Chapter 186 First Guests (2/2)

”And what gives you the right to determine that?” He asked with a stern face before Michael looked up at Benjamin with a frown. ”The Lord is on my side with this, Benjamin. I let the coffee slide, but I will not allow alcohol.”

”Mhm, sure, then don't allow it,” Benjamin said with a sigh before Michael looked over at Tony and Natsuo with a triumphant smirk. And just when he wanted to comment, Benjamin placed his hand on his son-in-law's shoulder from behind. ”Sadly, I allow it. And in this house, I have the last word. Tony, Natsuo, you two go ahead and set everything up.”

”Benjamin, what are you doing?” Michael asked in an irritated, angry tone despite not raising his voice and outwardly keeping his composure like always. And so, Benjamin crossed his arms and told Michael what he was doing. ”I'm asking my sons to bring the alcohol that I made outside because it was requested by many of the people I invited here if I would be serving my aged Beer.” He explained, before starting to walk toward the door, making sure that Benji and Kyle got outside alright without Michael interfering, and then continued to speak as he looked at Michael.

”I can understand that you don't want to drink; it's against your religion, I know. But I'm sure Mormons don't have a rule about controlling those around them or do they? So please, just try to have fun, alright? There's a nice spot next to the main tent where you don't have to see other people drink, so if you want, you can be there. But you're still part of my family, so I would prefer it if you would join the rest of us.” Benjamin explained, before Michael slowly nodded with a deep frown, glaring at even Kyle as he was carrying some bottles of wine toward Tony and Natsuo.

”Alright, then come outside and keep helping out. I won't have any slackers here, got it?” Benjamin exclaimed with a smirk, trying to set everything up so that Michael would be too busy to complain about things and make enemies at the party because he knew that many people didn't fit in with Michael's ideals.

And soon after everything was set up, and Benjamin took the Barbecue Sauce off the stove, some of the people in the neighborhood that Benjamin invited over started arriving, and quickly people began to socialize with each other, while Benjamin placed the ribs on the smoker, since those would take a while to finish.

After a while, another group of guests came. Alexander and Andrew with their wives, Josh with his girlfriend, as well as Kim alone. ”Welcome, everyone. Long-time no see, you two.” Benjamin said with a smile as he looked at Alexander and Andy's Wifes, before looking behind him and seeing that Tony and Natsuo were already coming over to greet them as well, and Benji, Kyle and Sophia were coming over as well since Kim, Josh and his girlfriend were the first people their age here so far.

”Andy! Been a while, eh?” Natsuo said with a smirk, before Andrew stepped up closer and greeted the two of them with a hug. ”Of course, nice to see you two again.” Andrew said happily, introducing his wife and children to them and vice-versa.

”Alright, I can smell alcohol… Benjamin, where are you hiding the good stuff?” Alexander asked with a smirk, before Benjamin chuckled and brought him over to a table nearby where the bottle of whisky that he brought with him stood. ”Here it is. It's been a while since we've had a drink together, so I thought today would be as good a time as ever.”

”Of course it is. But I'm surprised, haven't seen an old bottle like this in a while now. Here Andy, take a look.” Alexander said as he showed the bottle to his son, whose eyes shot open the moment he saw it.

”Wait, is that a bottle of 85-”

”Yup.” Benjamin responded before Alexander could even mention the brand name.

”Isn't this stuff super expensive? And you want to drink it leisurely today?” He exclaimed, before Benjamin slowly nodded as if it was apparent, and Kim stared at the bottle before taking out her phone and taking a picture of the bottle, before an automatic search made her react similarly to her father.

”Holy shit Mister Joyce, what the fuck?” She asked before Josh stepped up behind her to take a look at the screen.

”What's going on, it can't be that- Holy macaroni… That… That's more than what my car cost me… I saved up for years…” Josh muttered out as if his whole view of the world was just broken while his girlfriend began comforting him.

”Well, what do you all expect? Alexander and I are old men, as far as we know, this might be our last drink, so why should we be wasteful with it?” Benjamin laughed before his old friend chuckled with him.

”You say that every time, Benjamin. Although I do have to say, this is quite a lot more expensive than I had thought, are you sure about this?” He inquired, and Benjamin placed his hand on Alexander's back with a smile.

”Yes, don't worry. It's not the only one I have of it. Anyway, how about we adults go ahead and join the others and leave the kids alone for a bit, yeah?” Benjamin suggested, practically pushing Andrew and Alex away while their wives had already made their way to the rest of the party, before Benjamin leaned into his granddaughter Sophia, just ever so slightly motioning toward Kim with his head.

”She's your type, isn't she?” He whispered with a grin, before a bright blush formed on Sophia's cheeks as she looked at the girl in front of her and cursed her grandfather in her mind.