The problem, however, was the tequila bar that was off to one side.
“I could go for a margarita,” Cassie said.
“The drinks are pretty amazing here,” Mike said.
“We need to be careful,” Allison said, remembering how sloppy we’d gotten that afternoon.
“I think we’ll be OK,” Emily said.
And so, we were all agreed. Cassie and Allison went into the bar (it was crowded enough that we didn’t all want to go in) and brought back drinks for all of us. I had a blood orange margarita, and it was amazing. Sweet and acidic with spicy hot salt on the rim. I had to make myself sip it slowly, all of us leaning against the large concrete fountain in the back of the room.
But I could taste how much alcohol was in the drink. And we’d only stopped for one small plate of shrimps and grits before we got to Mexico. So, when I stepped off the fountain, having finished my drink, I felt the world spin in that oh-so familiar way.
I shared a knowing look with Allison. Here we go again.
We left Mexico feeling plenty high. However, Norway was next and rather than getting more alcohol, we got on a ride. Allison had gotten us FastPasses for Frozen, so we climbed onto the longboat and journeyed off to Arendelle. We were able to sit in threes: Emily sat with me and Allison while Jack, Cassie, and Mike went behind us. I have to admit, it was a very strange experience for Olaf to serenade me while I was drunk.
Once we got off the ride, however, it was back to our usual habits. We walked to China and got more snacks and wine. The combination of the alcohol, and how we’d all left ourselves on edge, was turning into an ever-more dangerous combination.
The further we went, the more playful and flirty we became — groping and grinding on each other whenever the opportunity arose. The Cassie and Mike Make Out Show continued without commercial interruption. Jack and Emily walked arm in arm, with his one hand permanently attached to her cute, little butt.
Meanwhile, Allison got surprisingly touchy feely, initiating make out sessions in both Norway and China. But once we got to Germany, she gave up on all propriety and grabbed for my cock when we were standing by the model train set. I jumped so high, I scared an egret into the air.
I practically growled at her after that.
“Come on, Germany is like, the land of romance,” Allison said, “I can’t help but get horny when I hear oompah music.” She giggled at her own joke.
I responded with a glare. I was not going to let her do something dumb here in Disney.
Only if you talk to me,” Allison said, petulant.
“Fine,” I said, “If you don’t stop grabbing me, we’re going to get in trouble with your friend Mr. Mickey.”
Allison responded with the strangest combination of successful cry and mournful pout I’d ever heard.
We walked to the far side, and settled into a bench, facing the lake. The other two couples joined us, bringing sausages and beer (of course). That only compounded the issue, but none of us cared.
We stared out at the water, all of us acting way more affectionate than we probably should have in a public place. We weren’t sloshed. No one was epically smashed. But all of us were over the limit and there was no relief in sight. Fortunately, the end of the evening was fast approaching.
After a little time to sober up, Allison got up and bought us little caramel squares from the nearby candy store. They were soft and sweet, rich and almost intoxicating.
The lights around us slowly darkened. The music became more and more upbeat as the park built towards the big fireworks show. Crowds of people shuffled in around us to sit and wait around the lake.
As the loud, boppy music played, Emily got up and swayed and back and forth. I don’t know what it was, but something grabbed me. I stood up, took my wife’s hands and began to dance with her. Just a little back and forth. Nothing fancy.
A moment later, the other two couples joined us. All six started kicking out our feet, swinging our arms. Like we were all on the dance floor at a wedding.
Caught up in the energy of it all, I spun Emily around and dipped her.
“Smooth moves, Paul!” Cassie cried out, and I could hear the wonder in her voice.
I swung Emily on my arm, and she hooked on to Jack. Cassie caught with Mike, and I joined Allison. We switched partners so easily, now, it seemed like we hardly noticed anymore.
No surprise, Jack suavely steered Emily like they were in a ballroom. And Mike and Cassie mostly switched to making out rather than dancing. Allison and I did OK, too, though she kept trying to lead.
We were so caught up in the energy of it, we didn’t notice at first that the sky had lit up with fireworks. Explosions of color and sound. We slowed and stood there, entranced by the spectacle.
Allison held my hand throughout the show. I saw my own wife leaning into Jack’s chest. Mike and Cassie even stopped kissing. It really was something special.
When the fireworks ended, the park lit back up. Lamps spaced every few feet around the lake glowed bright, leading us out to the exit. For most people, it was the big finale after a long day. For us, things were only starting to ramp up.
At first, though, the crowds were heavy in both directions. So, we stood by the lake and waited for the traffic to pass. Allison put her arm around my shoulders. I wasn’t sure if it was for balance or affection. Maybe both.
“I can’t wait to get back,” Cassie said with a sigh, “My feet need a rest.”
“I need to get laid!” Emily said, a bit too loudly.
We all shushed her. Jack actually covered her mouth with his hand. Allison started giggling hysterically. Oh boy.
“I’m so fucking horny,” Emily said, through Jack’s fingers, clearly not listening to any of us.
I wish I could say I was shocked by my shy wife saying all those things, but at this point I’d learned to expect it. Something about Disney set her off — I can’t explain it.
“I hear you, Em,” Cassie said, holding back her own attack of giggles. “Just be quieter about it, OK?”
“Drunk girls,” Mike said. He was rolling back and forth slightly, like he was standing on a ship. “I fucking love drunk girls.”
“I think we need to get everyone back home,” Jack said. He shot me a rueful smile. I guess he’d figured out that the two of us were the soberest of the group.
I nodded my agreement.
The crowds started to clear, so Jack propped Emily up under his arm. He reached over to do the same for his wife, but Cassie stepped out of his reach.
“I’m OK, babe,” Cassie said, “Only a little high.”
Jack shook his head, but he let his wife lead Mike on her own. Allison kept her arm on my shoulder, and I did my best to steer the tall woman as we walked back towards the exit.
Waiting for the crowd to pass had been a good call. The way the park was lit made everything seem romantic and lovely. Now that EPCOT had mostly emptied, it was a joy to stroll through. I felt like I could spend hours circling around, enjoying every detail.
Unfortunately, the only thing my drunk friends were good for at this point was weaving their way back to the hotel. We passed a guy pushing his twin girls in a stroller. Cassie nearly stumbled into him before Mike pulled her back.
“Sorry!” she called out.
The man shook his head and muttered under his breath, “Every Person Comes Out Trashed.” He counted the acronym off on his fingers, then pushed his stroller ahead with purpose.