As we all took our seats, Mr Mckenzie uncorked a bottle of Moet was in a bucket of ice. "Ladies" he said as he poured glasses for everyone. "Order what you like, tonight is my treat" once the glasses were handed around he said "A toast to the happy couple" I must admit that to my new taste buds the champagne was delicious.
I consulted the menu and thought the rump steak sounded nice. Meanwhile I listened to the small talk around me. James and Monique had recently started a travel agency business in Gladesville. Evidently Monique had recently quit her job as an air hostess and they were intending to start a family once the business was paying it's way. Emily was lamenting her love life or lack of. She looked to be only in her early 30's and shared the families good looking genes.
As the waitress topped up our glasses, Sarah asked what was I thinking to eat. I replied "the rump".
Oh no you don't chimed in 'Mum' on my other side. "We have a wedding to plan. You are going to be very careful about what you eat"
I grimaced inside but took the hint when Sarah (in Rod's body) suggested the French salad looked nice.
That got the talk turning to weddings. 'Mum' asked "When are you thinking of for the big day?
Fortunately Sarah quickly replied "We were thinking of next Spring but it will depend on what venues we can book"
The conversation continued about possible wedding venues, bridesmaids, with both Monique and Jenna volunteering. And how many people might be invited. There was talk of dresses but I had little idea of all the styles that the ladies and Rod (really Sarah) were talking about. Monique suggested honeymoon locations and suggested she might be able to get a good discount through her agency. I just nodded and agreed with what was suggested.
Eventually 'Mum' gave me nudge and suggested a visit to the ladies room. I complied.
Once inside 'Mum' said "Sarah are you sure about Rod? I must admit I have never heard a man so excited about planning a wedding. And he knows more about wedding dresses than I do. He seems very effeminate"
I knew the real Rod, my best mate, was not the least bit effeminate, he probably did not really know one wedding dress style from another.
I covered for him and suggested I (really Zach in Sarah's body) had told him to be enthusiastic about the wedding and had briefed him on dress styles.
"Ok" suggested Mrs McKenzie "He does seem very comfortable with everyone" After attending business we returned to the table.
Our meals had arrived and I noticed a glass of white wine in my place. I took a sip it was very agreeable.
The conversation quietened while we ate, I was concentrating on my manners but managed a quiet word in Sarah's ear to damp down the femininity in his current guise.
My meal was very small, not what I was used to. But Mmmm that wine was nice.
The conversation picked up again, centered around 'Mum and Dad's' upcoming cruise. Monique and James related some of there own travel stories and I found myself giggling with the other ladies as James told the story of his encounter with a monkey during a recent African trip.
Eventually after the men ate desserts, which I had reluctantly declined after taking the lead from 'Mum', 'Dad' said it was time to go, thanked everybody for coming and suggested we should catch a taxi home not drive.
Jenna said "The night is young (it was only 10pm) why don't we go to the nightclub down the road. Come on Emily we might find you a man". Monique and James were eager and Emily agreed as well.
I tried to object saying I was tired after a day of painting. However Rod (really Sarah) said "Of course we will join you"