Catering with Benefits (2) - Second Course - 32. LOVE IS IN THE AIR

A few years back Edward had invited his friends to a pre-Christmas dinner at his place and it had now become a tradition with their group. He had first done this as his way of having an end of year get-together before all members of the group went in different directions to celebrate, or not celebrate, Christmas according to their own families’ traditions. Romel usually went back to Manila with his parents, to celebrate Christmas with his extended family, so this was also Edward’s way of celebrating Christmas before his partner went away.

The guest list had grown considerably since last year and was now too large to be accommodated around the dining table, so Edward decided to abandon the traditional baked Christmas dinner. He opted for what has now become the modern Australian Christmas fare of barbecued seafood.

Both Edward and Romel loved Christmas and all the traditions around it. However, the two had very different views on the meaning of Christmas. Romel was Catholic and saw the real meaning of Christmas as being the birth of Christ. Edward was not religious at all and saw Christmas as being a time for celebrating with friends. Despite their different outlooks they both enjoyed the festive happenings. Edward bought a live Christmas tree that Romel decorated. Around the house they hung decorations including a large traditional Filipino star shaped lantern known as a Parol. Edward had brought this back from the Philippines on his first trip and it was now a treasured possession. He always hung it in the front window of their home and illuminated it every night for the season. Outside they had set up a number of table and chair settings and strung up fairy lights in the trees. In the pool Romel had floated a number of inflatable pool toys including a large Santa, sleigh and reindeer set.

First to arrive were Craig and Justin. Craig brought wine for the party and Justin brought a small gift for everyone. Edward was so pleased to see his two closest friends happy. They had been through a year of mixed fortunes. While their business was growing steadily they also had to cope with the issue of Justin’s father’s trial and subsequent jail sentence.

Andy was next to arrive and brought as his guest Dean, the waiter from the Sleaze Bar. As they were putting their beer and wine in the large ice tub by the pool, Raj arrived, closely followed by Thomas and Jared. Courtesy of Mrs. Price, Thomas contributed a carton of Champagne to the festivities. Raj, courtesy of his mum brought a selection of Indian sweets such as Jalebi, Burfi in different flavours, and Gulab Jamun.

Juanito had gone out earlier to collect his contribution and returned with a large cool bag, not containing cold drinks but Leche flan, a favourite Filipino dessert. Last to arrive was Tristan. His contribution to the party was a tall, blond-headed, tanned, ripped body introduced as Snowy.

When all had arrived and were holding the drink of their choice, Edward stood by the pool and called his audience to order. “Hello girls and welcome to our annual Christmas bash.” The older members of the group looked nervously at each other, wondering what surprises Edward might be about to release. “Looking around at this motley collection of mankind I see old friends and new friends. And I’m wondering what can I say to you all today?”

The nervous looks on the faces of some turned immediately to looks of horror. Then as Romel stood, looked at Edward and put his hand over his own mouth, Edward continued,

“I am going to disappoint some of you today. I have nothing more to say other than enjoy your day, enjoy our mutual friendship and have a happy Christmas”.

They all toasted each other, and then Edward added, “Craig would like to say a few words, so I’ll just shut up”.

“Wow! that was a close call. I thought we were in for another roasting, Edward style. Seriously though, on behalf of Justin and myself, I would like to thank you all for your unwavering support during our stressful time earlier this year. You have proven to be true friends with your good wishes and as strange as it might seem, the things you didn’t do were also appreciated. By that I mean giving us our own space to deal with it, but being there when needed. A toast to you all from Justin and me.” After the formalities, the party began to split up into smaller groups, either chatting or playing in the pool.

Edward being the oldest had tended to treat the group as his adopted children and loved to just sit back on occasions like this, red wine in hand and watch them having fun. He looked at Romel, the love of his life and remembered their first meeting. After his bashing in Queensland when he was touring his drag show, he was hospitalised for a few days, but was so anxious to get home that he discharged himself from the hospital and drove home non-stop. He arrived home totally exhausted and while unpacking his car tore some stitches in his groin, where he had been kicked during his beating. He went off to the emergency ward at St. Vincent’s hospital where he was attended to by a handsome young nurse. While the nurse acted professionally throughout the medical procedure, Edward sensed, the feeling of interest he felt for the young nurse, was reciprocal. After having his wound re-stitched he was given some discharge notes on how to take care of the wound. He was told by the nurse if he took care of himself he would not need to return as the stitches were self-dissolving.

“What if I do have problems though?”

