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    Wombat Bill
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
May contain graphic sexual content

Catering With Benefits (3) - An Appetite for More - 6. Is It a Lesbian Thing?

A few days later, Tristan and Snowy arrived for lunch. After greetings, Craig went to the kitchen and Justin joined Tristan and Snowy. “Tristan, are you still alcohol free or will you join us and have a glass of wine?”

“I drink a little these days, not as strict as I used to be about that.”

“Or other matters either, I have noticed.”

“OK, I’ve relaxed my standards.”

“I don’t think you’ve relaxed your standards, but the contrary, you’ve raised your standards to allow Snowy into your life.”

“Alright, I used to be a dickhead when I was a soloist, I get it. Happy now?”

“Good man.” replied Justin as he poured four glasses of wine, then called Craig to join them.

“OK guys, go out onto the patio and take a seat at the table. Justin, will you help me take out the lunch?”

“Sure thing.”

Over lunch they got to learn more about Snowy and in turn shared some of their stories and especially the brief history of their business.

Snowy told them, he grew up, mostly in Goulburn NSW. His mother moved he and his sister there to be close to his father when he was jailed for corporate fraud when Snowy was only seven years old and his sister four. His mother raised her children as a single parent while her husband was imprisoned and continued to do so even after his release, as he deserted the family only a few months after being re-united with them. The years in prison had not prepared him for a return to fatherhood and the love between him and his wife simply faded away due to their separation. But the family of three was by then well established in Goulburn so they stayed on as his mother wanted her children to finish their schooling without the disruption of moving again. Snowy only left when he needed to transfer to Sydney to take up study at Ryde. His mother and sister remained in Goulburn.

During high school, Snowy took up body building as a follow on to his earlier interest in martial arts which he started in primary school. Many partners of prisoners move their families to Goulburn when their husbands are imprisoned there. In Snowy’s case this became known at school and he was bullied because of it. This prompted his mother to enroll him in self-defence classes and it was an interest Snowy maintained until he discovered body building. He maintains his interest to this day and is president of his college’s gym club.

When Justin asked, “How many guys did you take down with Karate chops?” Snowy replied,

“Not one, I only had to strike an attack pose and they would walk away.”

“But you could have if you need to?”

“Of course, but the intent is to avoid a fight, and if that can’t be avoided then you just disable your opponent not injure them. But, they didn’t want to risk it, I guess.”

“Super! The power of brain over brawn.”

“Yes, I wasn’t heavily built in those days, in fact I was a scrawny kid, but it’s not about muscle in Karate, it’s all about technique.”

“...and scaring the shit out of the would-be bullies.”

“Yeah, that works too.”

“Now Justin, I want to know more about your business and especially how you started waiting topless. Tristan tells me it’s a great story.”

Justin related the story of the red wine incident and Craig told how he started the business while he was still nursing and overheard a conversation between some young doctors.

“So you used to be a nurse Craig?”

“Yes, I trained straight after graduating from high school and worked at St. Vincent’s hospital for about 10 years.”

“Yes, that’s where we met,” said Justin. “I was a patient and Craig was my nurse.”

Then Tristan remembered how they met and asked, “Please tell Snowy how you two met, it’s even better than the red wine story.”

Craig and Justin shared the telling of the catheterisation story and Snowy had a great laugh. When he managed to stop laughing he said, “You guys really have some great stories, I think it would be fun working with you two.”

“Yes we have had some fun times since we met and some difficult times as well.”

“Would it be rude to ask about that?”

“No, you have been honest with us about your father so I should be the same.” replied Justin.

“Oh what happened to your father?”

“He was jailed last year, for murder.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...”

“It’s OK, I said I would be honest. He killed someone from my past. When I was in high school I was caught sucking off the school handyman. My dad was told, but it was kept from my mum. When she found out months later she confronted my dad about it and after an argument he threw me out of the house, because I was gay and he is very homophobic. Anyway, last year he came across Sam in a toilet at Parramatta. He must have snapped and bashed the guy. Sam died from the injuries and my father was caught on CCTV.”

“That must have been awful for you. How did your mum take it?”

“Naturally she was devastated at the time, but she’s recovering now and has actually moved to this area, so she can be close to Craig and me.”

“You said he threw you out of the house, so did you go back?”

“No, I never went back to that house and have never spoken to my father since. I used to live with my aunts and my cousins until I moved in with Craig.”

“I don’t know what to say Justin, that is all so sad, and I thought I had it bad.”

