Zebulon began to dance, his movements stiff and awkward. The crowd went from jeering and teasing to covering their eyes in secondhand embarrassment. They weren't malicious people; the hazing was all in good fun, but it quickly lost its appeal.
“Alright, alright, Mr. Sullivan, you can stop now! You’re killing us!” Michael waved his hands, signaling for Zebulon to stop.
Theodore hadn’t looked up once. He sat smoking, idly fiddling with a playing card.
“Mr. Stapleton, about that project we were discussing earlier?” someone leaned in to ask Theodore quietly.
Theodore grunted in response. “Let me get married first.”
“Of course, of course! Congratulations, Mr. Stapleton!” The man was overjoyed; that was as good as a yes.
“Make sure you come to the wedding reception.”
“I’ll be there, definitely.” Being invited to the wedding made him even happier.
Anna gave Zebulon a subtle nudge. He wanted to go get dressed first, but he knew he couldn’t miss this opportunity. He sidled up to Theodore. “Mr. Stapleton, about that project we talked about?”
A corner of Theodore’s mouth twitched. “I hear you’re also getting married, Mr. Sullivan?”
“On the same day, actually.”
“What a shame. I guess I can’t invite you to my wedding then.”
“Uh, actually, I could move mine a day.”
“Wouldn’t that be a hassle? Changing your wedding date just to come to mine?”
“For you, Mr. Stapleton, changing it is no trouble at all.”
“Well, in that case, I suppose I have to send you an invitation.”
“My family and I will be there to offer our sincerest congratulations!”
Theodore chuckled. “Alright.”
“So, about that project?” Zebulon circled back.
“For that, you’ll have to ask my wife.”
“Huh?”

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