“Then you will need to return here, but you will look after yourself, won’t you?” pleaded the nurse. Edward then borrowed a pen from the nurse, scribbled his phone number on the corner of his discharge notes, tore it off, gave it to the nurse and added “I promise to be good, if you give me a call.”

“That’s a deal.” replied the nurse.

A few days later Edward received a call “Hello, this is Romel, do you remember me from St. Vinnies A & E?”

The sound of a large splash from the pool snapped Edward back to the present. He saw Craig standing behind Justin with his arms tightly around him while they both watched the water babies in the pool. Craig had been the next of this group that came into Edward’s life, as he was a work colleague of Romel’s at the hospital. Over a period of two years he had met three boyfriends of Craig’s but it was not until he met Justin that Edward had seen the look of true love in Craig’s eyes. Edward regarded himself as a good judge of people, especially their honesty and commitment. He saw that in Justin very shortly after their first meeting. The strength of the relationship between these two boys had grown steadily over the past two years and Edward felt confident that this was going to last a lifetime.

Tristan had been introduced into the group by Craig. Although Edward loved him as much as the others, he still remained a mystery to Edward. He knew he was a dancer but that was about all. Tristan had not had a boyfriend at all since they had met: not even short term. Now, today he rocks up with this guy named Snowy, so Edward thought, ‘I need to find out what this Snowy has that Tristan has not seen in any other man until now’.

Edward laughed out loud when he saw Justin push Raj into the pool fully clothed. Then he remembered the time when all five of them decided to go west one night to eat at an Indian restaurant that rated highly in the Good Eats magazine. They were served by a waiter, whom they later found out, was the son of the owners. After the end of service, the group stayed on chatting and finishing their drinks. Raj was dispatched by his father to encourage the group to call it a night, as they were the only patrons left in the restaurant. But, instead of evicting them, Raj was easily seduced and joined them at the table. When his father noticed this, he walked to the table and asked the group, “Did you enjoy your meal gentlemen?”

Edward answered on behalf of the group. “It was fit for a Maharaja or a bunch of raging Maharanis”.

“Very good Sir.” answered Raj’s father, rather curtly. Then added, “Raj my boy, here are the keys, I trust you will lock up securely when you and your friends leave.”

“Sure Dad, and thanks.”

Edward smiled privately when he remembered the occasion.

It was not until their next meeting that both Romel and Raj remembered they had previously met at a sauna. Romel told Edward, it was just before they had met at the hospital.

 

As he sat there surveying his mini-kingdom of subjects having fun Edward noticed Romel beckoning him to come over to the poolside. When he arrived Romel said, “We need an impartial judge for our nipple competition.”

“Why am I considered impartial, I have nipples too.”

“Yes, but yours are not adorned with diamonds and precious metals.”

Craig explained further, in his best announcer’s voice, “We have here today three beautiful bodies that are all stunning in their own rights. But they have, all three, been embellished with the addition of Andre designed jewellery.”

“OK boys line up over there by the pool and I will inspect your wares; I might even glance at the jewellery. Perhaps Craig could do the commentary as I inspect.”

Justin, Jared and Dean took their places ready for the inspection. Just as Edward was about to begin, Tristan asked, “Can I nominate another entrant even though he is not wearing an Andre design?”

Snowy had been wearing a short waistcoat that revealed a sculptured body but had until now hidden his nipple jewellery.

“Of course,” replied Edward, “Show us what you’ve got.” Snowy removed his waistcoat to reveal some very handsome nipple wear.

“Please take your place on the catwalk Snowy.” asked Edward.

“OK, now we’ve really got a competition.” said Craig and commenced his commentary. “Entrant number one is my lovely Justin who today is wearing a matching set of dumbbells each bearing two hand cut diamonds. His nipples have been pierced and stretched to accommodate the large gauge rods.”

Justin took his cue and paraded past the assembled audience.

“Now entrant number two is Jared, who displays the cure for his phobia to snakes. Curled around each nipple is a coiled snake in silver. Jared is not pierced but the snakes are kept in place by the pressure from four pins biting into his nipples. The pressure can be adjustable to suit the wearer’s pain threshold.”

Jared proudly displayed his chest adornments and flexed his pecs as he passed by.

“Our next entrant, Dean is wearing Andre’s latest design. Each nipple is pierced by a locked miniature hand-made padlock. The story behind the padlocks is this. I am told they are a symbol of trust. As I see it, Andy holds the keys and Dean trusts him not to lose them.”

The crowd laughed, then Craig added, “Also, if either wish to terminate the relationship they can ask for the padlocks to be removed.”

