Jump to content
    Wombat Bill
  • Author
  • 2,215 Words
  • 1,306 Views
  • 11 Comments
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 - 12. Job Swap

p style="text-align:center;">

The following morning Virginia invited Thomas to morning coffee to sort things out.

“How was your trip away Mrs P?” Thomas asked.

“It was very enjoyable, but I must say I wasn’t expecting you to book us into an apartment instead of a hotel.”

“Some of those small towns don’t have good hotels and often the apartments are more comfortable than the hotels. I hope you found it so.”

“I did, it was a new experience. Do you know we went to a supermarket, the fish market and Desmond showed me how to cook.”

“And you enjoyed all that?”

“I didn’t realise domestic chores could be enjoyable. Maybe it depends on who you do it with.”

“Mrs P, may I speak candidly?”

“You know that’s the only way I like it between us.”

“It seems you are spending more time with Desmond and less time with Jared. I’m sorry to ask but have I observed correctly?”

“Yes, you have Thomas. And it’s ok to ask, in fact that is one of the many things I want to talk to you about.”

“Many things?”

“Yes, but let’s first deal with Jared. It’s true that Desmond and I have become close again after such a long break. Do you know about our early history together?”

“I have some idea.”

“Good, I take that to mean you know more than you let on. That’s ok I need you to understand where we’re at. My husband reminded me last night, that as I have aged, my men have not. Young men are strong, virile and exciting, but as one ages there is more than sex required. Also one needs ongoing emotional support that I can’t get from short time relationships. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, but you told me just after Christmas that you and Mr P were giving each other that support.”

“Yes, I did and that was true at the time but we still move in different circles and have different needs. Also, he will be pre-occupied with his political aims. Desmond and I can give each other that support and have come up with a plan to spend time together and away from Crystalline. I am buying a house down the coast that will be just for us.”
“That’s exciting news.”

“Yes, and that brings me to Jared and you.”

“Jared and me...what do you mean?”

“Has my husband discussed with you his plans to go into politics?”

“Andy mentioned it a few months back. I think they discussed it when they made peace. Also Jared mentioned it last week. But what has it got to do with me?”

“Jonathan wants both you and Jared to work for him on his election campaign. In fact he wants you to be his campaign manager, whatever that entails. How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know, it’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

“That’s fine, take your time thinking about it and Jonathan will talk to you about it soon. When you do think about it, I don’t want you to feel any pressure from either side. You know I love you like a son, and because of that I want you to do whatever you feel is best for you.”

“But what about Jared?”

“It seems he wants Jared’s muscles.”

“I beg your pardon Mrs P, I’m confused.”

“He wants Jared to be his bodyguard; is that the right expression?”

“Oh, now I see, I thought for a minute there he....oh it doesn’t matter.”

She laughed and said “Thomas, it’s not often you say something funny, but that was a good one. You thought my husband wanted Jared for sex. That’s hilarious, even Jonathan wouldn’t expect that from a straight man.”

“Of course Mrs P; silly me.”

“Now there is another thing. When I asked my husband why he wanted both of you, apart from your individual qualities, he said he didn’t want to split you up, because the jobs will apparently involve travel and being away from home a lot. Do you know what he meant by that?”

“Can I think about that for a minute?” he asked then remained silent.

“Thomas you’re not usually short of an answer. What’s wrong?”

He took a deep breath, sat up straight and answered “I hate to admit this, but I have not been honest with you. There is something I have kept from you this past year. And after I tell you, you may be happy to be rid of me and rather I went to work for Mr P.”

“My boy, what can be so bad?”

He paused again, and almost choked on the words as he said “Jared and I have a relationship.”

“Yes, Jonathan said you were good friends.”

“No, it’s more than that, we are in a personal relationship and have been most of last year.”

“But Jared is straight, how can that be?”

“Jared is bi-sexual Mrs P.”

“All right, it’s a surprise but I understand that. Then what I don’t understand is why you recommended your boyfriend to me as an intimate assistant.”

“He wasn’t my boyfriend at the time. We broke up before that and he insisted on having an interview for the position.”

“And is that why you asked me to make the final choice?”

“Yes, sorry.”

“I thought you were indecisive because you told me you broke up with your boyfriend. I can now see why you were unable to make a decision. But why recommend him anyway?”

“He did so well at the interview I had to take him seriously, so I gave you the top two applicants to choose from.”

“Thomas, do you have your phone on you?”

“Yes, do you want to borrow it?”

“No, you do it for me. Call Carol, I need something strong to drink.”

