Happy 4th

“So you’re the young man who has been seeing so much of my daughter” said the tall man with the heavy Swedish accent. I was at a 4^th of July party held by Heidi’s parents. I was invited at the last minute, and couldn’t think of an excuse not to go. I was thinking of going down to Santa Cruz and paddling for the day, and hanging out. Frankly, I wanted to be alone. In addition to wanting to be alone, I really didn’t want to “meet the parents”. We’re way too soon in the relationship for that – and we probably won’t get to that point.

Anyway, it turns out that the party was a combined “Mid-summer” party – a traditional Swedish holiday, and a 4^th of July party. The mid-summer party is a celebration of the solstice – that actually do that in Sweden. I had no idea. Heidi’s father, a full blooded Swede, invited a large crowd to his house to celebrate the 4^th in traditional Swedish style – complete with smoked reindeer meat and lingon berry sauce – and this liquor called aquavit, literally translated from Swedish it means “water of life” – it is industrial strength alcohol. It was quite a party, a big tent in the back yard, caterers serving up lots of food and beverages.

Heidi’s father is an imposing man, about 6’5’’ with white hair flecked with a few black strands. He is head of a chemical company in Menlo Park which has something to do with semiconductor manufacturing.

“Yes, sir.” I responded to what I assumed was a question rather than a statement

“So, what are your intentions for her?”

Yikes, how does one answer a question like that – well, I was hoping for some sloppy drunken sex, but haven’t been able to get her liquored up enough yet - “I assure you, sir, nothing but honorable.” I replied, hoping that this is what he was expecting. He smiled at this – he was enjoying it. It was clear that he was a man of power, and was used to having folks cower in his presence. I wouldn’t disappoint him.

“So, what do you do for a living?”

I told him about my job at the internet start-up that I work at.

“Oh, is that ------‘s company?” He named the CEO.

“Yes, sir.”

“I was involved in arranging some financing for him. How long have you worked there?”

“Almost 4 months, sir.”

“You got in early. I’m impressed.’ His expression echoed this. “You must be very good at what you do. He only hires the best.”

He asked about my stock options plan, and started to ask some detailed business questions. I kept my answers vague – I wasn’t sure if he was really associated with the company or not, or if he was testing me to see if I would talk about the company plans to outsiders. He asked me about the working hours.

“It’s been getting very busy lately.” I answered. “The hours are pretty long.”

“I expect he works his people pretty hard. Well, don’t you neglect my Heidi.”

“Of course not, sir.”

He smiled, shook my hand and moved on.

Heidi was right behind me with a glass of white wine. “I think I passed.” I said. I felt some sweat trickle down my back.

“Oh, he’s more bark than bite. Don’t worry about him.”

That was easy for her to say.

Heidi and I mingled a bit, and then sat at our usual table near her cottage and had dinner.

As the party started to wind down, Heidi’s father came over and joined us with a bottle of Swedish Vodka that he was quite proud of and two shot glasses. “Rich, have you ever had good Swedish Vodka? Many people think of Finland and Russia when they think of Vodkas – but the best are made in Sweden.” He said with obvious national pride. He poured us both generous shots and toasted me with something in Swedish. I have been drinking Grey Goose recently – a French Vodka – this was definitely on par with that, perhaps smoother. This stuff could be dangerous.

He talked for quite a while about Sweden, and his childhood, building a company. While pouring me additional shots pretty regularly.. After the 4^th I wondered what the sleeping arrangements for the evening would be. I had my spare clothes in the truck, and I am sure they have spare bedrooms – but this would just be weird.

He stood up abruptly, and said “Well, young man, I suspect you’ve got things to do tomorrow. We don’t want to keep you.” I was summarily dismissed. He thought for a moment . “You’re probably not good to drive. Wait here for a minute.” He took a few steps away and made a call on his cell. He turned back to me. “My driver will take you home. It was a pleasure to meet you. Say hello to [the CEO] for me when you see him.”

“Yes, thank you, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you, too, sir. Thanks for everything, sir.”

I was waiting for him to say "Stop calling me sir", but he didn't.

A man in a tuxedo who looked like one of the waiters approached us, clearly, the driver, and led me away.’

I gave Heidi a peck on the cheek goodnight, and shook her father’s hand again. He said “good night” followed by something in Swedish.

I was escorted to the back seat of a large late model Volvo, actually quite nice – so this is how the other half gets drunk.