Dean was so proud to be asked to do this that he did his catwalk strut twice to ensure he would be noticed.

“Now gentlemen our last minute entrant is Snowy, who only joined our group today, so firstly give him a warm welcome”. Glasses were raised to Snowy.

“Entrant number four is wearing a large gauge ring in each nipple. Hanging from each ring is what appears to be a finely sculptured, almost lace-like snow flake. Is that correct?” asked Craig.

“Yes.” replied Snowy.

“Is there some significance to them?”

Tristan took over, “They represent snowballs.”

“So are you a skier Snowy?” asked Craig, but before Snowy could answer Justin tapped Craig on the shoulder and whispered “Don’t push this any further.”

Tristan noticed and explained, “It’s OK guys, we don’t want to have secrets from our friends. We are both into snowballing, that’s how we met.”

There were a few blank faces among the crowd and smirks on the others.

“I think you need to explain Tristan, remember how confused I was when you told me.” said Justin.

“Well guys we get together in a group of about four or five. Then each one of us sucks off another guy or in my case I can suck off myself. Then the first guy passes the load in his mouth to the next guy and then he passes the combined load to the next guy and so on. That’s why it’s called snowballing. The ball of cum gets bigger as it rolls from one mouth to the next.”

Raj was totally astonished and asked, “So what happens then, does the last guy spit it out?”

“No, not at all; it depends on the group decision. Sometimes one guy will get to swallow it all or sometimes it is passed back down the line and each one swallows a bit of it and passes on the rest.”

The group looked at Raj, who was visibly upset and looked like he was about to throw up.

“Are you OK Raj?” asked Tristan, “I didn’t mean to shock you.”

“No problem, I get it.” Raj just managed to get the words out and retain the contents of his stomach.

Sensing he was losing control of the situation, Edward said, “Now after that brief interlude explaining how to exchange bodily fluids, I think we should get back to the judging of the nipple wear.” Edward paraded up and down the line-up like the Queen inspecting her guard of honour and then spoke.

“One is suitably impressed by this display of manly beauty and hot hard bodies. But one must not display favouritism among one’s subjects.” Then looking at Romel ordered. “My liege, do pass one a bottle of bubbly.” Edward popped the bottle, put his thumb over the top and shook it. He then announced, “May God bless these vessels and all who enter them.” as he sprayed the boys with the champagne. “My subjects you are all winners in the eyes of this old queen. Congratulations! Now I order you into the pool to give one a demonstration of your swimming abilities”.

Craig winked at Justin and the others quickly picked up on the plan. Then Craig announced “Troops, bear your queen on high and carry her this way.” With that hint the four contestants hoisted Edward up and carried him above their heads to the edge of the pool and unceremoniously threw him in, accompanied by a big cheer from all.

Uncharacteristically, Edward took it in the fun spirit in which it was intended. He tried to climb out of the pool with some dignity but failed miserably, so Jared and Snowy pulled him out and deposited him on a sun lounge to dry off.

Edward announced, “As a suitable punishment for that disgraceful display of treachery one will not be cooking today. Romel and Craig, you two are placed in charge of the rest of the slaves. I want a right royal feast prepared forthwith and don’t spare the lashes if required”.

Romel oversaw the operation, by placing Craig in charge of the barbecue and Justin in charge of drinks. The rest went about enjoying the fun of the day. Raj and Juanito met at the drinks tub and after selecting their drinks wandered off together. The two new sets of lovers clung to each other as expected. Tristan would not let Snowy out of his sight as did Andy with Dean. That left Thomas and Jared to chat with Edward while the meal was prepared.

Edward used this opportunity to fill in the gaps in his knowledge about Thomas and Jared.

“Tell me guys, do you both work for the Price’s business?”

Thomas answered, “No, we both work for the family at their home in Castle Hill. I am Mrs. Price’s personal assistant in a secretarial manner and Jared is her new live-in intimate assistant.”

“Is that what it’s called these days?”

“We prefer that term Edward.”

“Now don’t you two have history also?”

“Yes we used to be in a relationship but that ended about six months ago, unfortunately.”

“Yet, you still hang out together.”

“We work in the same house so of course we see each other and whatever our differences we can still be friends.” added Jared.

“That’s nice. Now tell me about the nipple wear, I hear there is a story about snakes?”

Thomas explained about the trip to Southpine and why he had Andy design the jewellery. Then Edward asked. “Can I take a closer look at the jewellery and can you demonstrate how you fit them?”

