Blind Date

Everyone's been on a Blind Date at some time or another. They can either be great, not so bad or the worst thing that ever happened. You just don't know.

Then if you add the fact that you have never seen your date then you certainly like taking a chance. But then again, maybe you don't have a choice?

Welcome to the world of Tim and Kate, two individuals who find themselves flung together on a "Blind Date", a date which may scar them for life...

Tim

"Another late night?"

I look up and see Bob, my Head of Department standing in front of my desk.

Looking at the computer, I see that it's already 7.30 in the evening.

"Yeah!" I groan. "Got to make sure that the new software is configured and running on the client's Finance network before 8 tomorrow morning."

"Okay, Tim. " he says as he walks out of the door, "Goodnight."

I smile. Being the Technical Manager of a Support Desk for a multi-national computer company is a great job but is so time consuming. I can't remember the last time I got home before nine.

Stretching my arms, I look at the screen which is running the new software on the client's system. Usually, this is dealt with by a member of my team. However, since it is especially an important job, the Chairman had asked me to do it personally. How could I refuse?

"Oh by the way, Tim." Bob calls out through the door, "Don't forgot Saturday night."

Oh blast!

I had forgotten about that. Members of the company had been invited to a special fund raising event being organised by this particular client. I had been asked to go due to the close working relationship I had established with them.

The trouble is, thanks to work, my social life is almost non-existent. That includes having no girlfriend (and I can't remember the last time I had any sex).

I sit back scratching my head.

Who can I ask?

None of the girls in the office that for sure. Besides, I have already tried and they are either (a) coming along with a partner or (b) got other plans.

I've got no idea.

Putting the problem to one side for the time being, I carry on with my work...

Kate

"Don't forget about Saturday night, Kate," Sandy said with a grin. She and Bob had worked pretty hard to get Tim and Kate together. Work-a-holics, both of them... never took any time out for fun. Saturday night was going to be a blast.

"Yeah. Yeah. I hear you," I grumbled. "You are going to owe me BIG time for this one, you know. A BLIND DATE at my age? Who ever heard of such a thing? And why can't this Tim guy get a date on his own?"

Sandy looked up at me and chuckled. "Maybe for the same reason you can't."

I growled again and sent a cleverly fashioned paper airplane zooming across the office where it landed in her carefully coifed hair. "Get back to work, Sandy girl! This travel agency won't run itself you know."

"You just might be surprise, Ms. Scrooge. You don't do such a bad bit of business for yourself here," Sandy said with a mock whine. "Please, ma'am... May I add another lump of coal to the fire?"

Tim

"Finished!" I say to myself, as I lean back in my chair.

Looking at my watch, I see that it's 9 o'clock.

"Damn! Missed Moonlighting. Never mind."

Closing down my PC, I get up to leave, grabbing my coat on the way...

Closing time...

"Quitting time!" Sandy announced with a grand flourish. "Whatcha doing tonight, Kate? Why don't you come over for dinner?"

"No thanks, Sandy. I have some things to finish up here before I go home to a big night of sock washing. You know how I hate to miss that," I replied.

"You really DO need to get out, you know," Sandy said as she took her purse out of the bottom drawer of the file cabinet.

"Uh huh. I do. I come to work every day. Besides, I'll be going out with that deadbeat friend of yours on Saturday night, right?"

Sandy gave me a quick hug and a peck on the cheek as I let her out the door, locking it behind her.

It didn't take me long to finish up the paperwork that I had been working on. I slipped on my jacket and set the alarm before leaving the agency, beginning my ever-so-exciting nightly routine of going to the grocery store before heading home.

Tim

Saying goodnight to Hector (the Night Watchman), I leave the building and head of my car. Taking out my keys to remotely unlock the car doors just as I feel wet splashes on my face.

Damn! It's going to rain!

Opening the door, I slide into the soft leather seat and start the ignition.

A few minutes later, I am driving downtown, heading for home. The rain now coming down so fast and hard that I have the windscreen wipers running at full pelt but they still fail to keep the water off, making visibility poor.