“I’m alright with it now, thanks to Craig and his family’s support. They have really been wonderful to me and my mum.”

Sensing the mood was becoming sombre, Tristan tried to change the direction of the conversation. “So have you guys heard that Snowy is having dance lessons?”

“Yes, you told me and I’m glad you reminded me.”

“So you’ve also heard that I am thinking of doing stripping work?”

“Yes, I’m sure we can find some way to exploit your talent in that area. You know, now that same sex marriage is legal we are hoping to get a lot of work from the gay community. Also, as I am spending more time on management duties I need someone to replace me sometimes.”

Craig sought to temper Justin’s enthusiasm. “Tristan, what production are you working on at present?”

“The company does not have a current project for me so I am just surviving by giving dance classes. That’s what we do between productions to keep the company running.”

“That’s disappointing.” said Justin.

“But I have been putting all this free time to some use. I’ve been planning a production of my own.”

“With your favourite choreographer.”

“No, I’m choreographing it myself.”

An excited Justin said “Tell us about it.”

“Its’ going to be very contemporary and totally different to anything staged in this country before.”

“Wow, will it be staged by the SDC?”

“No, I won’t even offer it to them, I don’t think it is their thing so when I think it’s ready I plan to stage it myself.”

“That’s a big plan Tristan.” said Craig “Are you ready for that?”

“I believe I am. I’ll have to get a backer to help with finance. I’m confident but I don’t want to say too much about it yet, except to say, it’s going to be very sexy with an all male ensemble.”

“Hush Hush, I get it. We’ve got something big coming up ourselves.” offered Justin.

“Oh really, what’s that, a new fundraiser function for the foundation you’re involved with?”

“Justin, we shouldn’t be talking about this yet.” admonished Craig.

“But Tristan’s my best friend, why can’t I share with him, he’s told us about his plan.”

“Ok, but it’s very early days and will involve some confidential negotiations, so I wouldn’t want our intentions to get out.”

“Let me tell them Craig.” After a nod from Craig, Justin continued. “We might be buying a restaurant, but keep it to yourself.”

“Have you found one yet?”

“Yes, but we haven’t spoken to the owner yet so it’s hush hush also.”

“That sounds great.” said Snowy “Maybe I could get an apprenticeship there.”

“Hey slow down, all of you.” said Craig.

“Well maybe a casual job.” added Justin.

***

Charlie was thrilled to accept the invitation to dine at Craig’s and secretly relished the thought that he had been right all those years ago when he saw a future for Craig in cooking.

“Charlie, I may be speaking out of turn here, but are you aware the owner wants to sell the restaurant.”

“Oh yes, Poppy made sure Warwick told us as soon as he made the decision. But how did you know and why are you asking?”

“A friend of mine, who was nursing the owner at St Vincent’s found out directly from him and passed the information on to me when he heard we were looking for a commercial kitchen.”

“So this catering business of yours is doing that well.”

“Yes, we have been very successful and continuing to grow.”

“You know, when we first met and you showed a flare for cooking, I knew you were a natural, but I dismissed it as wishful thinking. Knowing how much effort you put into your nursing studies, I thought you would stay at it forever. Apart from the interest in cooking there must have been something that made you chuck in a steady career and go into the uncertain world of catering.”

Knowing that Craig was prickly about this question Justin sought to change the direction of the conversation. “Charlie, did you say the owner is called Poppy?”

“Yes, it’s only a nickname that his grandchildren gave him, so when he opened the restaurant he named it in honour of them and it goes with the French theme.”

“I thought it was a flower.” countered Justin.

“Well it is of course and that’s why it has a French connection.”

Justin looked confused so Craig said “I’ll explain later about Flanders Poppies.”

“No, hang on, I get it now. That’s why we wear poppies on Remembrance Day.”

“Yes” answered Charlie, “Now tell me Craig are you really interested in the restaurant?”

“We are, but it’s early days and we have to consider a lot of things, not the least being its profitability and finance.”

“Well I wouldn’t leave it too long to speak to Poppy. Once it goes on the market I think they’ll be a lot of interest.”

“It’s really that good?”

“Yes, it turns a good profit for Poppy and his family.”

“Would you consider taking it over yourself?”

“I did think of that... for about five minutes... and then realised my interests are really in creating the best possible dishes and seeing them cooked to perfection. I don’t need all the worry about staffing and cash flows and all that management stuff. Managing two sous chefs and a few assistants is enough for me.”

“So, I wouldn’t be treading on your toes if I did go ahead with this?”

