Catering With Benefits (3) - An Appetite for More - 55. A Tale of Two Cities

p style="text-align:center;">  

With Edward busy all night, Romel joined Jeremy, Brett, Rani and Daniel on their table for dinner.

Brett was his usual bubble self and he, Jeremy and Rani kept each other entertained with shop talk. “We had a bit of an upset in the waxing studio this week. While I was cutting a woman’s hair, her friend was having a Brazilian in the next room. Suddenly we heard a huge shriek from the waxing studio.” said Rani.

“But clients often let out a little scream, especially if it’s their first time.”

“I know, but this was a blood curdling scream, so I went in to see what was happening.”

“And?” asked a curious Brett.

“Well it seems that when Damian was about to remove a swatch of wax, he inadvertently grabbed the string on the clients tampon and ripped it out.”

“Oh a bit embarrassing sure, but hardly worthy of a scream.”

“Oh that’s not when she screamed...it was when he tried to put it back in.”

Brett lost control he laughed so loudly, then spilled his drink and when he finally stopped laughing, said “How disgusting?”

“I agree” said Jeremy, “He should have been more careful.”

“I don’t mean Damian, I mean how dare the woman go for a waxing down there when she has her....well you know what...I’m not saying it.”

<>

Meanwhile, Romel and Daniel found some commonality, having both flown in to Sydney, the day before.

“Did you see the fires and the smoke as you approached Sydney?” asked Romel.

“Yes, it was an amazing, but terrifying sight. Even from such a height you could see the red glow surrounding Sydney and the smoke plumes rising. We had to fly a bit higher than usual over Queensland and New South Wales, to keep above the smoke. When I took coffee into the cockpit I could overhear the captain discussing the possibility of diverting to Brisbane if Sydney air traffic control could not find us a clear glide path.”

“But can’t planes now land just using radar?”

“Not in Australia generally. Special equipment is required for that and Sydney Airport does not have it, only Melbourne and Perth, because they have more foggy days than Sydney.”

<>

The table cloth soaked up Brett’s spilled drink, just before it reached Daniel’s side of the table. “For Christ’s sake Brett, what’s wrong with you?”

“It’s not me, it’s your woman’s waxing stories, they are such a crack up. Has she told you the one about the tampon?”

“I don’t think so, do I really want to hear it?”

Rani stepped in “It happened while you were away, I’ll tell you at home.”

“You might like this one Daniel, and let it be a warning to you.” said Jeremy. “I had a guy in the other day. It was his first time at our studio because he was so embarrassed by what happened he could go back to his regular salon. It seems his regular waxer was not available so he said he would take whoever was available. He then wandered down the hallway and into the room he usually goes to. Being a regular, he knew he needed to take off his jeans and jocks. So while his waxer was preparing the wax he prepared himself and lay there waiting. After a few minutes, the woman turned around and in shock muttered, Oh my gosh…I only do eyebrows.”

<>

At around 11.00pm, Andy received a text from Virginia, telling him they had abandoned their house and had joined thousands on the waterfront. She told him many were expected to lose their homes and all their possessions. That put a damper on Andy’s New Year celebrations, but it also gave him an idea.

Poppy’s had finished food service for the evening and most of the staff had settled into Dean’s Bar to wait for the new year. That included Justin’s ‘best’ waiters. Andy quickly arranged a conference with Craig, Justin and Edward.

“I think it’s a great idea.” said Craig.

“Yes, let’s do it.” added Justin “All my guys are here, I’ll get them ready.”

“I’ll go and make an announcement, while you get organised.” said Ed Weiner.

“And I’ll find all the ice buckets I can.”

<>

Ed Weiner had a word with the DJ and he stopped the music fifteen minutes later, so she could make the announcement.

“Now stop all that boogying for a while, my lovelies, I’ve got a very important announcement to make. As you all know, much of the country is ablaze and while we party hard here, many are fighting hard to save their homes and indeed their lives.”

“Well they do choose to live in the trees. What do they expect?”

“Who said that?” asked Ed. Nobody volunteered, so Ed asked again and this time someone replied “He did.”

“Would you please both come up on stage.”

The offender yelled “And what are you going to do if I do?”

“You’ll only find out if you come to Mamma.”

“Ok, I’m game.”

As he approached the stage, six waiters, stripped to their boxers and lead by Justin walked into the room carrying ice buckets. They were followed by Craig leading six kitchen staff, each carrying a mobile EFTPOS machine. The twelve lined up in front of the stage and the heckler was escorted onto the stage by One Eata.

“Now young man, what shall we call you besides, that arsehole who needs empathy training.” asked Ed.

“I’m Scott.”

“Oh, named after another arsehole. Now mamma should take down your pants and slap your scrawny little arse.”

