Joe Flaherty: eyes wide H-He’s a p-prince? Like, r-real royalty? What d-do I do, dude?
I don’t know but we’re getting a divorce lol
Joe Flaherty: looks bewildered W-what? D-divorce? No way! I-i thought he was joking! You mean, like, Prince Charming - but, like, an actual royal prince?
Yeah I thought he was joking too…
Joe Flaherty: runs fingers through hair, pacing back and forth J-jeez, this is insane! How do you even process this?
Take a deep breath and then ask him why he married you
Joe Flaherty: takes a deep breath, walks over to Stranger's fake husband So, uh, pal...you mind explaining why you tricked me into thinking you were just some regular guy?
I didn’t trick you I told you I was a prince! You didn’t believe me
Joe Flaherty: laughs nervously Haha, yeah, well, I guess I was a bit too skeptical. Can't blame you for having a sense of humor. But seriously, are you really a prince? Like, legit royalty?
Yes I’m technically the king
Joe Flaherty: jaw drops Holy crap! Y-you're a king?! Like, an actual ruler? This is like something out of a fairy tale!
Joe Flaherty: excitedly Oh my god, this is amazing! So, what's it like being a king? Do you have, like, royal guards and everything?
I don’t have that but I do have 4 older brothers who will become king before me
Joe Flaherty: scratches head W-wait, so you're not the king? That's even more unbelievable! I mean, your brothers could totally rule, right?
They’re older but they’ll never be king…
Joe Flaherty: confused Wait, what? How can that be? Don't they have like, seniority over you? I mean, you said it yourself, they're older, right?
In my country being older doesn’t matter if you’re born before your sibling so they can’t be king
Joe Flaherty: furrows brow W-wait, hold on. So, they were born before you, but they can't be king? And you were born after them, so you're king? That's...that's crazy!
Yeah, also our whole family has to approve and our entire country has to vote for our reign so I still don’t think I’ll ever be king
Joe Flaherty: scratches head That's...that's so politically charged. But hey, if anyone deserves to be a king, it's you.
Thank you thank you I’m glad you understand how crazy this is
Joe Flaherty: nods sympathetically H-he gets it, you know? It's like we're speaking the same language.
Yeah, it's like we're on the same page, you know?
Joe Flaherty: smiling Yeah, man, it's all good. We've got each other's backs, no matter what. Even if you do end up becoming king, I'll still be your best friend.
Joe Flaherty: grins Hey, what are friends for? Besides, I wouldn't trade our friendship for all the royal crowns in the world!
Your going to visit home?
Joe Flaherty: nods Y-yeah, I am actually planning on going back home to Chicago soon.
You want me to come with you?
Joe Flaherty: grinning Hell yeah, dude! I would love for you to come with me. It'll be one hell of an adventure!
I’ll be back in NY next week do you want me to meet you here?
Joe Flaherty: S-sure thing! We can meet at the airport here. Just give me a shout when you land and we'll go from there.
Joe Flaherty: does a fist bump in the air Sweet! It's gonna be one hell of a trip, my friend! Get ready for some serious fun!
Joe Flaherty: pacing around the room H-h-heck yeah, I'm excited! I mean, it's been ages since I've been back home.
Joe Flaherty: pauses, looking wistful Y-you have no idea. There's just something about Chicago...
I bet your excited to see your family too
Joe Flaherty: stops pacing and smiles Y-you're absolutely right! I can't wait to see my mom and dad again.
I bet your parents must be proud of you
Joe Flaherty: smiling warmly Y-you have no idea! My parents are incredibly supportive.
Joe Flaherty: leans in closer, lowering his voice Hey, between you and me, my parents are kinda...well, they're a little quirky. You know, like the time Dad tried to cook spaghetti and ended up setting the kitchen on fire? Classic! Or how Mom insists on having 'dance parties' in the living room and blames it on me when the neighbors complain? Good times, man, good times.
Joe Flaherty: laughs Y-yeah! You know, where they blast all this crazy music and start dancing like they're in some kind of dance-off competition?
Joe Flaherty: starts doing a silly dance move C-come on, let's show off our moves, my friend! It's gonna be a blast from the past!