Catering with Benefits (2) - Second Course - 9. A COCKY LITTLE BASTARD

Since Thomas left the house, Jared and Andy were becoming closer. As neither of them now had a boyfriend they spent most evenings together chatting over dinner. Jared was pleased to have Andy in the house as it was some distraction from missing Thomas. Over dinner about two weeks after the split, Andy asked “Can I ask how you feel about your breakup with Thomas, now that you have had some time to think about it?”

“I bloody well miss him, to tell you the truth. What about him, you guys talk don’t you?”

“He feels the same and seriously regrets what he did.”

“Good, I hope he’s feeling some guilt. I wasn’t sure; you know he can be a cocky little bastard at times.”

“So, would you consider taking him back?”

“No not yet, are you acting as his agent?”

“Not at all, I want to be a friend to both of you, so whatever we discuss stays between us, if that’s what you want.”

“But you told me how Thomas feels.”

“I’m sure he wants you to know how he feels because he wants you back.”

“Andy, as an ex SAS operative, I take trust and loyalty seriously and I’m not sure anymore if I can trust him again. He seemed surprised, almost shocked when he found me home earlier than expected. Then he denied sleeping with those guys, so obviously he thought he could get away with it.”

“I won’t comment on that as a friend to both of you. I just want you both to be happy.”

“Thanks Andy, I can see why Thomas values your friendship.”

“Jared, tell me to mind my own business if you wish, but did you and Thomas ever discuss monogamy?”

“Not as such, it seems to me that is understood when a couple start living together. Am I wrong?”

“Not necessarily, each couple have to make their own rules, and I suppose I would feel the same as you.”

“Did Thomas say anything that would make you think we had an open relationship?”

“No, and to be honest I don’t really think he thought that was the case, but we never discussed it in detail.”

“So do you believe Thomas just made a bad judgement call?”

“I don’t want to speculate on that Jared, it would not be appropriate when I’m trying to be a friend to both of you, as well as your housemate.”

“And speaking of that, this is your home so if you want to invite Thomas over, you are welcome to. I will just stay out of the way.”

“Thank you Jared, but I won’t do that yet, I think it’s a bit soon, although I’m sure Thomas would like me to, just so he can see you again.”

“Maybe we will do that some time in the future. You know I don’t want Thomas to think I hate him or never want to see him again. I’m still hurting and just not ready to consider taking him back.”

“I get that, Jared.”

“Thanks friend” said Jared as he placed his hand on Andy’s. Then before that could be misunderstood, he removed it casually to reach for the wine bottle.

***

Thomas could not bear being without Jared. He was distracted all day long and his work was suffering. He was even becoming short tempered, which was not like him. When finally he snapped at Mrs. Price, over the party plans, she realised something was seriously wrong. But instead of asserting her authority, she let her motherly instincts take over. Because of his return to the house, she already knew he had broken up with his boyfriend and assumed that was the problem so she let his shortness of temper go for now, and told him he could come and talk to her at any time if he wanted to.

He wanted to talk to Jared, but was somehow afraid to make the approach as he feared rejection or starting another argument. He decided to send him an email message. That way he could compose it in his own time, use just the right words and give Jared time to consider his reply.

Dearest Jared,

I want to genuinely apologise for my thoughtless actions and the hurt it obviously caused you. It was not my intention to hurt you and I can only say in my defence that I allowed the alcohol and the temptation of the moment to influence my decision. Yes, I am guilty of thinking I could hide it from you and lying about it. Also I did not think, at the time, that it was an action of unfaithfulness. It was just a bit of casual fun, as I have no deep feelings for those guys. What I really failed to comprehend was how you felt about unfaithfulness. I now understand that and have tried to imagine, how I would feel if you did the same to me. Yes Jared, I would be hurt.

I don’t blame you for being angry and I understand why I had to leave your home. I want you back, but realise that decision is yours and you must only make that decision when you are ready. In the meantime I want us still to be friends and keep the lines of communication open at all times.

Love, Thomas

Thomas did not receive a reply but felt a bit more relaxed about the situation now that he had expressed his feelings to Jared. He believed he had done as much as he could and it was now up to Jared to take the next step if they were going to save their relationship. He busied himself with his work and as he had so many things happening he made himself a list of things to do that week.

