a nice way to be awakened. I've never had anal sex before, but I want to feel you deep inside of me. I've read a book on the subject and have learned that there is some discomfort until the anus is stretched. They suggest starting with a lubricated finger first and keep adding fingers until I can take three fingers without a problem. By that time I should be able to accept your superman penis. I've bought the condoms and KY jelly for you to use."
"Whatever turns you on, baby. Are you sure this won't hurt you? You've already told me I was hung like a horse; I don't want to ruin that tight beautiful butt of yours."
Lloyd laughed, "Don't worry; I had a complete physical last month that include a blood test. The doctor said I'm in perfect health and that included my love canal. If you stretch my anus as I've mentioned, and take it slow and easy, I should be okay." Lloyd slipped the condom on Randy and gave him the tube of KY.
Randy turned Lloyd on his side, lubricated his finger and inserted it into Lloyd's anus until he was stretched enough to accept the tip of his penis. He lubricated his penis and slowly entered Lloyd. When he was deep inside of him, he stopped until Lloyd was ready.
Randy wrapped his arms around Lloyd, took hold of his penis and testicles and began to stroke him as he was sliding in and out of his rectum. He didn't rush, but kept his pace slow and deliberate.
"How is it for you, baby?"
"It hurt like the dickens at first, but it feels wonderful now. I feel that you are a part of me."
"I want to try a different position," Randy said. "Lie on your back and let me put this pillow under you. This way I can kiss you at the same time." He had Lloyd place his feet and legs over his shoulders and he re-entered him. He leaned forward and kissed him at the same time. After a few minutes Lloyd began to moan softly. Randy increased his tempo and penetrated Lloyd deeper with each stroke.
"Oh! Baby, I can't hold back any longer," Randy forced his tongue into Lloyd's mouth. He felt Lloyd's muscles tighten as he ejaculated all over their chests. Randy kept pumping in and out of Lloyd until he climaxed. Afterward they lay together locked in each others arms.
Randy pulled out of Lloyd after their breathing returned to normal. He helped Lloyd to his feet, and led him into the stall shower. They washed and dried each other and went to bed. "Making love to you gets better each time," Randy said. "My entire body is still tingling. It doesn't get better than this, love. You are sensational, I'm so happy that you're mine."
"I'm no longer a virgin, baby. That was the first time I've ever had anal sex and I'm glad you were the first. You sure know how to hit my hot button with that super cock of yours. Now I feel empty. You're not only the most handsome man I've ever met, but you're one hot, sexy man as well. You're absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me. I never want to be separated from you again."
"Thank you, sweetheart," Randy said. "I feel the same about you and there's no reason why we should be separated. Let's talk about that later today. I've existed for seven miserable years without you and I don't intend to let that happen again."
"I feel the same way, my beautiful Randy. We'll work it out. Now close your eyes and get some rest, we have a full day ahead of us."
The sun was streaming in the window when Randy woke up. He slipped on his leisure suit and headed for the kitchen to fix breakfast. Lloyd was in the bathroom when he returned to the bedroom to strip the bed of the soiled linens. He remade the bed with a set of the new bed sheets, carried the dirty linens into the utility room off the kitchen and threw them into the washing machine. He than gathered up the empty gift boxes and threw them in the trash. By the time Lloyd finished in the bathroom, the apartment was back in order.
Lloyd walked into the kitchen, "Thanks for tidying up. I usually like to take care of those things right away and I would have if I wasn't pleasantly distracted last night."
"I'm the same way; I like to keep everything neat and orderly. This is our home now and I plan to do my share. Would you like a bowl of fruit and a muffin to tide you over until brunch?"
"That would hit the spot. He walked over and kissed Randy. We must not forget the amenities."
Randy held him in his arms and wouldn't release him. "I definitely plan to make some demands on your beautiful body today. Tell me where you want me to store the china and crystal. I'll take care of that tomorrow while you're at work. Do you have inserts for the plates?"
"I use regular paper plates for inserts; they're in the utility room. The china should fit on the bottom shelf of the china closet. The crystal will have to be stored in the utility room for now. I'll have to pick up some storage boxes at Bloomingdale's."
"Don't worry about it," Randy said. "I'll run over to Bloomies tomorrow, you won't have the time to run around." He finished cutting up the fruit, buttered the English muffins and carried them into the dining room.
"We'll have to stop at the market on the way home this afternoon and pick up something for dinner. I would prefer to spend a quite evening at home with you, if you don't mind."
"That's perfect. What are your plans for the rest of the week?"