“Oh good.” he replied.

“But I’m not going to do that. Instead I’m going to give you the honour, yes I said honour, of being the first to donate to Divas bushfire relief fund.”

“What?”

“You heard me, I’m not going to repeat it.” Then signalling to Justin, said “This young man with the muscles and the ice bucket will come up on stage just for you. If you do what Mamma asks he might even let you touch his muscles.”

“Oh, I know this one, you’re going to dump the ice on me.”

“Is that what you’d like?”

“Do your best, I can take it.”

“Justin, would you please oblige?” asked Ed.

Justin tipped the bucket over the man’s head, but nothing fell out.

“Oh Justin we seem to have a problem, the bucket’s empty. But don’t worry, Scott here is going to help you fill it, aren’t you Scott?”

There was no answer, so Ed continued “Now Scotty, it’s very simple. All you have to do is take out your wallet and remove all the cash and put it in the bucket.”

He removed his wallet, but only had ten dollars cash.

“Oh, a plastic man are you?” asked Ed. Then signalling to Craig to come up on stage turned to Scott and said “Craig here, has a brand new EFTPOS machine, and I can see you have a shiny new credit card in your wallet, so why don’t you two get together and make magic money happen.”

While Scott was donating, Ed addressed the crowd, “Well lovelies, I don’t think you need me to explain what’s going to happen between now and midnight. So while my hunky waiters and cool cooks move among you, get those wallets out, open those purses and give till it hurts, because the people you will be helping are hurting right now as we party. If I see those buckets filling up and the money machines eating your plastic, I might be able to persuade One Eata to do another number for you.”

“Yes.” yelled the crowd.

“But before that Mamma will entertain you with a song to get you on the mood.”

Ed called “Hit it Raj” and the familiar sounds of Abba’s Money, Money, Money filled the room.

<>

Jeremy wasn’t much for dancing, so Brett resorted to dancing by himself or anyone else he could get near to. While grooving away to ABBA’s sounds he caught sight of Richard, one of Tristan’s dancers, standing by the stage and waved and smiled at him. Instead of waving back Richard beckoned Brett to come to him. Thinking this might be a good opportunity to get a professional dance partner, he went over.

“Hi Richard, want to dance?”

“Not now, I’ve got to get ready for my performance at midnight.”

“Oh yeah, I’m really looking forward to it. But why did you call me over?”

“I need your help to prepare.”

“How can I help?”

“I’m a really nervous performer, and that’s ok, they say if you’re not nervous before a performance then you become complacent.”

“You need me to calm you down?”

“No, not as such, but we have a pre-performance ritual and that helps me forget the nerves. When dancing with the professional company we have warm-up exercises, make up and costumes. Interacting with other people, especially the dresser helps me get tuned up for the dance.”

“That’s good, but what’s different tonight?”

“We are not using makeup or costumes.”

“Oh I see.... I think.”

“What I need is for you to take the place of my dresser, but because I am performing nude, will you be my undresser?”

“If I understand you correctly, it would be my absolute pleasure Richard. Not one I was expecting, but a pleasure none the less.”

“Good, come with me.”

They went into a small storeroom behind the stage. Brett could hear the other dancers chatting in a nearby room, and asked “Why are we here?”

“I don’t want to do this in front of the others, they’ll not understand.”

“Ok, what do I do?”

“You do know how to undress a man, I assume”

“Of course, I’m an expert.”

“Good, you’ve got fifteen minutes, before I’ll be missed.”

Brett firstly removed Richard’s sweatband and asked “Can I wear it?”

“Certainly, you can keep it if you like.”

After putting the band on his head, Brett slowly removed Richard’s sweaty T shirt, sniffed it and said “I’ve heard the old saying that men sweat and women perspire, but dancers glow. Is that what I can smell on your shirt?”

Richard did not answer, but smiled gently at Brett, who said “These track pants have to come off now.”

“I’m ready, but do it slowly.” answered Richard.

Brett kneeled, and pulled down Richard’s pants to his ankles. Richard then stepped out of them in a manner that only a dancer could.

“Nice step” said Brett as he folded the pants and set them aside. Remaining on his knees he took in the view of Richard’s bulge and touched it gently.

“What are you doing, naughty boy?”

“Just checking to see if you’re wearing a protector.”

“Not much point tonight, is there?”

“So this is all you.” He then looked up and said “Remember at the pool party you said I would probably not be able to swallow all of you?”

“Y e s?”

“Well from what I can see from down here, I think I could manage that easily.”

“Look again.” suggested Richard.

Upon further inspection, Brett did notice a big change taking place in Richard’s tight boxers. “Oh I see what you mean. Should I release it?”

“Yes, you must surely do that.”

