Young and Hungry - For Life - 39. Part Drink Mixer, Part Psychologist

Toward the end of lunch, Gran excused herself, saying she was going to the toilet.

“I might as well go also” said Caleb.

“Then we’ll meet back here at the table” suggested Gran.

Caleb returned first and while waiting for Gran, took in the view of the passing young men. When he recognised a boy from school, he waved and the fellow student stopped and said “You’re the newbie at school, aren’t you. I’ve seen you around the school yard, but we haven’t met have we?”

“No, I’m Caleb”

“Lucas... pleased to meet you Caleb. What are you doing here on your own?”

“Waiting for my date”

“Oh, you’re on a date” Lucas replied disappointedly “Someone from school?”

“No, it’s Gran”

“What’s that short for?”

“Grandmother, I suppose”

“Your grandmother is your date?”

“Oh it’s just a joke between us, she’s just the most uber cool old lady ever”

“That’s nice, so you don’t really have a girlfriend?” Lucas asked by way of a bait.

“Oh please, I’m not into girls”

“That’s good... I mean really, so you’re...”

“Yes and you?”

“I think I am”

“You think?”

“Well, yes I’m pretty sure, just never had the chance to road test my feelings”

“That’s an interesting way of putting it”

“What about you?”

“Oh there’s my Gran. I’ll go and meet her. See you at school, on Monday”

Feeling he had been dismissed, Lucas replied half heartedly “Yes, see you then, I suppose”

<>

As they walked away, Caleb asked “Does it always take you so long at the toilet”

“Cheeky boy, it not as easy for older ladies, not like you, just peeing against the wall”

Caleb laughed and said “Got me good. Now let’s go find the sports store”

“I saw it on my way back from the toilet, I’ll show you”

“Great”

When they reached the store, Caleb started looking around for the footrests and Gran said “Let’s not waste time looking, I’ll ask” When an assistant approached them she said “Young man, would you get the store manager please?”

“Is there a problem Madam?”

“No, I just want to talk to the manager”

“Very well Madam”

When he walked away, Caleb asked “What’s wrong with asking him to help?”

“I always like to deal with the person in charge, that way you get things done properly”

“You sound a bit snobbish, if you don’t mind me saying”

“Not at all, I just expect top service”

“How can I help you Madam?” asked a middle aged man.

Gran pushed Caleb forward, stepped behind him, then winked at the manager and shook her head side to side. “Go ahead Caleb, what is it we need?”

“Oh...um...do you have any passenger footrests for a bicycle?”

“I’m sorry young man, we don’t stock those. It’s not considered safe to carry a passenger on a bicycle on a public road and even if you do then you must both wear a securely fitted and fastened helmet.”

“Oh well, that’s too bad” commented Gran “Thanks for your help anyway”

“No problem Madam, do come again” Then in a sterner voice, added “Maybe we can help you with something next time”

As they left the store, Gran noticed Caleb looking dejected and said “What a sad face, do you think if we fed it with ice cream it might smile again?”

“I so wanted to take you cycling, it would have been fun”

“I think it might have been a bit dangerous for someone my age, but I’m sure there are lots of other things we can do together”

“OK, let’s get ice cream and talk about it”

“Alright” Gran said cautiously.

***

Justin avoided Edward at work, but was not outwardly hostile towards him. Poppy’s still catered for Divas functions but Justin kept clear of all arrangements and serving. Craig only had minimal contact with Edward and usually referred him to Charlie regarding menu planning.

Craig had to tread a fine line between maintaining his friendship with Romel and not appear to Justin, as consorting with the enemy. Craig and Justin avoided any discussion about Edward and concentrated on their work and Caleb. It was Caleb’s welfare that became the new glue keeping them so close. They didn’t outwardly reveal to one another, their feelings about Caleb, but each knew this boy was as important to them as a real son would be. Perhaps in Craig’s case, is was his natural inclination to caring and maybe to Justin it was a way of giving a troubled teenager a second chance, as he was given by his aunts.

***

Edward consulted the urologist, who sent him off for a biopsy, then another consultation, then an MRI and a third consultation.

“Mr Williamson, I’m afraid the results of your tests confirm my suspicions that the growth in your prostate is malignant”

“Does that mean I have cancer?”

“Yes, it does, but don’t panic, there are a few options you have now”

The specialist explained the various options of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a prostatectomy. He explained clearly to Edward the procedures for all and the possible outcomes.

“Do you have a preferred recommendation?” asked Edward

“A radical prostatectomy, would be my preferred course of action”

“Radical?” asked Edward

“Sorry, that means a complete removal of the prostate”

“Wow, that is radical. I’ll have to think about that”

“Of course and you should discuss it with your partner as well. This affects both of you”

“I’m lucky there, my partner is a nurse, so will understand some of the terms I may not”

“Good, if either of you have any questions, call my office and I’ll be happy to talk you through it”

“If I decide to go ahead with any of these procedures, could it be delayed till the new year?”

