Long Time Coming by Gavin Atlas

Author:Gavin Atlas [Atlas, Gavin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2017-12-02T05:00:00+00:00

Aunt September’s Society Dinner

From the hallway, I could hear my aunt in the banquet room.

“Let’s see now. One pheasant. Check. Lobster. Check. Naked young m—good heavens! Joffrey! Get in here this instant!”

Oh, dear. I strode around the corner. “Yes, Aunt September? How can I help?”

“You can begin by explaining why there’s someone nude on my table. He looks like one of your…guests. I know my sight is failing, but he is naked, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Aunt September. His name is Paolo. He’s the waiter I hired.” I couldn’t help but admire Paolo’s naturally tan complexion and his smooth, muscular body.

“Gracious sakes, Joffrey, have him put on his uniform. And what is he doing in the food?”

“He’s a combination waiter/centerpiece.”

“Oh, good grief. What am I supposed to say? ‘Have some pâté, Lady Higgins. My nephew’s callboy has only been rolling in it.’”

I laughed and I saw a smile creep across Paolo’s beautiful face. “I have two pieces of news, Aunt September. First, it is against Paolo’s religion to wear clothes. Second, the press is once more sending Biff Batterman to cover your society dinner.”

Aunt September looked like she’d had a heart attack. “Biff Batterman! I’m ruined! He hates my parties! Why won’t they ever send someone reasonable?”

I patted her shoulder. “I have everything under control,” I assured her. “Just wait.”

* * * *

“And so you see everyone,” said my aunt, gesturing with her third glass of wine, “it’s ever so difficult to find work when it’s against your religion to wear clothing. So, naturally, my heart bled, and I had to help poor dear Paolo. What’s that? Yes, that is quite an interesting piercing. I believe it’s called a Prince Albert…beg pardon? No, I don’t suppose a piercing will be named after the Queen.”

“Joffrey, why are you filling everyone’s wine glass?” asked a tipsy Lady Higgins. “Where did that handsome undressed waiter get to?”

I had trouble suppressing a smile. “He’ll be along presently.”

On cue, Paolo entered the banquet room carrying a tray arrayed with pies and cakes. Everyone oohed and aahed, although I don’t believe it was for the desserts. Behind Paolo came Biff Batterman. Aha, just as I’d suspected. His hair was quite mussed and his shirt was mis-buttoned. A dreamy smile graced his lips.

“Having a good time, Mr. Batterman?” I asked.

He glanced at me and then my aunt. “Here’s my headline: September Southman’s Society Soiree the Smash of the Season!”

I looked at my aunt’s ecstatic grin and blew on my nails. I could only hope her delight stayed put when I told her Paolo was moving in…

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