December 8.
The video game discussions were left in the hands of Raimon's team, as well as Joseph's; each had a lot of work to do, such as the Jewel Blizt game.
The Carson family's guests arrived a day earlier in the evening; everyone was present there in one way or another. The hidden thoughts of people were somewhat paralyzed by the events; Thomas was marrying a foreigner. This wasn't a problem for most members, but for his grandmother and his brother, it was almost like proclaiming communism. Above all, the important thing was that she was pregnant with twins; at six months pregnant, her belly was chubby.
In a popular church in San Jose, a large gathering could be seen. Some of the early Lux Comics workers were gathered there, along with some workers, partners of the firm, some extra friends, and of course, close and distant family.
-Is everything okay? - Alice asked Mrs. Carson, breaking the silence. Even Claudia didn't want to disturb a pregnant woman. Both girls were in a truce of results due to the distressing issue of being part of the repressions carried out by Ivanova.
-Yes, dear, I don't think I can get married in heels; I'll wear sneakers. My body hurts, and I have terrible back pain, - Livy murmured, totally desperate about what had happened. The disastrous outcome of bearing such weight was frustrating for her.
The girls were dressed in light blue suits. Alice was one of the bridesmaids along with one of Livy's friends, a female photographer, most likely one of Ivanova's closest colleagues.
Claudia read a fashion magazine at her station. After transitioning to photography, she would focus on the fashion industry, something she began to like thanks to a French friend who taught her many considerations. Above all, the main consideration was the Gala festivals; she attended some during her time in Europe when, with a backpack in hand, she traveled all over Europe by bus.
Alice was there, along with Alice's sister, Melissa. Both were childhood friends of Claudia's, and as Alice was dating Billy, Ivanova invited her as a lady-in-waiting, much to Thomas's surprise; Claudia agreed with her mother's choices.
-Come on, Thomas must already be at the altar, - Livy replied. Five minutes of delay was all the time Thomas could wait for; a man of his taste wouldn't expect anything less. Being part of that club meant following his punctuality requirements.
All the women headed towards the altar; it was a Catholic wedding in every sense. Livy wasn't particularly religious, but love was sealed in a way she didn't know.
To everyone's surprise, Thomas hadn't arrived. The surprise was that Thomas had a moment of nervousness uncharacteristic of his attitude. A second wedding, 12 years later; the inconceivable thing was that the nervousness was present, even Billy noticed it wearing a black suit, his grandfather with a cane, his uncle Jeffrey, and of course his cousins Aaron and Colton.
-Father, have a drink, - Billy replied. Aaron spoke quietly to Colton while giving a slight glance at the two giants, both in height and width. Without giving any more attention, Thomas took a long sip.
-It's very unusual for me to feel this way, - Thomas replied.
Knowing a little about his father, Billy discovered that most of the time, it's best to refresh the conversation. Something he learned from Julie was that when he felt exhausted and detached, he always talked about things that weren't relevant at the right time.
-How did the lawsuit against Warner Animation end? - Billy asked quietly, gaining some attention. Everyone knows Warner, and everyone knows that Warner is a major media company.
-The court took our evidence; it will rule again in February about the errors that may or may not occur. I think we'll compensate for the legal expenses and approval of the repurchase clause. With what I've seen, I organized a motion; we'll investigate all forms of tax collection. By an accounting firm, we'll sue those accounting expenses in January. They think they have a lot to gain, but most likely in the accounting expenses, we'll scrape off a few million, and the interest can be taxed at 14% annually. That is, since 1991, plus the investments we missed out on, that time you bid to buy the film studio, but we were short $15 million. Well, we'll even ask for a loss for their shares; that's the big hit, - Thomas said.
-It sounds interesting; we recently hired an intern; his name is Justin Fletcher from your firm. I don't think I'm mistaken, - Billy replied.
-A hard blow for your father, but necessary, - Thomas said, sighing at his son's move; it was clear he didn't want to interfere with family and business.
-Don't get me wrong; we have a lot to do. I'll create a food court; our next branch is again in San Jose, near where I live. There's enough distance, almost about 4 kilometers per booth. We'll add a high-quality Japanese food booth. We hope the addition to the franchise will bring new programs, and of course, our pizza will start competing in Chicago and New York, in other locations, as well as create a space for Texas, - Billy commented.
-A risky attitude, - Thomas responded, thinking about the franchise expansion.
-It was Raimon's idea. He's been very proactive. I think his bonus will be substantial this year. I'm even thinking of giving him coupons, like about a hundred, so he can eat. He's the one who mostly eats our products, - Billy replied.
Even though he wished Raimon would eat better, it was part of Raimon's culture. His body was robust, but that didn't matter.
Father and son exchanged stories with a whiskey in hand, while the others waited in silence for the conversation to end; it had been half an hour, and Thomas should have been at the altar.
-It's incredible, everything that kid can do, - Thomas said.
-Likewise, sometimes I think he just wants a place to belong. He doesn't care much about money or material goods other than action figures, - Billy replied.
-Well, let's leave that for later, - taking a deep sip, he opened his eyes, somewhat more awake. He wiped his lips with a napkin and then took some fruit-flavored gum to freshen his breath. Ivanova couldn't stand the smell of whiskey, and it disgusted her, which unknowingly was one of the triggers to reduce Thomas's drinking. He hadn't taken a sip for five months.
They walked to the altar through the back door. Livy's face of anguish and anger was evident; he just smiled at her, to which Livy raised her eyebrows with absolute hatred, a sneer of contempt was there; she was somewhat furious.
-I'm sorry, my love, - Thomas said.
-I thought you had left me at the altar. The worst thirty minutes of my life, - Ivanova murmured.
-I would never do that, my little Matresse, - Thomas murmured.
The father began to officiate the ceremony that would unite two souls, two bodies as one.
...