Party Crashers part 2: A Little Closer to Heaven
by Daniel Beadle - Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The black SUV pulls up to the night parking lot. The engine switches off as the headlights go out.The two front doors and single rear door all open simultaneously. The three crew members step out at the same time, all dressed in black suits with white shirts and black ties. Dan loosens his tie, as his eyes stare forward with the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
D-Man steps out of the driver’s side, wearing his black aviator sunglasses as he slams his door and twirls the keys in around his index finger.
Jake steps out of the rear car door, blowing a stream of smoke from his nostrils as he lights a fresh cigarette with the butt of the old one.
Dan walks forward with a sense of regal purpose, as Jake walks to his right and D-Man on his left. Dan’s suit is slightly wrinkled, whilst D-Man’s suit looks impeccable. Jake’s suit, of course, looks like he wore it to bed.
The three gentlemen approach the door, which clearly reads “Invitation Only.” Jake opens the door with a smirk, as Dan enters first, hands in pockets, and a sly smile spreading across his face like butter on toast. D-Man gives Jake a two-finger salute as he enters, and Jake follows.
* * *
Dan stands at the ballroom entrance, soaking in the atmosphere that drips with taste and class. Dozens of circular dining tables surround the dance floor, as the myriad of patrons in their finest suits and gowns toast each other, laughing at jokes that have long since lost their luster and insulting old friends with the best intentions.
An excruciatingly apt playlist of crooners echoes throughout the hall, beginning with "The Way You Look Tonight," by Frank Sinatra. It's mostly an older crowd, but a few of the old-timers have lured their teenage daughters to come along.
Dan takes it all in, as his eyes begin to water. "...A little closer to heaven..." he whispers.
"What?" asks D-Man.
"Nothing. C'mon, let's go insult some people."
"Don't you mean 'hit on some people'?"
"Same thing."
