Dutifully, Andrew unloads the brown paper bag onto Ken Roscoe's tidy countertop, taking care not to spill the contents that Cora had so lovingly packed. Her homemade snacks are always well-received by the other attendees of the bi-monthly poker night, and tonight will likely be no exception. The aromas of a variety of foods waft up to his nose, enticing him. He smiles to himself, pleased by the consideration of his wife in including quite the abundance of delectable dishes in tonight's offerings. She never ceases to amaze him.
It isn't long after he's finished arranging the lovingly made refreshments that the raucous voices of Andrew's buddies flitter into the kitchen, filling the previously silent space with hearty laughter. The noise alone brings a small smile to his lips, as he's always been particularly fond of poker night. Helping himself to an icy beer from the fridge, Andrew quickly disposes of the bottle cap before heading into the living room to greet the others. Another boisterous burst of racket smacks into him as he enters the room, some of the men before him as rowdy as children as they gather around the baize table. While the cards have yet to be touched, it appears several of the guys are partaking in some drinking game as they wait impatiently to begin their night of gambling and debauchery.
Andrew sips his beer as he leans against the doorframe, silently observing his fellow poker players. Dr. Edward Meyer relaxes sedately in the oversized lounge chair in one corner of the room, a near-empty glass of scotch in his hand. He seems relatively satisfied with watching the shenanigans before him rather than participating in such rambunctious behaviors. Richard Nelson, the police chief, also watches from afar as the younger men cheerfully knock back shots, drawing a hefty cigar to his mouth and inhaling deeply. The mirth in his eyes and the broad smile tugging at his lips announce his amusement at the ongoing events. Ken and his elder brother, Nathaniel, cackle obnoxiously as John Kasey seemingly springs a hole in his lower lip, amber liquid flooding down his chin and pooling onto his previously unblemished white shirt. If Andrew didn't know that these men were middle-aged, he would certainly believe he was in a room full of teenagers experiencing alcohol for the first time. The similarities are uncanny, judging solely from their energetic behavior and irrational actions.
"You Neanderthals haven't begun without me, have you?" a voice booms from behind Andrew, drawing attention to the doorway. The others joyfully greet the latecomer, returning the joking tone and playful grin expressed on Gale Knox's face. "Well, what are we waiting for, a formal invitation? Let's get this party started," Gale continues, an eyebrow raised mischievously.
The seven men crowd around the table, small talk continuing as they quickly fall into their usual poker routine. The night goes on with friendly chatter as the stakes drastically increase with the amount of alcohol consumed. It's only a couple hours later that an apparently new and outrageously expensive watch ends up in the pot as an overzealous banker falls short on chips to wager.
While Andrew Dalton isn't typically one to appreciate nor seek out the often brutal effects of blatant intoxication, he certainly would never decline the opportunity to associate with the men in this room; however, likely not for the reason one might initially think. The connections made here are far too significant to dismiss, especially for a man like Andrew Dalton. A judge, the chief of police, a doctor, a banker, a lawyer, and a social worker; indeed, these associations could prove profoundly useful someday in the event that one's picture-perfect life may suddenly take an unexpected turn.
"Congratulations on your wife's pregnancy, Dalton," Meyer slurs through the effects of the copious amount of liquor, his words echoed loudly by the others.
"You finally knocked her up?" John asks in surprise before quickly exclaiming, "I bet Cora is ecstatic!"
When the cheers quiet down, though only slightly, Nathaniel sluggishly laughs, "I still can't believe that Cora went for someone like you."
Andrew can't suppress the grin that overtakes his features, the pull of his lips enough to pinch his drunken cheeks. Although the comment could be perceived as an insult against Andrew, he takes an alternative view of it; his wife truly is one to be coveted by other men. Ignoring the temporary pain in his face, he responds honestly, "Sometimes I can't believe it either."
"Maybe you'll have a daughter and bless some other lucky bastard in the future," interjects Richard, drawing more laughter from the others.
Still chuckling, Ken adds, "You know, although your wife is a stunner, I'd be banging that secretary of yours on the side if I were you. Damn, I wish she were my secretary instead. That little Spanish flame is hot! You must have some exceptional self-control." Several of the guys whoop in agreement at the statement.
A stinging sensation infiltrates Andrew's chest, but he manages to maintain his composure under the unsubtle scrutiny and possible accusation. Shrugging his shoulders, he simply replies, "I've got everything I need. I'd say my life is pretty perfect."
"Hear, hear!" shouts Gale, cheers erupting once again at his words. "And the woman makes the best guys' night appetizers, as well!" Guffawing and hooting fill the room once more, the men sloppily knocking their chicken wings together in a toast to Cora's exemplary cooking skills.
Taking another swig of his beer, Andrew can't help but relish in the moment, soaking in the delirious atmosphere of the room. Even through inebriated implications, the acknowledgment of his perceived perfection causes his chest to swell with utmost pride, satisfaction blooming within him at the mention of his picture-perfect life. Such an accomplishment is largely more fulfilling when recognized by others, only increasing Andrew's obsession with maintaining it. After all, the feat of having achieved perfection would be of no consequence if others couldn't distinguish his success.
Right now, things couldn't be better for Andrew Dalton, and he wholeheartedly intends to keep it that way.
YOU ARE READING
Picture Perfect
Mystery / ThrillerAndrew Dalton has always aspired to have the picture-perfect life. From his car to his job to his marriage, the man works hard to maintain the image of perfection-- but sometimes, things are not as they seem. When unexpected events occur, circumstan...