“Your usual?”

“No I think a brandy is called for at a time like this, and order whatever you like also. I’ll take a walk around the garden and then we’ll talk some more.”

<>

“Two brandies Thomas” said Carol, as she served “A bit early to be hitting the hard stuff isn’t it?

“Mrs P’s idea, she’s walking around the garden.”

“Is there something wrong Thomas? Not bad news, is it?”

“I’ll tell you later, now’s not the right time.”

“Very well, call if there’s anything either of you want, or if I can do anything for you.”

“Thanks Carol. Please keep this to yourself for now, will you?”

“As always, Thomas.”

When Carol disappeared up the path, Virginia returned and sat in silence while she took a large gulp of her drink. She put down the glass and panned her gaze around the garden, looking anywhere except directly at Thomas. Finally, he could not stand the icy silence any longer and asked “Mrs P, am I fired? Should I start packing? Move out today? What do you want me to do?”

“No Thomas, I don’t want any of those things. I’m trying to think through this like a mother, not an employer. I have always felt protective towards you and I don’t want that to change. Maybe it is presumptuous of me to regard you as a son, but there you have it, I do. If I were your mother would I love you any less if I found out you kept a secret from me? I would be initially hurt but would eventually forgive you. Would I ask your reasons for doing such? Of course I would. So let’s start there. Why did you keep this secret from me?”

“It was not my intention to do so, circumstances, somewhat out of my control, happened and I didn’t know what to do.”

“You know Thomas, when you told me you had a new boyfriend about a year ago, you didn’t tell me his name. Maybe it was just an oversight, but then again I failed also, by not asking. So if you had told me, then you would not have been able to hide his identity later. We both failed there. However there is one fact that both you and Jared failed to tell me, that he is bi-sexual.”

“Would it have made a difference Mrs P.?”

“Probably not, if he had all the other qualities I needed. I have never questioned what my men do outside this house, although, in most cases, it was probably unlikely they would have another relationship. I have another question, when you shortlisted the two men for my choice, did you have a preference?”

“Not on a professional basis. I saw them as being equal and tried to remain professionally detached during that selection process.”

“What I am really asking is did you want me to pick either one, based on your personal feelings?”

“I think that is where I made a mistake. By remaining professional I suppressed my feelings and subconsciously hoped you would choose the other man.”

“Thomas, I am disappointed that you did not confide in me about your dilemma, but I can also see how difficult that would have been for you.”

“Thank you for your understanding Mrs P. I am truly sorry for what I did, or failed to do and now feel very foolish about the way I handled the whole process. I don’t know how you can forgive me, so maybe it would be better if I do go and work for Mr P. That is if he still wants me after you tell him about this.”

“Thomas” she said as she stood up “Stand up please?” Thomas complied and then she asked “Will you give me a hug? I really need it at the moment because the brandy’s not working any magic.”

<>

When they finished their drinks, Virginia asked Thomas to tell Jared she wanted him for a meeting between just the two of them. Thomas found Jared in the gym, cleaning the equipment and still wearing only his boxers. “Is this the new personal trainer’s uniform.”

“Oh, I forgot to dress after Jonathan’s workout. He says it relaxes him and he enjoys the view.”

“I’ll bet he does.”

“Jealous?” he asked as he started to dress.

“I don’t have time to be jealous, just listen to me. Mrs P wants you to meet her in her favourite spot in the garden.”

“Ok, right away?”

“Yes, but before you go I have to tell you that she knows about you being bi and she knows about our relationship.”

“Fuck! How did that happen?”

“Long story, tell you later. For now I think she wants to tell you that she no longer needs you, but not because of us, it’s because of Desmond.”

“What’s Desmond got to do with me?”

“No more questions; go see her now. She’ll explain all.”

“Am I in the shit?”

“No, just go.”

<>

Virginia explained all to Jared in a friendly manner, ensuring him he was not the problem, but her priorities had changed. She also told him there was another job offer to be made to him and she wanted him and Thomas to join her and her husband for lunch so they could discuss recent revelations and future plans.

<>

At lunch Virginia took control of the conversation by assuring all that the recent revelations about Thomas and Jared needed no further discussion as she and Jonathan were not only satisfied with the explanations but were happy for them. To lighten the mood she proposed a toast “Here’s to love, wherever you find it. I might have lost a bed partner, but I’ve gained another son.”

Thomas looked at Jared and exclaimed “I’ve never seen you blush before.”

“I’m a bit surprised at being adopted for a second time.”