“Not at all my man, and for what it’s worth, I think you’d be good at it?”

“But how would you feel about working for me?”

“Do you mean would I leave if the business was sold?”

“No, I mean how would you feel about working for someone you trained, but has far less experience than you?”

“Craig, you know I respect you as a hard worker, a quick learner and someone who is willing to give your best to anything you try. I would love to work for you. And it can’t hurt for you to have someone who is already on your side when taking over. Kitchens can be very competitive environments.”

Craig was a little overcome by Charlie’s words, so Justin stepped into the silence. “I think we’re all going to love working to together Charlie. I’m really excited.”

“So, tell me Justin, what is your line of work, do you cook also?”

“No, at least not professionally; I can manage day to day at home, but that’s all. I’m a waiter.”

“Oh that’s nice.” Charlie said disappointedly.

Then it was Craig’s turn to rescue Justin. “I should explain Charlie, Justin is more than a waiter. He is an equal partner in our business and his unique waiting skills have greatly contributed to the success of our business. In fact, Justin is what sets us apart from the average caterers out there.”

“As you can imagine, I’ve worked with a lot of waiters over the years. No offence intended Justin, but apart from being efficient, polite, attentive and service oriented what else is there to waiting?”

“I shall put it this way Charlie. Most of our clients, until recently have been women.”

Charlie looked blankly at Craig and said “So.”

“Should I go and change?” asked Justin.

“No, I think I can explain it. Charlie, when women are in women’s only company they behave differently.”

“Oh, I get it. Is It a lesbian thing?”

“No!”

“Then I’m still not getting it.”

“They have a few drinks and drop their inhibitions.” Charlie still looked confused so Craig picked up his phone and searched for the picture he took of his Gran accepting a drink from Justin. When he showed it to Charlie he asked “And grown, adult and even senior women go for this?”

“It’s the reason for our success. That’s why we’re called Catering with Benefits.”

“Well, I’ll be buttered on both sides, who would have thought. I know those Chippydales, or whatever, are popular with hens nights, but I would never have thought of combining that with good food. I must have spent too many years locked away in kitchens.”

“You must come and see us sometime Charlie.” said Justin.

“May I ask, if you buy the restaurant would this be the type of service you will be offering?”

“Not on a regular basis.” answered Craig.

“But we may do special nights. Wouldn’t we Craig?”

Craig did not answer, but Charlie added “I’m in, how can I help you boys get the restaurant?”

“First thing, we need to talk to Mr Prentice and see how much he wants for it.”

“I’m pretty close to Poppy, he poached me from my last position and I helped him get the business off the ground, so I may have a bit of sway with him. I want you boys to get this but at the same time I don’t want to see him short changed, so I’ll try to help both sides. Fair enough?”

“Thank you Charlie.”

 

Next Chapter - Poppy makes a call. - Justin balances brain and brawn.
Copyright © 2021 Wombat Bill; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments

@Wombat Bill I am a little disappointed that neither @ReaderPaulor @chris191070enquired about 'The Big Merino' featured in the chapter image. I was so looking forward to either you or I regaling them with a history of 'The Big Merino', 'The Big Banana', 'The Big Oyster' and 'The Big Prawn', all "star attractions" in their own right.

I am somewhat puzzled by Craig's obvious reluctance to consider offering any work to Snowy. Perhaps I don't need my crystal ball after all; there may be an attraction there on Craig's part which he is not willing to risk inflaming with close contact. Or perhaps I am just full of it and "noticing" things which do not even exist. 

Tristan's production sounds very ambitious. I wonder if there is some way it could be incorporated in its complete form, or part thereof, into one of Cynthia's
fund-raising events. I apprehend at least some of the bored and wealthy doctors' wives who attend these functions may be subscribers to the Sydney Dance Company; and, may be of use in helping to obtain funding or bringing Tristan's production to a wider audience. They would also no doubt appreciate a good perv on an all male cast in tights (or am I projecting).

I was intrigued by the chapter title as always. I could not have imagined the derivation of 'Is it a Lesbian Thing'. The fact that Charlie appears to have posed this question with all the innocent naïveté of a child, made it even funnier. 

@Wombat BillI liken An Appetite for More to the peeling of an onion or the pulling apart of a lettuce; the removal of the skin or the outer less edible leaves, revealing the heart which lies within. 

