Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire. (Reggie Leach)

Their audience broke the spell with applause when the song came to an end. The music picked up and guests joined them on the floor. Everyone wanted a piece of Penny. They had compliments, questions, and congratulations. Tommy slipped away and into the empty house.

“The happy husband,” greeted Tony as he prepared a syringe.

“Lock the kitchen door,” Rider instructed as he heated a substantial dose of heroin on a crumpled sheet of aluminum foil.

Tommy shut the door almost crushing Vincent’s arm in the process.

“Watch it brother, you think you can do whatever you want now that you’re married.” He slapped Tommy on the back as he squeezed past him before Tommy locked the door.

“Where’s Senior?” asked Tommy.

“On the smooze,” said Tony. “Where’s the wifey?”

“Same,” he shrugged.

Vincent put his tuxedo jacket on the chair back and took a seat. “You’re a lucky man, Tommy. Penny is one hell of a girl.”

“Helluva girl!” Tony cheered. “Let’s do a toast.”

Vincent rolled up the sleeve of his white dress shirt as Tony poured out four glasses of scotch.

Rider inhaled and exhaled and inhaled again.

“We’re doing a toast,” Tony scolded and slapped Rider upside the head. Rider rolled his eyes and picked up his glass.

“How is this guy the best man?” Tony handed Tommy a glass. “Do you see this guy?”

Tommy smiled and took the glass.

“To Tommy,” recited Tony, “Who is a great brother, a great friend, and will make a great husband – even though he’s here shooting up with his brothers on his wedding night.”

They laughed.

“That’s why you’ll be a great husband because you know what matters: your family. You may have found a top shelf girl who consented to marrying you but you’re still ours and no matter what we’ll always be there for you, come hell or high water. Now, we’ll always be there for her too. Penny is a sweet chick and she’s part of the family now. A great brother, a great friend, and a great husband: To Tommy,” Tony said and raised his glass with all the others.

Tommy demolished his glass and slammed it on the table. He pulled Tony into a hug. “By God, you are the best man.”