Fortuitous Events

        “I’m going to kill him.”  Beth announces, tone matter-of-fact or on the cusp of boredom.  “With a toothpick. Or maybe a pineapple.” 
         Van carefully removes shoves the toothpicks over to Catherine’s side of the table. 
         “I’m sure he’s just stuck in traffic?”  She offers to her best friend.  Beth answers with an artfully raised eyebrow and Van quickly busies herself smoothing the wrinkles from her paper napkin. 
         “Honestly, why did you invite your brother to your bachelorette party anyway?”  Catherine demands, taking a toothpick to scoop up a slice of pineapple and stick it underneath the running chocolate fountain. 
         Beth frowns, clearly in no mood to be crossed.  “Because.”  She begins, but stops when her cell phone starts beeping.  She sighs as she reads the name across the screen.  “What do you want?” 

         “Hi Beth.”  He manages weakly.  “I-um, well, I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to make it.” 
         He can hear her scowling through the phone. 
         “Benjamin Bartholomew-“ 
         He physically recoils from the phone.  He knows from experience that it is a bad idea to piss off a woman in her second trimester. 
         “I-well, I’m in something of a situation here.”  He tries to explain.
         “I don’t care.”  Beth answers.  “I’m getting married and you haven’t been home in months and you promised that you would be here and-“ 
         He can hear her voice thicken with the imminent promise of tears.  “I know…I know…” he tries to pacify her.  “And I’m going to try.  I promise.  Just…go ahead without me for now and I’ll meet up with you.” 
         “Ben…” 
         “Don’t worry.  I’ll be there.” 
         She sighs into the phone.  “Okay.  But you better have gotten me an awesome wedding gift.” 
         He laughs.  “I’ve got to go.  I’ll see you soon.” 
         “You’d better.”  She warns.  “Bye.” 
         “Bye.” 
         The cold steel of the gun barrel presses against his temple.
         “Drive.” 
         
         “So where is he?”  Catherine asks.
         Beth shrugs.  “He just said to go ahead.” 
         “Okay!”  Catherine agrees.  “Let’s go.” 
         “Is Ben going to meet us?”  Van asks, trailing behind the exuberant Catherine with Beth. 
         Beth smiles.  “Maybe…” 
         Catherine hears them from up ahead.  “Are you discussing Van’s much discussed but never realized crush on Ben?” 
         Van clenches her jaw.  “What was that you were saying earlier?”  She asks Beth, casting a look promising death and destruction in Catherine’s direction.  “Toothpicks and pineapples?” 
         Beth laughs.