“No problem,” replied Jared as he removed one of the snakes. “Let me show you Edward” he said as he put the snake over Edward’s nipple and started to tighten the pins. “Is that OK?”

“Sure, but doesn’t look as good on me as it does on you.”

“It’s not just about the looks.” said Jared as he tightened it a little more.

“Fuck! That hurts.”

“OK, I’ll stop there.”

“I’m getting used to it now.”

“Would you like it tighter?”

“Yes, I’m beginning to like it.” so Jared turned the wheel a little tighter, then removed his second piece and placed it on Edward.

“Just for balance, Edward.” Then taking Edward’s hand put his finger on the adjustment wheel and said. ”You can adjust it yourself.”

Edward fiddled with the jewellery adjustment while Thomas said “Jared, I don’t think Edward wants to give you back your jewellery, he seems to be having too much fun.”

“I see what you mean when you told me in the interview that you become used to the pain and want more. I can see how this could become addictive.” said Edward.

“If you want to explore it further I’m happy to help you.”

“Thank you Jared, now you’d better take back your jewellery before I become too attached to them. Come to think of it, they seem pretty well attached to me already.”

Thomas took the opportunity to put the snakes back on Jared and thought about the first time he did that when he gave them to Jared as his first gift. Just touching Jared’s skin gave Thomas an erection and a warm all over feeling. Then that turned to a shiver as he realised how foolish he had been in his relationship with Jared. He resolved to fix that and set about winning back Jared’s trust and heart. The two wandered off leaving Edward to think about his introduction to pain for pleasure.

Just nearby but out of earshot Raj and Juanito were in conversation. Raj said to Juanito “I feel so embarrassed about the way I reacted when Tristan was talking about snowballing.”

“Don’t worry about it; it’s not for everybody. Can’t say I’ve tried it myself. Sure I’ve swallowed cum but not a combined load.” replied Juanito.

“I haven’t but still don’t know why I reacted so strongly.”

“Funny thing though, it seems to be the basis of their relationship.”

“Well, its how they met, not necessarily what keeps them together.”

“And you Raj, do you have someone special that you didn’t bring today?”

“No, not yet, but maybe one day. What about you?”

“I’m the same, but my previous work made that a bit difficult.”

“Why were you away a lot?”

“No, not that.”

“So what is it about your job that made a relationship difficult?”

“You mean you don’t know what I used to do?”

“No, tell me.”

“I now work as a waiter for Justin, but I used to be an escort for hire, or commonly known as a rent boy.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that. So does that mean you can now have a relationship?”

“Yes, of course, but the person would have to understand what I used to do and be comfortable with that.”

“And would you like that?”

“I would very much, but I don’t expect it will happen soon.”

“I can understand why a potential partner may be put off by your past.”

“Perhaps you’re right. You seem to have a good understanding of the situation Raj.”

“I try to see the positive when I can.”

“Good man, so tell me about yourself.”

 

In another corner of the garden Jared and Thomas both sat cross-legged on the lawn, facing each other. Thomas asked “Do you remember the last time we sat like this facing each other?”

“Should I, was it at Southpine?”

“No it wasn’t. It was in your bed, you asked me to move in with you and I found a door key stashed up your arse.”

“Yes, right.”

“But I didn’t get much use out of that key: due to my own stupidity.”

“So do you want to go over that again?”

“No, on the contrary, I want us to forget it ever happened.”

“And if it never happened, where would that leave us?”

“Together?”

 

Just then Justin came around telling everyone that the meal was ready and they should come while it was hot or at least before all the lobster and prawns were eaten. The food was cooked to perfection by Craig and they all scoffed it down with salads made by Romel and generous amounts of wine and beer.

Then as dessert was offered, someone noted it seemed odd, that after a very Aussie meal of barbecued seafood, the desserts were Indian and Filipino. Edward replied, “And what’s not Aussie about that? In this harmonious nation of over 160 nationalities, is there anything that is not modern Australian when it comes to food?”

“Very well put Edward.” replied Craig, and Thomas started to chant, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” then the rest joined in to complete the chant, “Oi, Oi, Oi”.

As they were finishing their exotic desserts, Justin remembered he had brought gifts for all and thought dessert time was a good time to hand them out. He disappeared into the house and re-appeared about five minutes later. As he strode down the path towards his friends, he called for their attention. He was carrying a serving tray at waist height, that hid his nakedness. On the tray were eleven gifts for his friends. “Please take one each.” he offered. The curious friends did as asked and as they started to unwrap their gifts realised they were chocolate penises.