“A second time?” asked Jonathan

“Yes, I was adopted as a new born and never knew any birth parents. That is until recently when I found out I was a half brother to Justin and he introduced me to my birth mother.”

“Justin?” asked Virginia “Not the one that does our parties?”

“Yes, that’s him.”

“Well this is the day for revelations.”

“Yes, and I’ve got some more.” added Jonathan. “Well maybe not a revelation as such. You all know bits and pieces of my plan to enter politics, but I want to make it all clear at this lunch.”

Jared already knew about Jonathan’s offer and was happy to accept now that Virginia had released him from his duty to her. Thomas was equally happy to accept his offer but added “Mrs P, I’ll still be available to arrange special occasions for you. If that’s ok with you Mr. P”

“I’m sure we can accommodate that as required.”

Then Virginia said “There seems to be a disparity between you boys as to what you should call us. Jared has always called me Virginia when we are alone and Mrs P at other times. I noticed also that he now calls my husband Jonathan.”

“Yes Nia, I told him to do that.”

“Fine, then I think it’s about time you both called us Jonathan and Virginia.” she concluded.

“That may take some time to get used to.” Thomas said “But thank you... Virginia.”

“It’s only fitting, unless you’d like to call me Mum.” she replied and laughed nervously.

Next Chapter - Oh no, not another Diva - And another writer - What’s a Patchmaker?
Copyright © 2021 Wombat Bill; All Rights Reserved.
  • Like 9
  • Love 5
  • Wow 1
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. 
You are not currently following this author. Be sure to follow to keep up to date with new stories they post.

Recommended Comments

Chapter Comments

Okay, that went rather better than I expected.  But I'm glad it did.  Next question -- does Jonathan have any serious enemies at this point you have not told us about, @Wombat Bill?

And the teaser for the next chapter looks fascinating!

  • Like 1
  • Love 2
Link to comment

Mmmmmmm the realist (some would say pessimist) in me thinks that all went just a little too well. The change in employment was not unexpected, but the change in the relationship between Virginia and both Thomas and Jared (at least in Virginia's mind) to something more familiar, left me feeling a little uneasy, more so for Virginia. I hope for her sake she does not expect too much of both Thomas and Jared, or if she does that they treat it seriously, and not just placate her for the sake of doing so. 

“It’s only fitting, unless you’d like to call me Mum.” she replied and laughed nervously. This remark displays a facet of Virginia's character, which hitherto has only been hinted at on occasion, and then without much apparent conviction. A vulnerable Virginia, her mask of assuredness thrown aside. Does she have some degree of regret about never having experienced the birth and rearing of a child?

Another of your "building" chapters @Wombat Bill. I was not surprised at Virginia's reaction to the revelation of Jared's bisexuality, or her ready acceptance of the relationship between Thomas and Jared. She is in essence a kind and loving woman who has empathy for others. These traits unfortunately do not appear to have "rubbed off" on Jonathan, he remains steadfastly focussed on "Team Jonathan" to the exclusion of all else.

  • Like 1
  • Love 2
Link to comment
52 minutes ago, ReaderPaul said:

Okay, that went rather better than I expected.  But I'm glad it did.  Next question -- does Jonathan have any serious enemies at this point you have not told us about, @Wombat Bill?

And the teaser for the next chapter looks fascinating!

I agree @ReaderPaul, the teaser for the next chapter opens up many fascinating possibilities I think, at least with respect to the appearance of another diva.

One possible scenario. We have already seen Brett display a number of "diva like" characteristics on occasion. Will he assume a "bigger" role within this motley group of friends with a diva-esque display of epic proportions, challenging Edward's role as the premiere diva, motivating Edward to become an even bigger diva perhaps.

Another possible scenario. Juanito you may recall showed a more than passing interest in Ed Wiener's gowns after she performed at the official party for the opening of the restaurant, particularly after Ed Wiener hinted at retirement and giving the gowns away. I wonder if Juanito may have a yet to be revealed desire to "frock up". His diminutive size, likely complexion and lack of body hair, would serve him well if he does decide to "dip his toes" in drag.

Or the worst possible "diva scenario". The return appearance of the ghastly Prudence, hellbent on revenge at having been exposed as a lecherous rapist with the morals of an alley cat (no disrespect meant to alley cats). If i recall correctly she was Amazonian in stature, so could no doubt wreak havoc if it is her intent to do so.

Another writer has me truly baffled; and, my crystal ball is still proving difficult to repair.