1. Apologise to Mrs. P & update her on party plans

2. Talk to Craig about catering the diamond party

3. Talk to Justin about their roles - do I need a uniform?

4. Book room for interviews and let applicants know, date and time.

5. Arrange to have drinks with Andy after interviews.

*****

After finally getting Romel to tell him about the incident with Oliver, Edward mulled it over for some months before he finally decided that he owed it to his partner to deal with the obnoxious car salesman who attempted to rape Romel and almost ran over the postman. Although they had not heard anymore from Oliver, and probably would not, nonetheless, Edward wanted to make sure. The next time Romel’s car was due for service, Edward insisted on taking it in himself.

“Yes, good morning Miss, I have a service booking, the name is Campos.”

“Certainly Sir, give me a moment.....ah here it is. If you leave the keys with me and a number we can call when it’s ready, that’s all you need to do.”

“There is one more thing, I need a ride home.”

“I see on the booking you have not requested a courtesy car and we have none available at present.”

“Yes, perhaps I should have pre-booked, but last time we brought the car in for service, the salesman Oliver was kind enough to provide a drive home service. I wonder if he would be available to do the same today?”

“Just one moment and I’ll check for you.”

“Oliver?.....Mr Campos has his vehicle in for service today and is asking if you would drive him home.....Yes, I’ll tell him, bye Oliver.”

“Oh, Mr Campos, Oliver said it will be his pleasure to drive you home. He won’t be long, just take a seat and help yourself to coffee.”

“Thank you, don’t mind if I do.” Edward took his time making coffee and sat down just as Oliver came bounding into the office. He looked around and went to the reception desk.

“Where’s Mr Campos?” he asked the receptionist.

“Over there, Oliver.”

“That’s not Campos.”

“Well, that’s the gentleman who bought in his car and is requesting a lift home.”

“Ok, I’ll deal with it.” Oliver went over to Edward who was thumbing through a magazine while feigning disinterest in the conversation between the other two.

“Excuse me Sir, how can I help you?”

“Are you Oliver?” Edward asked

“Yes, I am, but I thought Mr. Campos was needing a ride.”

“Sorry for the confusion, I’m Edward, I brought in his car today, he’s at work and I need a ride.”

“We don’t normally provide that service Sir.”

“Ah but you did when Mr Campos came in a few months ago.”

“Well...that was just a one off for a new client. We don’t always do that.”

“Maybe, but I would really appreciate it if you could help me out today.”

“Ok, but just this time.”

“Oh that’s excellent. I’ll just finish my coffee first, if you don’t mind waiting.”

“I really am busy; maybe you could bring your coffee with you.”

“Oh I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I spilled coffee all over your upholstery. I can be a bit clumsy some time.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage. Let’s get going.”

“You wouldn’t have a biscuit or two, to go with this coffee, would you. I haven’t had breakfast yet.”

“Let me see.” Then looking at the receptionist “Diane, have you got a couple of biscuits behind the counter?”

Before she could answer, Edward said “On second thoughts, I could really kill for a muffin.”

Oliver looked questioningly at Diane “Help me out here, woman.”

“The best I can do Oliver, is a couple of Tim Tams.”

“Oh, my favourite, thank you Diane.” said Edward. Diane wrapped the biscuits in a tissue and handed them to Oliver, who passed them on to Edward.

“Now can we go Edward?”

“When I finish my Tim Tams. You know how it is, warm weather, melty chocolate, sticky fingers and nice new car upholstery, not a good mix is it, Oliver?”

“I really don’t mind Edward, I just want to get you home.”

“Well if you insist.” Edward then started to rise from the seat, looked at Oliver and asked “Could you give me a hand, I’ve got both hands full here.” Oliver took Edward’s elbow and tried to assist him, but in so doing, Edward lost balance and poured coffee all over Oliver’s pants. Edward, then on his feet, leaned forward and managed to smear chocolate over the salesman’s shirt.

“Oh, Oliver I am so very, very sorry, but I did warn you I can be clumsy. Still, not much damage, at least you can launder the clothes more easily than cleaning the car upholstery, hey!” and then laughed.

Diane rushed forward with tissues and knelt down to mop up the coffee on the floor, while Oliver said “What about me, woman?”

“There’s more tissues behind the counter.”

“No problem.” offered Edward, “Let me help, I’ll get them.” then from behind the counter he said “Oh, I hope your boss doesn’t come in now. From this angle he could easily misunderstand what you two are doing.”

“Oh, very funny Mr. Whatever, I think you did this on purpose.”

“That’s quite unfair of you to say that; don’t you agree Diane?” There was no reply, so Edward added. “You can’t drive me home in that state, can you Oliver. Do you have something else to change into?”

“No I don’t. I’ll have to go home for a change of clothes.”

“Is it far, should I come with you or wait here?”