“Which famous porn star modelled for these?” asked Jared.

“Oh it’s no porn star,” replied Craig, “behold....the original.” as Justin removed the serving tray and stood there in full bloom.

“Compare, if you have any doubts.”

“I think I will do just that.” suggested Thomas, as he kneeled down in front of Justin, holding the chocolate version in his left hand. He then took Justin in his right hand and announced to the group. “I think we have a match, but I fear they are softening at the same rate. The one in my left hand is softening due to the heat from my hand and the hot sun. The one in my right hand is softening because the heat from my hand is not enough to keep it excited. How disappointing.”

“Well done to you both” toasted Tristan “and now that Justin has set the tone, how about we all go skinny dipping?”

Edward watched as everyone stripped off and jumped into the pool. This was the first time the whole group had been over to enjoy the pool. He had originally been against the idea of a pool when Romel first suggested it. But he eventually came around to the idea and was now convinced it was great; especially today when he so much enjoyed watching his friends frolic in the water under the warm mid-summer sun.

While the skinny dipping was being enjoyed Edward started clearing dishes and glasses from the yard and had the first load in the dishwasher by the time he noticed, through the kitchen window, Jared and Justin in deep conversation on the deck.

“Do you think we might be related Justin?” asked Jared.

“We could be distantly related, what are your parents’ names?”

“I’ll have to check my birth certificate and let you know.”

“What do you mean, why don’t you know your parents’ names?”

“I was adopted at birth.”

“So if Haynes is not your birth name, how could we be related?”

“I was raised with the surname Miller, the name of my adoptive parents, but they didn’t change my birth certificate. So when I had to get official documents like passport and driver’s licence that required a birth certificate, it seemed easier to use my birth name so I took Haynes as my surname.”

“So have you ever wondered about your birth parents?”

“Not really; I was very happy growing up and when my parents told me, I was about seven years old. It didn’t seem a big deal to me then and I didn’t think much about it until recently when I realised we had the same surname.”

“Well let me know your parents’ names and I will check with my mum and my aunt Julia to see if they know of any family connection.”

“I will, but first I have to find my birth certificate, I think it’s still with family documents at my parents’ place. I’m spending some time with them over the holidays so I’ll look for it then.”

“OK, we can talk about it after Christmas.”

“You said you would check with your mother and your aunt, did your father die?”

“No, but he is dead to me.”

“So you two don’t get along?”

“We have had a difficult relationship for many years; especially since he found out I was gay and threw me out of the house.”

“That’s awful, so is your mother still married to him?”

“Technically, yes, but we don’t see him now that he’s in prison.”

“Fuck! What happened?”

“He killed a guy earlier this year and he’s in prison for twenty five years.”

“Why did he kill him?”

“It goes back a long way. When I was in high school, he was the handyman at my school and one day we were caught at it. The school hushed it all up but my father was informed and they decided to keep it from my mum. About a year later she found out, and that was when he threw me out of the house. I went to live with my Aunt and have hardly ever seen him since. Then earlier this year, without warning, he bashed the same guy to death in a toilet at Parramatta.”

“That must be awful for you. How’s your mum coping with it?”

“She’s doing OK now. She left the family home and has a small flat near Craig and me. She has been well accepted by Craig’s family so she has plenty of support. Gran, that’s Craig’s grandmother is a big fan of my mum, so they get on really well. She’s rebuilding her life and is the happiest I’ve seen her for many years.”

“That’s some story; now I understand why Craig said it was a difficult year for you and your mum.”

“It was, but we’re both happy now.”

“Good, maybe we should get back to the party.”

As the two boys walked down the path away from the house, Edward could not help but notice that from behind it was difficult to tell them apart with their strong straight backs, firm rounded butts and long muscular legs. He thought that if he had been a father he would have been proud of sons like these.

Justin had been curious all day about Tristan and his boyfriend. After all Tristan’s claims that he did not need a personal partner, he wanted to know what happened to change this. But he found it difficult to separate the two so that he could chat to Tristan on his own. He finally got his chance when he saw Snowy head off to the bathroom. He quickly asked Edward to distract Snowy when he returned from the bathroom and took Tristan off into a far corner of the garden.

“Well, you owe me an explanation, friend. I thought you did not need any one else in your life.”

“I know I said that, and I meant it at the time, but something just happened and I couldn’t control it.”

“What happened, what changed?”

