Intervene with Knowledge

It’s Chad. Of course it is.

“I thought I’d come home early and surprise you and guess what, you’re not there. You’re here, in the pub. You go on and on and on about me not giving you enough attention, was it all bullshit?”

You can’t let this slide. You stand up. Chad glances at you, a dismissive glance, filled with contempt.

“Look, Chad. She’s just having a drink with work colleagues. You can join us.”

Chad returns his gaze and it’s withering.

“Look loser. She’s my wife. She does what I say. She promised that. It’s one of your vows isn’t it. To love and honour and obey your husband.”

“Chad,” Spencer whines. Her face has flushed red with embarrassment. Everyone in the pub is looking at you.

“And you made a vow to love and honour her.”

“I am. She’s always nagging that I don’t spend enough time with her. When I do come home early to be with her, she’s here in the pub with you lot. How am I supposed to react to that?”

“Did you tell her you were coming home early?”

“No, I thought I’d surprise her.”

“Well, that’s the problem. Spencer thought she’d support her friend Abigail, who’s had some very stressful news this week, and needs all the support she can get. She was planning one drink and then go, so she could be back by the time you get there.”

“I mean, you’re playing Rugby tomorrow aren’t you? Are you expecting Spencer to watch you play?”

“Of course, she’s my wife, she always supports me playing.”

“And you’ll be having a few drinks afterwards.”

“That’s expected.”

“Will Spencer be joining you for those drinks?”

“No, they’re for the team, not for the women of the team.”

“So, this is post-game drinks, just for teachers. Now, unlike your post-game drinks, non-players are allowed. So, would you like a drink?”

The last request floors him. He stands there looking at you, strangely. He glances over at the other women.

“I don’t drink with women,” he finally states.

“Well, you’re missing something there. I enjoy drinking with my colleagues, male and female. It doesn’t matter what gender; I find them all invigorating. And I don’t have sexual designs on any of them. They’re colleagues first.”

Chad is not convinced.

“It’s ok, I’ll leave. You don’t have to stay here. Sorry about all this.” Spencer is all apologies and loving smiles to her husband.

“But you haven’t finished your drink,” you point out.

“That’s ok. It was more than I wanted anyway.”

She’s up and escorting her husband out of the pub before you can say anything else.