Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:13:53 -0400 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 104 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 104 By JJ [jjrockwood000@gmail.com] SINCE 1992 NIFTY HAS PROVIDED US WITH COUNTLESS HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT WITHOUT COSTING ANYTHING. PLEASE GIVE TO KEEP NIFTY FREE!!!! Chapter 104 It's Monday June 10, 2024 work was a bitch today. There was deluge of parts they never stopped all day. I may have to work overtime myself if this keeps up all week. We will be shorthanded Thursday and Friday; Hector will be off one of his boys are graduating high school. Zachary is quiet in the truck. I don't ask I know he is beat but that doesn't stop him from groping my thigh once we leave the shop's parking lot. At home once we are settled with our chores done and sitting going through the mail the landline phone rings. It is Maria asking us to come for supper; I answer 'Definitely we will be there' and hang up. I say 'Zachary she must have ESP I was in no mood to cook tonight.' Zachary laughs 'I was going to take care of it. I knew you were beat. In fact I will take care of our lunches and gym stuff before we go over. I have good news my Dad confirmed he will be home on July 3 I didn't want to say anything at work.' I reply 'Great that was the last person we needed to hear from now we can finish planning.' Zachary asks 'What is left to do? We have the JP and have a caterer.' I answer 'Yes we have a caterer but never finalized a menu, we have to get booze, hire a bartender, get suits, most of all formally invite people.' Zachary looked panic stricken. I laugh 'It's not as bad as it sounds. We can rent tuxes instead of the suit thing and I can ask the caterer if they know of any bartenders. We won't need servers it will be a buffet. What are you thinking as far as food?' Zachary answers 'We always have Italian and it won't probably be as good as yours or our family but how about a Mexican themed menu? You know like pulled pork and chicken, refried beans, rice, nachos with guacamole and sour cream and people can make a burrito or eat without.' I am surprised and reply that is a good idea everyone likes all of that but what about your grandparents?' Zachary answers 'Believe or not my Noni enjoys Tex-Mex she has it with her friends a lot. Not the Taco Bell junk the legit stuff. My Poppy I don't know my grandmother would have a better idea.' I answer 'I'm sure they can roast a few chicken legs and thighs for him or anyone else if we have enough notice.' Zachary asks 'Do you want to invite Jim?' I answer 'I don't think so. I don't want him to feel obligated and I know he will be our staunch supporter when and if this comes out. I don't want to put him in a situation that may compromise his position.' Zachary says 'I get it I was just wondering that's' all. So we are talking maybe twenty people. Do you want to ask your sisters or Michael?' I look at him and laugh 'Do you want to ask your friend Scott? If my siblings were different I would ask them in a heartbeat but no I don't want to invite them.' Zachary answers 'If Scott wasn't such a tool. I would invite him but this would be big scoop for him to spread.' Dinner across the street was veal cutlets, mashed potatoes and corn. Maria says 'One of your club guys had a friend who had two calves slaughtered and didn't have room for all the veal. So he gave Mario ten pounds and I pounded them into cutlets and the rest I will make scaloppini.' I saw Zachary's eyes glaze over and Mario and I laughed. We didn't have veal that often; other than the occasional veal pocket. During dessert Zachary broke the news that we were getting married July 4. Both grandparents asked 'What do you need us to do?' Zachary answers 'Right now only your opinion on two things.' Maria says 'Well ask.' I reply 'Should we have the wedding on my deck or over here in your and Andrea's yard. Right now the head count stands at twenty and I don't see it really going up but maybe down.' Mario says 'My opinion here, people can float back and forth through the gate to both yards. The pool will be open by then and you really don't want anyone in and out of your house.' I laughed 'I was thinking of getting two porta lets; even if the wedding is here especially with the kids. The women can use inside there are only four of them.' Maria asks 'Food?' Zachary answers 'We have a caterer; we want everyone to enjoy the day. Right now it