“I live across town, it’ll take me at least an hour.”

“Don’t worry Oliver, I’ll see if the boys in the workshop have something to loan you.” Diane offered. The two men stood and stared at each other in silence while Diane was away. She finally returned with a pair of hot pink overalls. Oliver took a look and said “You don’t expect me to wear those all day, do you Diane?”

“Well it was a choice between these, which at least are clean, or greasy overalls. These are left over from that cricket promotion we did with the McGrath Foundation that raises money for breast cancer research. You know the one where everybody wears pink for the day.”

“Yes Diane I know about it. Give them to me, and I’ll change in the back office.”

While Oliver was away, Edward asked Diane “Is he always this rattled by a little mishap?”

“I’ve not seen him in such a situation before, it’s a bit of a surprise, but he is a sight, isn’t he?” She giggled then continued “He’s usually so calm and professional and always immaculately attired.”

“Well, here he comes, and yes still immaculately attired in hot pink.” As Oliver, came from behind the counter, in an agitated state, Edward remarked “Oh, I do think that’s your colour Oliver, don’t you agree Diane? Although, I’m not sure the red face goes with pink, you need to calm down Oliver. What a pity Romel’s not here, he could take your blood pressure for you.”

“Who?’ asked Oliver, being so distracted be his appearance, he was not listening clearly to Edward.

“You must remember Romel, your good customer?”

“Oh him, yes I remember.”

“Well, I would hope you’d remember him, the man you attempted to rape in your car.”

“What?” from Diane.

“Nothing Diane, don’t listen to him, he’s clearly here to cause trouble, although I don’t know why. I haven’t even seen him before today.”

“That’s true, we haven’t met before, or I’d have dealt with you sooner.”

“I think it’s time you left Edward, and don’t ever come back.”

“I’ve barely started Oliver. I’ll be here all day, or at least as long as it takes you to write an apology to Romel.”

“Should I call the police Oliver, and ask them to escort him off the premises?” Diane asked.

“No, no don’t do that, we can work it out.” Just then another customer came into the office and Oliver said “Welcome, if you’re here for a drop off, Diane will take care of you.”

“Thank you, and may I say, I’ve never before been greeted here he a man in pink overalls. What a great fun idea. Your marketing people are to be congratulated.”

“We always aim to please our customers.”

Then Edward added “It’s true, they have all sorts of ways of pleasing their customers. Just before you walked in, Oliver here, the one in pink, isn’t he gorgeous, told me that I was randomly chosen by their computer to have my car serviced for free today.”

“That’s great for you.”

“Yes, you never know, it could be you next time.” Edward said as he winked at the customer, and added “Now I better not detain you any longer, I suppose you need to get away to your busy day.”

“Yes, I have to get across town to an important meeting. I hope I make it on time or my boss will be furious.”

“We can’t have that, but it’s not a problem. Oliver, the man in pink, doesn’t that sound so delicious. Anyway as I was saying, Oliver will be happy to run you across town after he drops me off locally. We can all go together. It’ll be fun, won’t it Oliver.”

“What?...um...oh of course, no problem at all. Diane have you finished the check-in?”

“Yes Oliver, Mr Reynolds is all good to go.”

“Excellent then we can go. Gentlemen, your carriage awaits.”

“There’s one thing more Oliver, remember you were going to write that note for Mr. Campos.”

“Of course, I’ll do it right away.”

While Oliver was busy writing the apology Edward said to Reynolds “Can I make you a coffee?”

“Oh, I don’t think I have time for coffee.”

“No problem, you can take it with you. Oliver doesn’t mind his clients drinking coffee in his car.” Then turning towards the desk and raising his voice, “Do you Oliver?” He returned a forced smile.

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you Mr. Reynolds, Diane has Tim Tams hidden behind the counter, for special customers.”

“No, I’m ok.”

“Nonsense Mr. Reynolds, Diane will be only too happy to share with you. Won’t you Diane?”

“Of course Sir, why don’t you take the rest of the packet to share on your ride?”

“Oh goody, it’ll be like a little party, just for us. Now I’ll make coffee to both of us and we can be off when Oliver is ready.”

“You seem quite at home here Mr...er.”

“Oh, how rude of me not to introduce myself; please call me Edward.”

“And I’m David.”

“Pleased to meet you David.”

Edward put his arm around David’s shoulder and said “Don’t you just love doing business here, they’re so obliging and it’s always so much fun. I wish I could come here every day just to see what they will come up with next.”

As the two new friends walked away, Edward added “Pink overalls, what a hoot!”