“I’m sure,” Dad said, taking a drink from his flute of champagne. His eyes turned toward the Mark X, a whistle coming between his teeth. “A thousand foot drop, and it still looks like you just got done giving it a wax job. Do I want to know how much those things cost?”
“Nope, but trust me, they’re going to be great PR ambassadors for the company,” I said. “Let’s face it, the Mark X is bad-ass.”
“And of course you and Robin get to go play with them as often as you want,” Dad said with a grin. “Like your typical sports car owner. Yours just doesn’t have Lotus on the hood.”
Dad and I laughed before an older man, maybe ten years older than him came up, offering his hand. “Congratulations.”
I went with my instincts and shook his hand. “Dad, could you give us a minute? I’m sure Robin would love to talk your ear off about the design or something.”
Dad nodded and left us. I guided the gentleman outside, where the sun was just starting to go down, the golf course covered in amber gold light. “Those are two hellacious divots you caused,” the old man said, pointing toward the holes on the fairway. “Glad you hit only a few yards out. Won’t mess up anyone’s tee shot.”
“Oscar?” I asked, and the old man nodded. “It’s been a few years. You’ve been keeping tabs on me?”
“I never stopped keeping tabs on you,” Oscar replied. “Although this is the first time I’ve personally watched your little creations in action. Your work is impressive.”
“Thanks, I’m a lucky man,” I said for what felt like the tenth time that day. “I don’t want to sound suspicious or anything, Oscar, but why today?”
“I heard from a friend that you were going to be putting on a show today, and that, combined with the fact that you were getting married, caused me to come and pay my respects. I was right in both regards.”
“Thank you,” I said, offering him another handshake. When Oscar didn’t let go, I tilted my head to the side. “What is it, Oscar?”
Oscar grinned, and I swear I watched twenty years fall off of the man’s face. “Wes, how would you like to help out your country again? Except this time, I was thinking maybe as part of a two-person team?”
I looked at him, then looked over my shoulder at the Mark X and X2. The offer was tempting. Adventure, action, and with Robin by my side? My life would be a living comic book at that point.
But I also remembered the bad side of comics. Danger, lack of family opportunities, and the inevitable death of the characters, usually by horrible means. Then Robin came into view, resplendent in the cocktail dress she had chosen for the reception, and my mind was made up for me.
“Oscar, there might come a time that the X or X2 would be used in just that way. But for me personally, I have to pass. Didn’t your source tell you? We’re planning on starting a family.”
Oscar nodded and let go of my hand, clapping me on the shoulder. “Well, we might approach you two in the future, but I understand. Go and enjoy. She’s a beautiful bride.”
Oscar walked away, toward the front entrance of the club and a waiting car, I was sure. Going back inside, I found Robin, pulling her into an embrace and kissing her on the lips. “Well, not that I mind, but what was that for?” she asked me, while a few onlookers cheered.
“For giving me everything I could ever want,” I whispered in her ear. “Now, let’s get this dinner and reception over with. There’s a lake in Canada calling our names.”
THE END