Q Jr. is still at his production table when Q Sr. comes walking out his bedroom.
Quincy Jr.: Hey pop…I didn’t even know you were here.
Quincy Sr.: Yeah, I’ve been practicing for a speech that I have to give. *clears throat* We need to talk son.
Quincy Jr.: What’s up?
Quincy Sr.: Your mom called and told me that you got engaged today.
Quincy Jr.: Yeah…and we’re trying to get married tomorrow.
Quincy Sr.: Let’s go have a drink to celebrate. There are some things we should discuss.
Quincy Jr.: Uh…sure dad. *turns off his equipment*
I finished up my meal and take my dirty plate to the kitchen. Q Sr. calls out to me…
Quincy Sr.: Do you mind if I borrow your fiancé for a bit? We have some celebrating to do.
Alida: Sure, no problem.
Quincy Jr.: We’ll be right back…
The two Q’s walk out the door, leaving Peri and me there alone. I don’t mind though…I’m looking forward to spending more quality time with my daughter.
Q Jr. and Sr. arrive at the Sand Bar and takes seats at the bar.
Quincy Sr.: Two juice on the rocks, please.
The waiter begins to prepare the drinks…
Quincy Jr.: What did you want to talk about, pop?
Quincy Sr.: I just wanted to make sure that you realize that getting married is a lifelong commitment. You can’t just quit when it gets tough.
Quincy Jr.: I know, pop.
Quincy Sr.: Do you though? This can’t be like everything else you’ve given up on.
Quincy Jr.: Is this about me quitting the military?
Quincy Sr.: I could care less about you quitting the military. You weren’t cut out for it anyway. But you applied and got into Britechester…a top school, but at the last minute – you decided not to go.
Quincy Jr.: I wasn’t cut out for that either…
Quincy Sr.:*sigh* I’m just trying to say that if you get married to Alida…it’s no longer just about you. You have two other people that you have to put first. Are you prepared to do that?
Quincy Jr.: Yeah…of course.
Quincy Sr.: You say that, but son…you haven’t even committed to a career. What exactly do you do again?
Quincy Jr.: Music production and freelance photography.
Quincy Sr.: Freelance? That’s a single man’s career choice….a hobby. You need a steady income son. You can’t just continue dabbling, hoping to get paid. You’ll need to provide for your family. Now, we won’t make you pay back the money you borrowed to purchase your house…that’ll be our wedding gift to you, but you’ll still need a career to cover the rest of your expenses. You hear me?
Quincy Jr.: Thanks pop…but the music production is steady. The more music I put out there, the more I get paid on a daily basis.
Quincy Sr.: Until you don’t…
Quincy Jr.: Yeah, but that could be said to anybody in any career.
Quincy Sr.: I guess you have a point there.
The bartender places drinks in front of Q Sr. and Q Jr.
Quincy Sr.: One last thing I need you to remember as a married man Q.
Quincy Jr.: What’s that?
Quincy Sr.: Women won’t just stop hitting on you or just magically become less attractive because you’re married.
Q Sr.’s eyes land somewhere over Q Jr.’s head…
Q Jr. turns around to see what’s captured his attention. There’s a woman standing there. A very friendly woman who’s desperately trying to get Q Sr.’s attention.
Quincy Sr.: *to the flirty woman* Sorry, but I’m happily married and my wife would not back down from kicking both our asses.
Q Jr. quickly turns back to his dad as the woman slides into the seat next to him.
Flirty Woman: *To Q Jr.* Well, what about you sweetheart?
Q waves her away without even turning back.
Quincy Jr.: I’m engaged…
Q Sr. picks up his drink and takes a long swig.
Quincy Jr.: I’m not worried about that. Alida is all the woman I’ll ever need.
Quincy Sr.: *sets the glass back down* She may be now, but there are trials in every relationship. No one in the whole world will get on your nerves and push your buttons like your wife can, but you have to stay focused on your family and resist temptation…no matter what’s going on between you.
It sounds to Q like his pop is saying all this from experience. He wonders if there’s something more to the story.
While Q and his dad are at the bar…Peri and I go outside and work on building a sand sculpture. Our time here is winding down, so it’s important to me that Peri gets a chance to enjoy the beach as much as possible.
Q Jr. and Q Sr. return soon after we finish. Q Jr. walks over and greets me with a kiss.
Prosperity: Play airplane daddy!
Quincy Jr.: You want to play airplane? Okay!
Q grabs Peri up quickly and swings her to his back.
I stand back and giggle to myself as I watch them play their favorite silly game.
We all return to the house as it begins to get dark. Alice is sitting at the table, so I go over to check in with her.
Alice: Good news! I was able to secure an amazing spot for you and Jr. to get married. We’re lucky to get it. It’s usually booked, but there was a last-minute cancelation.
Alida: That’s great!
Alice: Yeah, for us, but not for them.
Alida: I really appreciate your help.
Alice: There’s still a matter of finding a dress…
Alida: I’ll wear whatever I have if I have to.
Alice: Don’t give up yet…I haven’t quite exhausted all my resources. But you’ll have to trust that I’ll pick out something that’ll look great on you.
I don’t have much of a choice. Without Michelle…I’ll just have to hope that Alice understands my style enough. Either way…I’m glad to have her help because I wouldn’t know where to start.
Alida: I trust you.
Alice: Good…I’ll let you know what I find first thing in the morning.
I get up to check my computer for another freelance gig. Alice finishes her dinner and goes to bed.
(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)