will be a buffet with a Mexican theme.' He repeated the menu we had discussed. I added 'Mario we will have broiled chicken for you or anyone else if you want.' Maria asks 'Appetizers and cake?' Zachary answers 'Nachos especial, charcuterie boards.' Zachary continues 'I haven't talked this over with Jared but I was thinking huge cupcakes instead of a traditional cake. Like red velvet, carrot, vanilla, all our favorites they can put in tiers like a cake. The caterer has two bakers we can use.' Maria says 'Cookies?' I answer 'We were going to check that out with the bakers. Nothing fancy there are seven kids and fruit and fruit salad for those who don't want anything sweet.' Maria looked surprised and Zachary took her hand and says 'We both know you would do the cookies but we both want you and everyone to enjoy the day and be our guests.' Maria with tears in her eyes replies 'I understand completely.' Zachary says 'You will have enough to do cooking and baking for my dad he will be here for a week surprise!' Maria says 'Wow my Dan never let on.' I ask 'Mario should I ask Butch about ordering champagne and whatever other liquor I need? I figure it would be cheaper than what the caterer will charge. I will get a bartender from them though.' Mario answers 'We may be able to do this ourselves. There are only thirteen adults and how many of them are really drinkers. Listen I have that big standing cooler in my garage that we can put the beer and water in. All we would need is ice, soda, and mixers for the drinks. I think we can handle it the biggest thing we will need is champagne.' I say 'Okay you convinced me. We can go to Costco and get the majority of it.' Maria says 'All us women will probably like prosecco or some kind of wine.' I add 'That makes it even less complicated.' Mario says 'I would get scotch, whiskey, vodka, gin and maybe rum. You don't need rye and you are getting beer. I would say one of each and the beer I wouldn't go crazy. You know what your family drinks. The most you will need is the champagne and wine. What are you giving the kids?' I answer 'Good question; maybe soda and juice boxes there will be bottled water.' Maria adds 'Don't get small cans of soda more waste get the big bottles. You can get plastic cups and you will have plenty of ice.' Zachary was writing all this down. I say 'Tomorrow after work we are meeting with the caterers and will finalize everything and see what we will do on our own. You know tables, plates, etc.' Mario says 'We can always get tables and chairs from the club.' Maria says 'Andrea and I can go to Party City and get plates, glasses and whatever else we need.' Zachary says 'Wait until we get a price. The only thing we are doing right now is liquor, drinks and ice. I will see you tomorrow night.' The grandparents reluctantly agree. We say Goodnight and leave with lunch for tomorrow. Later on showered lying in bed Zachary turns to me and says 'This is really snowballing into more than I thought maybe we should just elope.' I laugh 'This is only for twenty people it isn't that bad. Geez you would never be able to handle two hundred. Plus Maria will never forgive you if we elope.' Zachary sighs 'I know. I just don't want anyone to put themselves out I want everyone to enjoy themselves. Geez we have to remember a tent in case it rains or even keep everyone out of the sun.' I hold him close and whisper 'Calm down I already have it on my list. Listen the only thing we are going to do is the booze, drinks, and ice. We can afford everything else and we fib about what it costs and no one will be the wiser.' Zachary says 'I like that and we are splitting everything down the middle or I'm not marrying you.' I shake his hand and tell him it's a deal. After work on Tuesday we head to the caterers. Adolf the owner is very accommodating. We were there almost two hours by the time we left everything was settled except for final head count and if he had to make any thighs and legs. Now tomorrow we have to stop again on our way home to get sample cakes from the bakers. The price was decent and I was comfortable with Zachary splitting the cost. The only other expense will be the baker and the liquor and drinks. Adolph agreed if we were willing to get it ourselves it would be a lot cheaper than what he would have to charge and he can provide a discreet bartender and servers. Once we got home and settled and got everything ready for Wednesday Zachary called his grandparents and told them we