The Old Man and the Tea (Elmo Jenkins - Book Three) by Moody McMillian

Author:Moody, McMillian [Moody, McMillian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: OBT Bookz
Published: 2013-08-22T04:00:00+00:00

“If I could have your attention, please?” I could feel the droplets of sweat rolling down my back under my shirt.

The din of noise started to abate, but only slightly.

“This won’t take long, I promise,” I called out over the gathering as I continued to perspire profusely.

The odd assortment of people began to end their conversations and turn toward the corner of the room where I was standing.

“Will there be enough time afta’ for crumpets and tea?” asked a well- dressed Lopez McGill.

“There will be plenty of time for refreshments,” I assured him.

“Has your tripod gone missing, or did you just neglect to bring it? Perhaps it’s in your car? Would you like me to retrieve it for you?”

“No, Eddie, that won’t be necessary. I won’t be using a tripod this evening.”

“NO TRIPOD? That’s fundraising heresy,” shouted Erlene Markham. “Ya big PANSY!”

Now the back of my shirt was drenched, and I could feel the sweat rolling down my legs.

I looked down at my three-by-five cards. Across the top it said:

Elmo ‘Cornbread’ Jenkins (Pansy)

What?! Since my hands were also sweating, my notes were now smeared and unreadable. I would have to wing it. “Thank you all for—”

“Harry Simpkins had a tripod when he spoke to us,” someone barked.

I lost my patience. “Enough about the dang tripod, OKAY?”

“No need to blow your top. Will there be time for refreshments afterward?” Lopez asked again.

“Ramona used a tripod and a flip chart,” someone else chimed in.

“Ya big pansy!” Erlene snarled with her false teeth flashing.

The group started closing in on me chanting, “Pansy. Pansy. Pansy. Pansy—”

I woke up in a cool froth, panting.

Bonnie raised her head off her pillow. “Elmo, you all right?” She reached over and touched my arm. “Whoa, cowboy, you’re soaking wet. Do you have a fever?”

“No, I just had a bad nightmare.”

“That bad?”

“Oh, yeah. Anytime Eddie and Erlene are in the same dream, you know it’s gonna get ugly.”

“Another fundraising dream, huh?”

“Unfortunately, yes. The third one this week, and they’re getting progressively darker. It’s as if I’m becoming Lord Fiduciary of the Flies.”

“I’m too tired even to try and comprehend the deeper meanings of that thought. Maybe you should drop in on Father Ted and see if he has any insight into your sleep issues.”

“Yeah, I’d already given that idea some thought. Maybe I can snag him tomorrow. Listen, I’m gonna grab a shower and try to cool down.”

“You want some company?” she asked mischievously.

“I appreciate the offer, but you get some sleep. We both have a full day tomorrow.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek and headed for the bathroom.

I think I may have just broken a cardinal rule of manhood. Oh well, there’s a first time for everything.

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