(CW: homophobic and racist comments)
~~~~~~~
Ethan and Jack took June and Liam out to dinner to celebrate June's birthday at Red Rock Bar and Grill, and also June's offer letter with an accounting firm in New York City. She and Liam were moving next week to an apartment in New Rochelle so she could start in two weeks, but their wedding was set for August in Rockville.
"I'm actually going to miss this stupid bar," June said. "Although I barely got to drink in it. I feel like all the exciting things happen here."
Jack, who was still struggling to let his little sister go, said hopefully, "Well you can always stay here and keep working for H&R Block."
June rolled her eyes at him. "H&R Block is not paying for my Masters degree and CPA, this accounting firm is." But then reached over and touched his hand, and said lovingly, "It will be just like when I was in college. We'll see each other all the time. Either you will come down or we'll come up. I'm still your Junie, Jack."
"I know," he said not so confidently. "I just want you to be ok, you know?"
"She will be," Liam said. "I'll make sure of it. She'll be a Ferguson soon, and that will be my responsibility to take care of her."
Jack was surprised. "I thought you were going to hyphenate."
June laughed. "Are you kidding? June Elizabeth Redmond-Frazier-Ferguson?"
"Ok, that does sound a little crazy," Jack said and they laughed.
"No, I just want to be June Ferguson," she said "Shed all these names and start fresh with something new." She smiled at Liam and he leaned over to kiss her lips.
Toward the end of their dinner Ethan noticed before Jack did that Connor's family was coming in for dinner. "I hate that sonofabitch," he said, glaring at Connor's father. "I don't think I've ever hated anyone as much as I hate him."
Jack, who was also looking at their table, said, "Owen McIntyre is an old man set in his racist and homophobic ways, but he doesn't go after people. Matty is worse. He's a prejudice instigator and antagonizer. Rockville's very own Richard Spencer. He sets little fires and watches them burn, and doesn't care who he hurts. Someone should put that dog down."
When he turned back Ethan, Liam and June all looked at him intently. "I said someone, I didn't say me. Stop it," he said exasperated. They all started laughing.
About 15 minutes later Ethan nudged Jack. "You're bestie is looking a little white girl wasted, don't you think?"
Jack turned to watch Connor walk in with a drunken gait and slouch in the nearest chair at the table with his family. Liam shook his head. "I haven't seen him since your birthday in April. His family still doesn't know?"
"Nope," Jack said. "And after their last family dinner in February I'm surprised Connor even came to this one. He took Ethan's words to heart and hasn't been back to the house or seen any of them since then as far as I know, and it's been four months. So if he's fucked up right now, I don't blame him."
"It's about time he walked away from them," Liam said. "He-"
"Hey guys!" Connor yelled over to their table, just noticing them. He motioned for them to come over and Ethan shook his head no.
"No fucking way I'm going over there," Ethan said. "But you should, Jack. He needs you."
Connor gave them a please sign with his hands and Jack laughed. Liam said, "I'll go with you." They walked over together.
"Hey Liam! Heeeeeeeeeey Jack!" Connor said happily. Liam laughed.
"Hey bud," Jack said lovingly. "You think you had enough to drink today?"
"Maaaaaaaaybe!" Connor laughed making them both laugh.
Jack said, "Wow, ok."
Connor's father growled at them, "Have you forgotten how to address an elder when you come to a table?"
Liam spoke first. "Sorry sir. Good evening, and happy birthday Angie. Hello McIntyre family."
Jack said his hello's, then said to Angie, "That's right. Your birthday is right behind June's. We're celebrating June's birthday too, just finishing up. We're headed back-"
"No staaaaaaay, with meeeee!" Connor whined. He grabbed Jack's arm.
Just then Afia came rushing in. "Sorry everyone for being late," she said. Afia had agreed to come at Angie's request, not as Connor's date. She greeted Angie first and handed her a card, and she sat next to Connor saying very cordially and distantly, "Hello, everyone."
"There's my girl!!" Connor squealed. She slowly turned to him and her eyes narrowed. She knew what Jack and Liam knew, that he was drunk as a skunk.
Jack figured that since Afia was there Connor would be ok and she'd take care of him as she's always done even though she was married now. "We're going to head back. Have a good evening, everyone," Jack said. He and Liam went back to the table.
Ethan watched the whole exchange shaking his head and said to them, "I'm calling, Mel. This is not going to end well."
He stood up and said, "You two," pointing at Jack and Liam, "Keep an eye on your friend and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Get him home safe. I don't even want to know how he got here. June, let me take you home."
"No problem," said June. "I've seen Connor drunk and it's not pretty at all."
Ethan kissed Jack on the lips and June did the same to Liam, then they headed out. Jack shifted his chair around so they can both keep one eye on Connor. And sure enough, within five minutes they heard Connor yell, "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Not sure who it was meant for, Jack and Liam looked at each other and got up at the same time to head to the table.
"Connor, leave this table now," his father ordered him, standing up.
Connor stood up and swayed a bit saying angrily, "What, you're going to break my fucking ribs again if I don't?" Jack and Liam exchanged glances at each other again.
"Oh God Connor, not right now," Mary Kate said, embarrassed.
"Then when MK? WHEN?" he yelled at his sister.
Jack touched Connor's arm and he jerked it away from him. Jack turned him around and grabbed both his shoulders roughly but said calmly, "Let me take you home, Connor."
