Brian + Anyone
Brian stood near the food, trying to figure out the best way to get people eating. It looked like they were waiting for an invitation, or for somebody else to go first. At events, there was usually an opening. At home, it was a blessing. At banquets, a speech. At staff dinners, a table invited to go up first. It didn't matter what the opening was, there had to be one.
From behind the bar, he climbed on the rung of a stool and projected his voice. "Hey everybody, listen up! Welcome to Lucky's. It's great to see everybody. I'm Brian." He waved loosely. "If I don't know you yet, I hope to get a chance tonight. I want to think Brianna, Ronnie, Ro, and the staff at Lucky's for providing the great food and drinks. I couldn't have done it without you. I'm gonna say grace because that's how we did it in my house. Join if you want." Brian bowed his head. "Bless us for these gifts we're about to receive. We're grateful for the company of our friends and for the people we love who can't be with us tonight. Amen."
He looked up and pointed at the plates at the end of the bar. "Alright, help yourselves. I promise you don't want me going first." He hopped off the stool and came around the end of the bar, looking for someone to talk to while folks started filling their plates.