Edited by Summerabbacat
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@ReaderPaul, the third image is the prison at Goulburn, in which Snowy's father was incarcerated. It also has the Supermax prison that "hosts" the most notorious serial killers and terrorists. In CWB part one, when Jared and Thomas go to Southpine, there is mention of a real serial killer Ivan Milat. He was in the supermax until his recent death. My neighbour is a prison guard there. Goulburn is also our nearest town for shopping etc. 

The Big Merino is one the biggest of the 'Big Things" Australian small towns have a passion for building as tourist attractions. Usually connected with the town's history or industry. In this case the area has long been a wool growing area. We don't have Stonehenges or Mt Rushmores. 

If you look closely at the pic you will see a car parked at the hoof of the merino. That will give you some idea of the size. It houses a gift shop and you can climb to the top and look out the eyes. There are three parking spaces at the rear of the animal and these are always occupied as they give the closest view of the animal's balls. Also a favourite photo op for tourists. 

I will let @Summerabbacat explain about the other big things. Among the various animals and vegetables there is also the town of  Dunedoo's attempt to be put on the map. 

Happy browsing guys. 

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13 hours ago, Summerabbacat said:

Or perhaps I am just full of it and "noticing" things which do not even exist. 

Craig was merely being cautious and not offering a job that may not exist.

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8 hours ago, Wombat Bill said:

@ReaderPaul, the third image is the prison at Goulburn, in which Snowy's father was incarcerated. It also has the Supermax prison that "hosts" the most notorious serial killers and terrorists. In CWB part one, when Jared and Thomas go to Southpine, there is mention of a real serial killer Ivan Milat. He was in the supermax until his recent death. My neighbour is a prison guard there. Goulburn is also our nearest town for shopping etc. 

The Big Merino is one the biggest of the 'Big Things" Australian small towns have a passion for building as tourist attractions. Usually connected with the town's history or industry. In this case the area has long been a wool growing area. We don't have Stonehenges or Mt Rushmores. 

If you look closely at the pic you will see a car parked at the hoof of the merino. That will give you some idea of the size. It houses a gift shop and you can climb to the top and look out the eyes. There are three parking spaces at the rear of the animal and these are always occupied as they give the closest view of the animal's balls. Also a favourite photo op for tourists. 

I will let @Summerabbacat explain about the other big things. Among the various animals and vegetables there is also the town of  Dunedoo's attempt to be put on the map. 

Happy browsing guys. 

@Wombat Bill and @ReaderPaul I took little notice of the third image, captivated as I was by the sight of 'The Big Merino' (LOL). In passing I assumed the third image was a church of some description. Church, prison, mmmm no further comment.

@ReaderPaul, my "disappointment" in you and @chris191070 was certainly expressed in jest; an invitation for one of you to question either @Wombat Bill or me (or is it I?). 

The other referenced 'Big Things' are similar to 'The Big Merino' in that they symbolise a plant or non-plant locally grown for human consumption, for which the town in question is, or was at the time the 'Big Thing' was built, renowned. 'The Big Banana' is at Coffs Harbour, 'The Big Prawn' is at Ballina and 'The Big Oyster' is at Taree, all of which are towns on the North Coast of NSW. I feel quite comfortable lampooning the 'Big Things' as I grew up in one of these towns (not Goulburn which is neither coastal nor north), although the 'Big Thing' was built in my hometown subsequent to my departure therefrom.

I think Coffs Harbour is still strongly identified with 'The Big Banana', but the other two perhaps not so much with their respective 'Big Thing'. For me at least, Ballina is now known for being a town which did have one of the last surviving natural habitats for koalas in northern NSW, until it was almost wiped out before the bushfires, during the bushfires, and now has been after the bushfires because of indiscriminate building of homes for humans. It is a seaside town where many baby boomers have retired, and has thus grown significantly with apparently little regard for the environment and non-human animals. I would like to hold the fucking state Liberal/National Party coalition solely responsible for this, but I fear that would be quite dishonest of me to do so.

Edited by Summerabbacat
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5 hours ago, Wombat Bill said:

Craig was merely being cautious and not offering a job that may not exist.

I thought as much @Wombat Bill. I was perhaps "stirring the pot" again, trouble making bitch that I am. 

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Sorry to mention this, Flanders is in Belgium, and they don't speak French either. 

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3 hours ago, Paqman said:

Sorry to mention this, Flanders is in Belgium, and they don't speak French either. 

Flanders Fields is a name given to the battlegrounds of the Great War located in the medieval County of Flanders, across southern Belgium going through to north-west France. ... Today, the region still bears witness to the Great War's history with many monuments, museums, cemeteries and individual stories.

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