"That will depend on how you react to my proposal. We'll talk about it after we get back from the folks. I certainly don't expect you to commute to Greenwich every day, not with your crazy schedule. My thoughts at the moment are to move in here for the week and spend our weekend at Waterview. Only one small problem: you're a little cramped for closet space. Maybe we could store your off-season wardrobe in Connecticut. That should give us some more space. There is certainly room for another dresser in the bedroom. I'll move one down from the house. We can pack up the clothes and I'll rent a van to move everything up to Waterview tomorrow. I'll bring my clothes and the dresser back tomorrow evening. What do you think?" Randy asked.
"That's fine with me. But that brings up another big decision. What do you think we should do with my place on Long Island? We certainly won't need three homes. I've been trying to complete the remodeling for years. It should fetch a good price after I've finished the work. You see, my folks are planning to move to Florida, and I was hoping to finish the renovation while they were still around to keep an eye on the place."
"What's stopping you from finishing up the work now?"
"Actually two things: time and money."
"I don't understand, baby. You must be earning enough money to pay someone to do the work."
"That's only been the case for the last two years. Most of my salary goes to paying off some old debts. The rest goes into my money market account. When this project is over I'm going to start looking for another job. I know the Chadwicks are not going to keep me at the same salary. Anyway, I feel it's time to move on."
"Is there some warm place in your heart for the Long Island house?" Randy asked.
"Not really, I bought it as an investment and a tax write-off."
"You're right about one thing, we don't need three homes," Randy said. "You're going to have to decide between Bay Shore and Waterview. Which one do you want to keep?"
"Are you crazy? Waterview of course; I love that place, it can't compare with the Bay Shore property in beauty, and the view of the water is spectacular."
"Thank goodness you've chosen Waterview, baby. That place has cost me a small fortune to restore. Look, Lloyd, your time is too valuable to waste fixing up that house yourself. You have a husband to take care of now. Since we're not going to be living there in the future, I say we hire a contractor to do the work and sell the place."
"Honey, I really don't want spend the money right now."
"Look, Lloyd, I've got plans for your future and they don't include us hammering and banging on your time off," Randy said. "You let me worry about the money, sweetheart; I have enough to take care of us. Not only did you marry a handsome super sex machine, you also married a good provider. If you love me, you'll accept me with all my faults."
Lloyd chuckled, "You're really something else. I've always been independent and paid my own way. I feel uncomfortable using your money to fix up that house. It is very thoughtful of you to offer. I really do appreciate the gesture."
Randy laughed, "Here we are only married a day and you're worrying about money? That house on Long Island is joint property now that we're married, sweetheart. I say we fix it up and sell it. Look, my love, everything I have is yours, and vice-versa."
"Randy, your generosity is overwhelming. You must understand something about me. I'm not used to this. I've always been taught to earn my own way in this world and not to take the easy way out. I feel uncomfortable accepting your expensive gifts and not reciprocating."
"How thoughtless of me; I'm sorry I upset you. I didn't take your feelings into consideration. My love for you is so great, I shower you with gifts to show you just how much I care for you. I've never loved anyone the way I love you. I promise I'll be more sensitive to your feelings in the future. You married into a wealthy family, Lloyd. I'm afraid you're going to face some hard facts about me. I don't want to overwhelm you right now, other than to say, I am very wealthy in my own right. As my loving spouse, you are entitled to share everything I own. Not only did you marry a smart lawyer, you also married a better than average businessman. You should know also, I've had you thoroughly investigated and I know your finances up to your last bank deposit. You happen to be an upstanding citizen and have an excellent credit rating. Lloyd, you are going to have to learn to accept this newfound wealth. If you don't, it will become a stumbling block and could end up driving us apart. I would be devastated if you let that happen."
"I'll never allow that to happen," Lloyd said. "But you must allow me some time to make the adjustment. Don't think for a moment that I don't appreciate everything you have given me. I'm just not used to such generosity. I've always dreamed of what it would be like living in the grand style like Buddy and Tommy. Now here you are handing it to me on a silver platter. It's more a case of my rethinking some of the principles I was taught."
"You will never regret your decision, baby," Randy said. "Do you have a general contractor on the Island you can trust?
"My brother-in-law is a good contractor."
"Why don't you call him and tell him what you want done and have him come up with a cost estimate by this Saturday. We can drive out there Saturday morning, and if you're satisfied, we'll have him go ahead with the work."
"Come over here and sit next to me," Randy said. He wrapped his arm around Lloyd, and held him. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me and I know this is not easy for you. I want to make you happy, not complicate your life. In the future, I'll be more sympathetic toward your feelings." He kissed him tenderly, "Go make your calls, before I forget myself and take you into the bedroom for some more lovemaking."
Lloyd smiled and kissed him, "I can feel junior is primed and ready; unfortunately, we don't have the time if we want to make the ten o'clock mass."
Randy cleaned up the kitchen and finished dressing for church.
"Well everything is arranged with Bill," Lloyd said. "He'll meet us at the house next Saturday morning."
"Great, I hope you don't have to work next weekend."