As Brett pulled down the boxers very slowly, firstly Richard’s pubes crept out, then his shaft became visible and Brett continued to pull down the shorts, further and further and further, until Richard’s manhood, now at full length, sprung up, hitting Brett’s chin on the way, and stood at attention. Brett stared in amazement and envy, but said nothing.

“Well?” asked Richard

“Very well, isn’t it?” replied Brett breathlessly, “Couldn’t be any better.”

“It’s yours if you want it.”

“Now?”

“Why not?”

“It’s just that...um...oh fuck it, you’re certainly very tempting, how can I resist?”

“Why resist, indulge, enjoy, go for it.”

Brett did his best to accommodate Richard and milked him for all he could. As Richard withdrew from Brett’s mouth, his hungry friend looked up at him with a broad smile. Richard took Brett by the shoulders and lifted him to his feet. As he said “Thank you” he wiped a little white stickiness from Brett’s cheek, then licked his finger and added “Mmm, some of my best.”

Brett swallowed deeply and replied “Some of my best work also. Do you feel relaxed now?”

“Yes, I do thank you, but I have a little confession to make.”

“You’re guilty about doing that with me?”

“Yes, but not for the reason you’re thinking. I’m guilty because I didn’t tell you the full truth about preparing for my performance.”

“You mean all that makeup and dressing stuff wasn’t true?”

“Oh that’s true, all of it, but as this is my first naked performance in front of an audience I was worried about getting an erection during the performance. I am hoping that having an orgasm so close to the actual performance will lower the chances of that happening.”

“Well you certainly would be the centre of attention waving that around the dance floor.”

“Mmm.” replied Richard

“Wait, you mean you used me?”

“Perhaps I did, but didn’t you enjoy it?”

“That’s not the point. I thought it was a mutual arrangement.”

“It was, we both wanted it and we both enjoyed it. What could be more mutual than that?”

“Perhaps that’s the wrong term. I meant, I thought you wanted me for who I am.”

“I did want you, that’s why I asked you, rather than just jerk off.”

“Now I’m completely confused.”

“Brett, can we discuss this at another time. The rest of the guys will be wondering where I am and it’s getting close to curtain time.”

“Sure, no problem; whenever you’re ready, just call Brett’s rent boy service, mouth open 24/7.”

“Please don’t be like this, I want to be your friend.”

“Not sure it’s a good idea to mix business and pleasure. Might see you ‘round.”

“I’ve really got to go Brett, bye. Hope you enjoy the show.”

As Richard grabbed his clothes, rushed out and closed the door behind him, Brett did a closed fist pull down and said “Yes, got ‘im, he’ll be back for more.”

<>

A few minutes before midnight, the DJ stopped the dance music and both Queens went back on stage. Ed said “It’s almost next year, so before we start the countdown I have one request and a little speech. Firstly would you please clear the dance floor, top up your glasses in readiness to welcome the new year and I promise you a super surprise at one minute past midnight.”

As they all got drinks, Ed continued “2019 has been a great year for many of us and I expect 2020 to be even better. So to all of you... have an absolutely fabulous 2020.”

The crowd toasted Ed and then One Eata started the countdown “9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1...”

As 2019 became 2020 the crowd shouted “Happy New Year.” and hugged the person nearest to them. Then at one minute past midnight, the lights went off.

“Don’t panic lovelies, just bear with us and all will be revealed.”

One minute later a single spot light shone in the centre of the dance floor. As it slowly increased in diameter, it revealed a jumble of limbs that slowly started to unfold as the spot light became brighter. Then a slow but deep drum neat started. As the beat got louder and faster the jumble of limbs unfolded like a blooming flower, to become four naked male dancers.

***

Near the border town of Albury NSW, following another day of extreme bushfire danger, with strong winds and soaring temperatures fanning flames towards major population centres, a tragedy occurred. On New Year’s Eve, while many were celebrating the arrival of 2020, a brigade was fighting a fire at Jingellic. Extreme weather conditions, generated by the fires created extreme winds in the area. Samuel McPaul died when his truck was flipped. He and two others had been mustering cattle caught in a paddock on flat ground. They decided to move away from the area. Quite unexpectedly, they experienced extreme winds, described as a fire tornado, that lifted the back of the eight tonne truck, fully inverted it and landed it on its roof, trapping the three crew members. McPaul left behind a pregnant wife Megan, expecting their first child in early May.

A second vehicle working on the same fire was also blown over and the firefighters on board were taken to hospital with burns and crash injuries.

<>

A little later, in Mallacoota, a lone voice on the pier yelled “Happy New Year.”

Another voice was heard asking “What’s to be fuckin’ happy about?”

Then another answered “You’re still alive, be thankful you grumbling bastard.”