“I presume you want to get through Christmas before starting any course of action?”

“Yes, it is always a joyous time in our household and my partner always goes to see his family for Christmas festivities. I wouldn’t want to go through this without him with me”

“Is his family far away?”

“In the Philippines...wait...he can’t travel at present, can he? So that means he will be with me for Christmas, that’s good”

“I’m not concerned if you want to wait till the new year. Given it is already late November, I may not be able to get you booked in immediately anyway. Fortunately, prostate cancer is a very slow growing form of cancer. So although you are at an advanced stage, it will not progress much further in two months. So enjoy your Christmas by all means, but let me know as soon as you can what course of action you prefer and I can get dates locked in before Christmas”

“I will and thank you”

***

Edward planned to talk to Romel about the options he was given, but foremost on his mind while he was driving home was his annual pre-Christmas party. He started compiling a guest list in his mind and soon realised it had now outgrown their home. Then an idea hit him, ‘Brilliant’ he said to himself as he pulled into his driveway.

***

When Romel arrived home Edward said “Do you realise you won’t be able to go to your family for Christmas this year?”

“Yes, of course. The international border’s still closed. I’ve spoken to Mum and she’s disappointed but understands why”

“So that means you’ll be here for my party and Christmas day. The party’s going to be just spectacular this year. The best ever”

“OK, but I’d rather you tell me what the specialist said”

“Oh we’ll talk about that later, the party’s more important now”

“More important than your health?”

“Yes...that is no, but whatever I decide to do it won’t be till the new year. So from that angle the party comes first”

“I’d still prefer you told me what he said”

“Oh later, I’ve got this most amazing idea for our party this year and I’m just bursting to tell someone”

“OK, go ahead, but after dinner you have to tell me about your consult”

“Yes yes, whatever. Now listen, I’ve got a preliminary guest list and I think there will be too many for here. Our friends’ numbers have grown considerably this year”

“Not the impression I got”

“Oh they’ll come ‘round and forgive me. They never miss my party”

“There’s always a first time for everything”

“Yeah, but when they hear how spectacular it’s going to be, they won’t want to miss it”

“Then I suppose you had better tell me before you burst”

“Well, as I said this place is not big enough now so, wait for it. We’re going to have it at Divas and.... it just occurred to me, that way I can make it tax deductable if the expenses are mixed up with legitimate business expenses”

“That’s it?”

“No no, that’s just a fringe benefit. You know how we were planning to have cabaret, but it got sidetracked by other events, that I won’t mention. Well I’m thinking that if we have the party at Divas, then we can have a trial cabaret as party entertainment. If that goes well then we go live in January as part of the Sydney Festival and that runs us into February, which is Mardi Gras time”

“Sounds good, but how much will it cost?”

“Maybe a bit more than usual with an enlarge guest list, but everyone contributes something”

“What about the cabaret, you’ll have to pay artists”

“I’ll ask the artists to perform for free. It will be a rehearsal for the real thing, and besides they’ll all be friends and party guests as well”

“How do you see that?”

“There’s me and Juanito, plus Tristan, Snowy and Justin, just for starters. I’ll have to check on some of the others. Maybe the twins could do another double act and we’ll see who else I can round up. It’s going to be fabulous”

“Mmm” was all Romel could manage without raining on Edward’s parade.

***

Dean noticed Justin’s coolness towards Edward and assumed it must be about the book, so he decided he needed to read it and also suggested that to Andy. Quickly the word spread and soon most of their friends were reading the book also. Because of his drunken incident, stay in hospital and his prostate diagnosis, Edward had forgotten to remove his story from the website.

***

Rather than arrange another meeting regarding the cabaret, Edward emailed all interested parties to confirm they were up for the challenge and to tell them about his plans for a trial run at his Christmas party, and further plans for the Sydney Festival and Mardi Gras.

Juanito was on board of course, as were Snowy and Tristan. The twins agreed to perform for free at the party, provided it led to paid gigs.

Craig forwarded his email to Charlie with an added note, Please take care of this.

Justin did not reply immediately as he needed time to compose a suitable message. When he asked Craig if scumbag was one word or two, Craig asked why.

“I’m replying to Edward’s request for people to work at his party”

“I take it you’re answer is a firm no”

“Of course, what else?”

“In that case, it can be one or two words, but are you sure you want to call him that”

“Maybe you’re right. I’ll stick with fucking cunt”

***

When Edward read Justin’s email, he was immediately reminded of his story online. He logged on to delete the story as previously promised, but noticed an increasing number of readers. This apparent newly won popularity inflated his ego and he decided to leave the story online. He assumed Justin would not log on again so he wouldn’t know.

***

With entertainment and food lined up, Edward then issued his invitations including a note that alcohol was either BYO or purchase at Dean’s Bar.

Craig declined politely, on behalf of him and Justin, without explanation. Acceptances however, were very few.