would be over after we ate. On the way over I could hear my grandsons playing basketball in their driveway. I didn't stop over I figured tomorrow I would have Stephen and let him and Maria taste the samples too. Without telling them the price Zachary and I showed them what we getting. I say 'The only thing we have to do is get the liquor, drinks, and ice.' Maria asks 'What about plates, glasses, etc.?' Zachary answers 'Noni they are providing everything; we are eating off of china, silverware, and glasses; the only plastic will be the kid's glasses.' I add 'For the size of this party there isn't that much difference in the price between plastic and using the real thing. There are going to be five round tables with cloth tablecloths and napkins. We decided on no centerpieces a waste of money.' The grandparents were surprised and I think happy everything was done. I say 'Tomorrow after supper we will be over with the cake samples for you to try.' By the time we leave it is getting dark we go home shower and are in bed within the hour. We were with the bakers for exactly twenty minutes. They would give us a price on what we decide for cupcakes or a traditional cake. We left with five; eight inch layer cakes to try. They told us to take a few days to savor each one not to rush. With Memorial Day weekend being very cool; planting was done by everyone this past weekend. There is nothing for the boys to weed now but give it another month and they will be busy. We had cancelled our Fleet Week stay at the plaza with the wedding coming up and to be honest without Jerome there it seemed a waste of money. Zachary got the idea to invite him to the wedding if he was free. I emailed him while we were sitting going through the mail. I stressed I knew it was short notice and a holiday weekend but how this was just coming about on short notice for ourselves and he could bring a plus one if he desired. I was feeling a little horny and say 'Listen why don't we go upstairs or downstairs for a little fun?' Zachary answers 'Sure I think I can handle that.' The two of us get up and kiss; Zachary whispers 'Downstairs so Stephen doesn't get a whiff of anything. We just reach the basement door and the house phone rings. I moan and Zachary laughs and smacks my butt and answers the phone. While Zachary is talking to Stephen; Jerome replies to my email. Jerome regrets not being able to make the wedding for the reason he had just opened his own business. He tells me he was going to contact us once it was up and running without any glitches. Jerome asked where we were going on our honeymoon or if we were taking one. I told him we only had four days; he replied he will send photos of the place and that he is only three hours away by car. He added it isn't the Plaza but it is very homey and quaint. I told him to send whatever he could I was interested if not for now but definitely the fall or winter. I hear Zachary laughing saying 'Let me ask him? Jared your grandson wants to know what we are having for supper.' I answer 'Why if he doesn't like it will he stay home?' Zachary repeats my answer and replies 'No he will bring his own.' I laugh 'We are having potato and eggs frittata.' Zachary says 'Ok I will be right there.' I kiss Zachary and rub his ass while he puts on his sliders. I grab some potatoes to start peeling and I am almost through before I realize it has been some time since Zachary left. I put them on to boil when they came in the back door. Stephen had a hoodie on and shorts but was wearing boat shoes and socks. I ask 'What no sliders or flip-flops?' Stephen blurts out 'No Andrea says it's not warm enough yet and I will get sick.' I answer 'At least you got shorts on.' Stephen just gives us a 'Humph.' Zachary looks at me trying not to laugh. I ask 'So smart guy what were you bringing to eat if you didn't like what I was cooking?' Stephen smiles 'Liverwurst, I had it for lunch and I could eat it again.' I say 'Well we can have it for supper Saturday.' Stephen answers 'Yeah you won't have to really cook anything then just maybe some beans and that green stuff you get at KFC.' I reply 'Gee thanks.' Dinner is almost finished and Zachary is finishing up with our gym stuff and laundry. Stephen asks 'What's going on why are you guys running around?' Zachary laughs 'So we can spend more time with you?' Stephen replies 'Hell-o you always spend time with me. What do you guys have to do?' Zachary says 'I guess we should tell him.' I say 'After we eat