It was just after eleven when they arrived. They were both in a good mood, that was until I explained the problem with the room.
"This is outrageous, I blame you Tim, you should have been more forceful with them."
"I agree with Father, you did the booking. Did you tell then we are here for a wedding?"
Both Father and Mia were now glaring at me, I looked over at Mother and Olivia.
"Help me out here, didn't I do my best?"
I then waited for them to come to my defence. Nothing from Olivia, her head was now bowed so as to avoid eye contact, but Mother responded.
"Tim WAS forceful, if he hadn't been I think that it would be worse than it is now."
Father muttered something under his breath, I didn't catch what he said but I doubted that he was paying me a compliment.
"And he did get a fifty percent discount on all our accommodation."
I could see Father was impressed by that.
"I guess it's not the end of the world."
"It might not be for you, but I have to share a room with my Brother and his girlfriend."
"Sorry Sis. Is there anything you want from me to make amends?"
I noticed her glance at my crotch before saying, "I will think of something."
To me it was obvious what she wanted, but thankfully nobody else picked up on it.
"Are we all OK now?"
Mother then looked at all of us in turn, there was no dissension.
"Good, then we can go to reception so that Father and Mia can check in."
It was my mate Charles at the desk. I kept at the back while Father did all the talking. Charles apologised profusely, and he was quick to mention the fifty percent discount again, that diffused any anger that my Father might still have had. When it was all done they shook hands.
"Charles seems a nice guy, I hope you didn't give him a hard time Tim?"
"You mean be forceful with him?"
Mia found that funny, but she was the only one, Father just glared at me. We went to our room first
"Very nice, I will have the double bed and you two the single."
Olivia looked horrified until she realised that Mia was only joking.
"A very classy room, and a great view. I hope our room is as nice as this one."
Good, Father was impressed, I just hoped he wasn't going to be disappointed with his.
He wasn't, it was the better room. Slightly smaller but with a very large bed that could easily sleep three. Mia, Olivia and myself?
"What are you smiling about?"
My Sister had caught me off guard, but I quickly composed myself before saying, "I just like the room."
She then gave me a wicked smile and I wondered if she was thinking the same, a big bed that could sleep three. We then returned to our room leaving Mother and Father alone.
"It's a nice room but I wish I didn't have to share it."
I looked at Mia, she didn't look annoyed so I guess she had come to terms with it. She would have preferred her own room but she was going to have to make do with sharing.
"Sis, I have been meaning to ask you something. Do you still take those sleeping pills?"
"Yes, but why are you asking?"
"Olivia has trouble sleeping, are they any good?"
I knew they were, Mia has told me about them before. I wanted her to tell me again so that Olivia could hear."
"They are very good. I get a great sleep without feeing groggy when I wake up. The only drawback is that you can't take them if you have been drinking."
"Olivia you have to leave early tomorrow, so no chance of a lie in if you have trouble sleeping. Do you want to try them?"
My Sister didn't look happy.
"Sorry Mia, that is if it's OK with you?"
"Yes, but doesn't she want to drink?"
I laughed at that, but Olivia just looked embarrassed.
"Why was that funny?"
"I drank a bit too much last night. It is probably better for all of us if I stick to soft drinks."
I could see Mia wanted more details, however before she could ask anything I shook my head slightly. She responded with a brief smile, she understood to leave it for now, but I knew she would quiz me about it later.
"It's up to you Olivia, I can give you two for tonight."
"I do need to be up at seven to leave by eight at the latest. I just wish I wasn't working tomorrow. It might be a good idea to take them, but I am just not sure."
If my plan was going to work then I needed her to take them.
"Sis what do you think? If she takes them she will get a good sleep, nothing will disturb her."
Mia looked puzzled, her face said "Why are you asking me?" Then it changed to a smile.
"If I was you I would. The wedding reception will go on late and there is likely to be a lot of noise."
There was a brief hesitation from Olivia before she said, "Thanks, I will try them."
I was relieved, so far so good. When I looked at my Sister she gave me a sly grin. She might not know what I was planning but I could tell she suspected that I was up to something, and for now at least she was going along with it.
Then I had a sudden thought, would she also be taking the sleeping pills? If she did it would be a disaster, I didn't want her sleeping through the night.
In a casual voice I said, "Will you be drinking?"
I could tell from the way she was looking at me that she was curious about why I was asking.
"I was just wondering, if you do then it means you cannot take anything to help you sleep."
"No, I am not really in the mood, and also it gives me the option of using them if I have problems sleeping."
Not the answer I was hoping for but not a complete disaster. If I can get Mia alone I might just come clean and explain to her what I was planning. However I was playing a dangerous game, if she didn't like my idea I would be in serious trouble.
Two hours into the wedding reception I got my opportunity. Mia had sneaked out for a quick cigarette, a minute later I followed her.
"I thought you had quit?"
"I have, so don't tell anybody."
"I can keep a secret, can you?"
She stopped smoking.
"Is it about Olivia being drunk last night, what did she do?"
I shook my head, "No, she was very drunk but this is something else."
She was now intrigued, I took a deep breath before continuing.
"Don't say anything until I have finished."
She dropped the cigarette onto the floor then extinguished it with her foot.