“It was only two weeks ago when our snowballing group meeting was due. We usually have four or five guys but on this occasion only Snowy and I showed up. That’s not really enough for a group snowballing session but we decided to proceed anyway. I usually suck myself but as there were only two of us we did a sixty-nine so it would be equal. Then it happened”.

“What happened?”

“As we attempted to swap our cum, mouth to mouth, it turned into a kiss. The group is usually careful not to let this happen so it does not lead to anything. But it was just us two and our lip contact lingered on and on. It felt so good I forgot about the purpose of our lip contact. We swapped cum back and forth a few times but never separated our lips. Then he put his arms around me and I instinctively put my hands behind his head and held him close to me. I felt our cocks pressed hard against each other and realised something strange was happening to me”.

“Strange that your cock was hard?”

“No, it was the feeling somewhere inside that not only felt so good, but made me feel it would leave a hole in me if it stopped.”

“Have you not felt that before?”

“No, it was at the same time, good but strange. Is that love?”

“Probably not so soon, but it is the feeling you get when you are in love. It’s the feeling that you get when a special person comes into your thoughts or passes by or touches you. Is that what you felt?”

“Yes, that’s it exactly.”

“On the first occasion, it’s probably just lust, but if it lasts then it could be love.”

“It’s lasted for two weeks so far. We have not been apart for one night since then. Unless we are working, we are together and usually in each other’s arms. Oh Justin, it’s so good. I don’t know why it has taken so long for me to experience this.”

“Maybe you should not have resisted for so long.”

“Maybe, but now that I’ve felt it, I don’t want it to end. Justin I can tell you this as you are my closest confidant. Justin, I think I’m in love. There I said it.”

“Have you said it to Snowy yet?”

“No, should I?”

“That is the general idea; when you love someone you tell them.”

“What if he does not love me, what would I do then?”

“You must have some idea how he feels about you; after all you said you have been together constantly for the last two weeks.”

“I suppose that means something and someone’s got to say it first.”

“Well if you feel that way, tell him. Here he comes now.”

As Justin saw Snowy approaching he also saw Edward behind him, mouthing ‘sorry’.

“I’ll leave you to it”.

Justin went over to Edward to thank him for his co-operation in delaying Snowy.

“What was that about?” asked Edward

Justin explained as he watched Tristan and Snowy both dive into the pool. When they surfaced they embraced, and seemed to be talking softly. Snowy had his back to the side of the pool where Justin and Edward were sitting and Tristan was facing towards them. As Edward remarked, “Aint young love grand,” Justin saw Tristan give him a thumbs up sign. “What’s that about?” asked Edward.

“I think their love has just been confirmed.”

“How sweet, but I hope there won’t be too much cum released into my pool, it could play havoc with the filter system.”

“Edward, don’t spoil the moment.”

“Sorry, I must keep the cynical bitch under control. You know, today has been a perfectly wonderful day. Love is in the air all around.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well firstly there was Andy showing up with Dean then you just confirmed Tristan and Snowy. That’s Tristan’s first since I’ve known him. Also if I’m not mistaken this old queen has sniffed out love between another couple here today.”

“Who, tell me?”

“There is definitely something happening between Raj and Juanito. Just watch them and you will see the sparkle in their eyes.”

“You’re not just a dizzy old drag queen are you? You really are a true romantic.”

“Maybe, and I’ll tell you something else for nothing. Don’t be surprised if you soon hear that Thomas and Jared are back together. Remember you heard it first from mother.”

“It’s hard to tell with those two. First there on together, then they have a bust up, then Thomas gives Jared the job and they have to work together.”

“And don’t you smell something in that arrangement?”

“No, what do you mean?”

“Thomas is keeping Jared within reach for himself, but far enough out of reach of anyone else.”

“Edward, it’s amazing what you see in people and the conclusions you draw, but I have to admit, I think you’re right on the money with this one.”

“Thank you young man; always listen to your elders sometimes there are gems to be picked up for free. You know, I just don’t want this day to end it’s been so Absolutely Fabulous.”

“In that case can we do it again soon?”

“As often as you want son... Sorry I meant Justin”.

“That’s OK, I wouldn’t mind a father as supportive as you.”

“Now stop that; don’t make this dizzy old queen get all teary.”

“I just realised something Edward. Remember we used to be half couples and half singles, then all these new singles joined our group and in no time we’re all couples. Does that say something about our group dynamics?”

“It probably says more about the high testosterone levels around here and the food we serve like seafood with lots of lemon, beef and egg salad”.

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind, just keep eating your protein and you will have big muscles and a happy love life”.