The following story is based on the Writers Write Daily Writing Prompt for August 20, 2022. To find out more or sign up for the Daily Writing Links click here. I receive no commission or incentive from them, I just think it's a great site/email list.
'Is anything missing?' he asked, looking around nervously at the immaculate banquet hall before him.
There were so many flowers, it could have been a garden. All the utensils were perfectly aligned. The tablecloths were so white it was slightly alarming.
The picture-perfect setting for a picture-perfect wedding on a picture-perfect day. Unless you're a caterer.
Sebastian used to love weddings. Used to. Emphasis on the used.
Working in the wedding business is not for the faint of heart, or the romantic. You can't put the genie back in the lamp, and that genie will suck every ounce of romance in your soul. The bridezillas, groomzillas, in-law zillas (you get it), the overworked, over-the-top planners, and everyone else involved in the capitalist spectacle that is matrimony in the modern world is completely and totally insufferable. It's enough to make someone swear off all romance entirely, not just the giant party that you waste money on your loved ones feel like they're critical to the long-term wellbeing of your relationship.
Nothing was missing. Every duck was in its row. It was go time. Sebastian gave the newbies a quick once over. As soon as he finished the doors burst open.
How these people were already drunk was beyond him. There wasn't even a cocktail hour, where did they even GET alcohol from? These and other thoughts ran through his head as he raced around with his tray of who even knows what. That's a thing at these fancy weddings. People will take whatever you have if it's played well and small on a tray. It could be cat shit and people would STILL grab it as you walked by.
Sebastian didn't understand it at all. The spectacle, the drama, all for what? The illusion of romance for an evening and then a life of suffering? A bunch of really expensive photos for Instagram? A party for your friends that they didn't have to contribute to? Illogical, stupid, and from what he's seen from his friends, frankly reckless. So many people gave up the ability to buy a house, car, or to not be in just crippling debt, all for this bullshit.
Tonight's events were no different. Mostly nicely dressed people, varying degrees of drunk, no drama yet. But there will be. There's always something.
Mistress shows up, or the male equivalent, a crazy ex, racist family member. Something will go down. And that entertainment is what gets Sebastian through the day.
Love it!! What happens next?!