and cleanup we have to go across the street for dessert. You have school and we have work so it can't be a late night.' Zachary asks 'Speaking of which when is school over?' Stephen says 'Next Wednesday is the last day and Eric is graduating Monday night. Are you coming to the graduation?' I answer 'It depends. If we have rain or cold it will be just your parents, you and me.' In between bites Stephen says 'Okay I remember now.' We eat cleanup, Zachary makes our lunches and we head across the street. Zachary is carrying the boxed cakes in a shopping bag. Stephen doesn't notice he is too busy talking about the gardens and the pool. The grandparent's house smells like coffee brewing. Zachary puts the five boxes on the counter and brings the cakes to the kitchen table. Stephen's eyes pop out of his head and he asks 'Who made these? Where did they come from? Are we going to eat all of them? Wow.' Maria gets a knife and cuts each of us a small thin piece of the first cake. We all drank water in between the samples. We had the red velvet first followed by the vanilla, cocoanut, carrot, and last the fudge. Zachary says 'Now be honest what did you like and didn't like.' Mario goes first and says 'I liked them all but if I was to pick the best was the vanilla, followed by the coconut, the fudge then red velvet, and carrot. Stephen goes next and says 'Red velvet, vanilla, fudge, cocoanut, and the carrot isn't like Noni's.' He actually didn't finish his piece of the carrot. Zachary says' Vanilla, red velvet, fudge, cocoanut and carrot.' Maria wants to go last. I say 'Vanilla, red velvet, coconut, fudge, and carrot.' Stephen says 'Noni it's your turn.' Maria says 'They are all good cakes and I wouldn't be disappointed in having any of these except for the carrot. It tastes more like a spice cake than a carrot cake. Some people like it made that way.' Us three grownups agreed. She continued 'I would have them make the majority vanilla and fudge then lesser amount of the red velvet and coconut drop the carrot.' Mario asks 'How many cupcakes are they making?' I answer 'They are thinking between 55 and 60.' Mario asks 'Why so many?' Zachary answers 'So far there are twenty we are inviting and seeing there is a variety someone may want to take one home. These will be the size of a giant muffin. They will stay refrigerated until they are served we can freeze the left overs they won't go to waste.' Mario says 'Still seems like a lot but it is more practical than a big cake.' Maria laughs 'You have to figure there will be seven growing boys there who have appetites. Mario laughs 'I forgot about that' as he rubs Stephen's head who is eying the cakes. Stephen's asks 'What is the party for?' Zachary says 'Just a celebration of sorts.' Surprisingly enough that satisfied him and then he asked 'Can I take some cake home to bring to school tomorrow for lunch?' I say 'Of course there is plenty.' Maria asks 'Which one and do you want to bring a piece for Jacob?' I add 'Or Ashley? Does she still bring you two guys cookies?' I can tell his mind is spinning and he finally answers 'I want vanilla and chocolate and coconut for Jacob and Ashley. They can decide what they want.' Maria cuts three decent pieces and puts them in plastic containers. I say 'Let's get going it is getting late.' Stephen kisses and hugs everyone and says 'Goodnight.' On the way home he says 'Papa only five more days and freedom.' I laugh 'You are too young to feel like this. You have eleven more years of school.' Stephen answers 'I know my dad says the same thing. It's just so boring at times.' Inside he tells his Mom 'Put these in the fridge. I'm taking them to school. Oh and I don't want liverwurst tomorrow. I'm having it at Papa's Saturday.' Andrea laughs 'You were not getting liverwurst I made it for Eric you had it two days this week. Go take your shower.' Stephen says 'Okay, night Papa see you Friday.' After he leaves I tell my daughter all that happened with the caterers and what we have decided on. Andrea says 'Dad you seemed to have everything under control. What else can we do other than making sure the grass is cut.' I say 'Well Zachary and I were thinking that maybe have Stephen be ring bearer. Anthony is standing up for me and Dan for Zachary.' Andrea says 'I think he would love it. I will go get him a suit.' I say 'No we are all wearing tuxes.' Andrea asks 'How is Dan going to do that?' I laugh 'We are assuming a lot but Zachary thinks he can get his up there to