Over the next week Edward got into the daily habit of checking his email for RSVPs and then logging on to his story to check on the number of readers. Slowly the ‘inability to attend’ replies started to arrive. By the end of the week Edward noticed that, as his readership increased, so did the number of declined invitations.

When Tristan pulled out of the cabaret performance, Edward assumed he had Dance Company commitments. However when Snowy also pulled out Edward became suspicious.

Upon arrival at Divas, he immediately went to Poppy’s kitchen to ask Snowy for an explanation.

“Um...er...I can’t do it without Tristan and he can’t perform for your party”

“Can’t or won’t?” asked Edward.

“Well...he doesn’t have the time”

“Did he get the part in the SDC show?”

“Um...that must be it”

Charlie noticed the confrontation and asked “Edward, is there something I can help you with?”

“NO! He yelled, I’m talking to Snowy”

“Then I’d appreciate it if you have your conversation out of my kitchen, but not now. Snowy, you have meals to prepare”

“Yes chef” then returning his attention to Edward, Snowy continued “You’ll have to talk to Tristan, I can’t talk now”

Edward went to his broom-closet office at Divas and called Romel at work. “Do you know anything about why so many people are not coming to my party?”

“Maybe they’re all busy”

“They’ve never been busy before, and why this year, especially as I have such big plans”

“Well I’m busy, can’t talk now, I’m on duty and there are call buttons ringing. Bye, see you when I get home”

While Edward was talking to Romel he received a text from Isa, one of the twins. ‘Sorry Edward, other commitments have come up and Duncan and I will not be available to perform or attend your party’

“That’s the last straw” he muttered and called Tristan’s number.

“Hi Tris, sorry you won’t be able to perform at the party of the year. Did you get the part in the new dance programme at SDC?”

“Not yet, they’re still deliberating”

“So why have you cancelled your commitment to me?”

“Hasn’t anyone else told you?”

“Told me what?”

“After Justin’s revelation at the meeting, some of us were curious and started reading your story. It’s not bad writing actually, but you have made no attempt to conceal the identities of the characters and we can all see you have exploited our friend’s family tragedy”

“But..but...I apologised to him”

“I don’t think that helps, you’ve already hurt him severely and by association you’ve hurt us, his friends. Can’t you see that? Also, I thought you would have removed it by now, but it’s still there for the whole world to read”

Edward was becoming agitated by Tristan’s remarks and fired back “Well, it’s you lot who are to blame for that”

“By what stretch of the imagination do you figure that?”

“I was going to delete it last week, but so many people were reading it, I assumed they liked it, so I left it. There were no adverse comments”

“Maybe we care more about your feelings than you care about Justin’s family. I for one, didn’t want to add to the damage already done”

“I didn’t see it that way. I was thrilled to have more readers and didn’t realise who they were. Thanks for telling me, I’ll take it down immediately”

“I think that’s a wise decision, even if belated”

“So will I be forgiven then?”

“Don’t push your luck Edward. It’s not so easy”

***

The story was unpublished from the website within minutes of Edward saying goodbye to Tristan. Edward then went back to Poppy’s kitchen. When Charlie saw him approaching he said “I thought I told you not to bother Snowy while he’s working”

“I’m here on business, to talk to you”

“I’m busy now”

“It’ll only take a minute. I want to cancel the catering booking for my Christmas party”

“Oh, cancelled completely?”

“Yes, full cancellation”

“OK, thanks for letting me know, any particular reason?”

“Let’s just say, lack of interest”

“No problem, now I’ve got to get back to work”

“Sure, sorry to have bothered you”

<>

Returning to his office, Edward reflected on his actions over the past few months and wondered how he could have allowed himself to get it so wrong. ‘I won’t be able to figure that out on my own’ he thought ‘I’ll need help’. He took his laptop, went to Dean’s Bar, ordered a drink, sat in a booth and opened his laptop. By the time his drink arrived, he had written an email to everyone, with a Divas party cancellation notice and an apology for doing so. Just as he was about to press ‘send’, he paused and added ‘A further apology, to you all. My thoughtless actions that hurt Justin’s family, I know also hurt all of you. I probably don’t deserve your friendship any longer and if that is how it is to be, then I accept my punishment. I would, however like the opportunity to make up in some way by inviting, anyone who wishes to come, to my home on December 10th, from 5pm, for pre-Christmas drinks. Thank you and warmest regards, Edward.

Message sent, laptop closed and glass emptied, Edward signaled to Dean for a refill.

“Drinking all alone tonight, or waiting for someone?” asked Dean as he delivered Edward’s drink

“Drinking all alone, I don’t have any friends”

“Don’t you know, one of our house rules prohibits that? So start warming that bar stool on the end and I’ll listen to you between serving customers”

“Thank you Dean, I’ll accept your offer. A truly professional barman”

“Thank you Edward, I always say this job is part drink mixer and part psychologist”

Edward laughed, for the first time in weeks.

*****