 

Edited by Summerabbacat
  • Like 1
Link to comment
3 minutes ago, Summerabbacat said:

I agree @ReaderPaul the teaser for the next chapter opens up many fascinating possibilities I think, at least with respect to the appearance of another diva.

 SPOILER ALERT! One of your scenarios is correct @Summerabbacat

  • Like 3
Link to comment
4 minutes ago, Wombat Bill said:

 SPOILER ALERT! One of your scenarios is correct @Summerabbacat

@Wombat Bill we your readers demand an emoji for intrigued. It could so often be applied to your work and Wow just does not "cut it". Perhaps you could have Edward or better still Ed Wiener, "raise" this request with the administrators of the site.

  • Like 1
  • Haha 1
Link to comment

@ReaderPaul it has just "hit me like a bolt out of the blue". I think Edward is the most likely candidate to be the "another writer". He has already demonstrated his capability as an interviewer for the radio programme he hosted. If I recall correctly he penned the questions himself, although he may have had some input from Romel.

Edward also has more life experience than the rest of our main cast (if you discount Craig's beloved Gran), and no doubt would have some fascinating, and dare I say ribald, tales to tell from his time as a professional drag queen. We don't really know a great deal about his life as a younger man, so perhaps @Wombat Bill has an "ace up his sleeve", to reveal more about the young Edward in a published or publicly available work penned by Edward. I for one would be interested to know more of his past as I feel there is likely to have been much sadness or loneliness in the life of the younger Edward, which has moulded him into the caring person he is. It also likely led to his veneer of bitchiness which I have always regarded as self-protection from more hurt or unhappiness. 

Edward is also at an age I think where he could experience a "mid life crisis", questioning much of what he does to seek fulfilment, although I don't envisage this will involve scrutiny of his relationship with Romel, which to me, appears to be one of great joy and comfort to both. Perhaps his working life is not fulfilling, and he may have the luxury of being able to afford a career change.

All will no doubt be revealed by our author on the next occasion or shortly thereafter.

Edited by Summerabbacat
  • Like 2
  • Love 1
Link to comment

🤔 The only thing that concerns me about this job change is the drama it could unleash upon Thomas and Jared’s relationship. Thomas seemed apprehensive about Jonathan wanting Jared to work for him as he was expecting it to be sexual and while Virginia might be right that he wouldn’t seek out a straight man for that he is well aware that Jared is bisexual so I could see him asking him for more than security work. Thomas tried to stay professional and to an extent managed it yet deep down I don’t think he was ever happy about Jared having sex with Virginia yet in some way the fact she was a woman might have helped a little. If Jonathan ends up expecting some off the clock “work” from Jared I could see that causing some high blood pressure. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Most times Jonathan can come off as kind & understanding just like his wife yet I recall how his character was initially introduced so we know he has the potential to be demanding, controlling, and manipulative depending on the situation. Hopefully this is just paranoia on my part.

Edited by NimirRaj
  • Like 2
Link to comment
2 hours ago, NimirRaj said:

Hopefully this is just paranoia on my part.

I don't think so @NimirRaj, you have accurately described Jonathan in the previous sentence. I think his entry into politics is because he is kind & understanding, but his other traits of  demanding, controlling, and manipulative may better suit his role in politics.

21 hours ago, ReaderPaul said:

does Jonathan have any serious enemies at this point you have not told us about,

You think there may be skeletons in the closet with Jonathan?

21 hours ago, Summerabbacat said:

Does she have some degree of regret about never having experienced the birth and rearing of a child?

This has been referenced a few times, so your the answer to your question may well be, yes, but it is unlikely she will ever express it directly.

@chris191070, it's good you have still found time to relax and do the usual things. Important in times of stress. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
6 hours ago, Wombat Bill said:

Does she have some degree of regret about never having experienced the birth and rearing of a child?

This has been referenced a few times, so your the answer to your question may well be, yes, but it is unlikely she will ever express it directly.

 

@Wombat Bill on this occasion I think she came very close to admitting this. On prior occasions I felt it was an almost off-the-cuff remark made without any real conviction. On this occasion I heard the remark said in a wistful tone of voice, and it was witnessed not just by Thomas, but by Jared and Jonathan too. I did not truly believe her on prior occasions, but this time I did, particularly when you added "she replied and laughed nervously". 

  • Like 2
  • Love 1
Link to comment
View Guidelines

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Newsletter

    Sign Up and get an occasional Newsletter.  Fill out your profile with favorite genres and say yes to genre news to get the monthly update for your favorite genres.

    Sign Up
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Our Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..