match or at least have his measurements faxed down here.' Andrea says 'I don't see why not everything today is done on line.' I laugh and say 'Goodnight.' At home in bed I say 'Andrea thinks Stephen will get a big kick being the ring bearer but she is going to wait for a week or so before she tells him.' Zachary laughs 'Good. Listen; my Noni brought up cookies again. I told her that we thought it would a waste of money and food. Those bakery wedding cookies are usually lousy and with the cupcakes, fruit and chips, etc. that should be enough. After I brought up all those points she agreed.' I answer 'I'm glad. There is going to be more than enough food. What do you for the cupcakes we can stop on our way home tomorrow?' Zachary answers 'Yes vanilla, fudge, red velvet, and coconut. I want vanilla frosting on the red velvet instead of cream cheese frosting in case it is hot that day. The only thing left is our tuxes and liquor.' I reply 'We can do that next week. There are three weeks and two days till the big day and we are basically finished.' The next two days were a bitch at work. Hector was off and Zachary worked a half hour each morning after going to the gym with me. I went to work as soon as I came in after the gym and we both worked through lunch the two days. On Friday I called Hector and asked him if he wanted to work Saturday he could he accepted. Thursday after work we settled with bakers and actually hit Costco and had to order the champagne but we got the beer and liquor we needed. The champagne was going to be there Friday morning and Mario volunteered to pick it up and he was to take DJ to the lifting. Before we left work Mario texted Zachary to tell him the champagne was picked up and all was well. On our way home Friday all we had to was get Stephen's liverwurst, rolls and KFC coleslaw for Saturday's supper. Once settled and sitting at the island Zachary says 'I think we are finished except for the tuxes, ice and glasses for the kids.' I laughed 'I'm pretty sure that is it according to my list too.' It is almost 4:30 and the house phone rings; Zachary gets up to answer it. After a short conversation he hangs up, kisses me and heads out the door. A few minutes later they are back and Stephen hugs me when he comes in. I say 'Boy you sure are in a good mood.' Stephen says 'I am there are only three more days of school and they are all short days.' I laugh 'What are you going to do with all this time off?' Stephen seriously answers 'Work in the gardens, go swimming if it ever gets warm and work on my tan.' Zachary asks 'Are you and your brothers and cousins going to have a contest again?' Stephen says 'I think so. Stuart and Ian won last year. It's not fair they get tanned fast.' I laugh 'It is what it is. There is nothing you can do about it.' After supper all of us go out to water the garden. Stephen says 'No weeds yet. But there are a few suckers should I pull them?' I answer 'No let the plants get a little taller they are just starting to flower. Wednesday when you get out of school get rid of them.' Inside again I say 'Let's get your shower out of the way.' I don't have to tell him twice and he is upstairs getting undressed. While he is showering I ask 'Are your brothers coming over in the morning?' He answers 'Yes to work out and have breakfast.' Zachary showers next and while the two of them are watching TV I get mine in. When I get downstairs the two are watching a movie. Zachary says 'Stephen tell Jared about the cake you brought to school for Jacob and Ashley.' I ask 'Oh yeah I forgot about it did they like the cake?' Stephen says 'Wait after this next this I want to see it.' They are watching 'National Lampoon's Vacation and it is one of the funniest scenes. It is the one where the dog pissed on the sandwiches. After they see it Stephen says 'They cut the pieces in half and both had the chocolate and coconut. Jacob said it was the best cake he ever had and Ashley liked hers too. Now she really thinks she is our girlfriend.' I laugh 'It could be worse she could have kissed you too. Did you share your vanilla?' Stephen says 'No way and how could you split them three ways the pieces would have been real small.' Zachary says 'That's true the way you did it everybody had a whole slice.' The rest of the night sped by and before we knew it was time for bed. JJ Again I want to thank all you fans that reach out to say how much you are enjoying this story. Thank You PLEASE DONATE TO NIFTY EVERY BIT HELPS!!!