Just then a car, deciding to overtake me, carves me up and then stalls. Unable to stop, I go sliding into the back of it.

"What the..??" I mutter angrily, not believing what has just happened.

Getting out and getting thoroughly soaked instantly, I march over to the other car...

Uh oh... Looks like an accident up ahead...

I slowed down to get a better look when I saw the flashing lights. The driver of the car (whose front end was firmly embedded in the trunk of the other car) was pointing and waving his arms about like a madman while an EMT held an icepack to the forehead of the other driver who was still sitting in her car, hurt and visibly shaken. "Asshole," I snorted before speeding up and driving away. Takes all kinds.

The Food Emporium wasn't too busy when I pulled up and parked. I only had to get a couple of things, but I grabbed a cart anyway and began to wander down the aisles.

• cat food
• milk
• half and half
• coffee
• Brie
• French bread
• pears
• arrugula
• raddichio
• endive
• escarole
• Chunky Monkey
• diet Coke
• bubble bath

While I stood in the checkout line scanning the latest issue of Cosmo, someone unceremoniously rammed me with their shopping cart. "Hey! Watch what you're doing!" I hollered as I turned around to glare at the offender, but I couldn't help chuckling instead.

The guy was soaking wet, droplets of rainwater running down his face. Sorta familiar looking, too. He looked none too happy. His cart held two six packs and a bag of pretzels. A bachelor. Without a girlfriend.

"I didn't ram into you! You stepped back into me!"

Oh. And an asshole to boot, I thought as I placed the face. The guy from the accident. It seemed his favorite hobby was ramming unsuspecting women from behind and then blaming them. Oh, YES. I really do need to get out more. Just look at what's waiting for me out here.

Shaking my head, I didn't even bother to get into it with him. I paid for my order quickly, hoping to leave the parking lot before he got back into his car. The man was a menace.

Home at last...

I let myself into my apartment and headed for the kitchen with the groceries. "Midir, I'm home," I call out. "Dinner will be ready in just a minute. I need to get out of these clothes and get comfortable." Setting the bags on the table, I head down the hallway to my bedroom.

I turned the bath water on, pouring a generous amount of bubble bath in while I finished undressing. Midir sat on the bed watching me intently, only averting his eyes slightly when Pablo and Godfrey joined us. Kissing them all soundly, I swirl naked in front of them. I just have to ask, "Soo.. do I still have it? Think I can wow Tim the Dateless Wonder Saturday night?" The threesome just sat quietly as they continued to stare.

They followed me into the bathroom (still watching silently) as I pinned up my hair and stepped into the tub, sinking down into the hot scented water. Pablo sat on the commode while Midir perched on the side of the tub. Godfrey turned around without a backwards glance, leaving us to our own devices. I could hear him complaining the whole way to the kitchen.

"Such a crabby old so-and-so, don't you guys agree? Well, you two will probably get grumpy like him when you get to be his age, I suppose. In the meantime, I guess I'll just be grateful that you aren't that way now." As if agreeing with my assessment of the situation, Midir reached out to grab a poof of bubbles that floated up from the water. "Watch out... You'll fall in if you aren't careful," I admonish.

The bath felt so good after the long day and the chilly rain that had begun to fall as I left the office, but I didn't linger long. The guys were waiting for me to get out and into the kitchen so we could eat and cuddle up watching TV.

When I stood and grabbed a towel to dry off, Midir and Pablo left the bathroom ahead of me. "I'll be right there. Just let me get something on."

Padding back down the hall, I could hear the three of them discussing dinner. "Okay. Okay. Here I am." They began to rub up against me as I take out the can opener. "9 Lives Savory Grill. Mmmm... " I say as I fill each of their dishes and set them on the floor.

As my three loves fill their bellies, I make myself a salad and cut a piece of brie and a slice of bread. Dinner at last. I carry my dish to the table and pour myself a glass of burgundy. "The beginning of the end to another long long day, guys." They twitch their ears and tails (as cats do) and continue eating noisily.

Tim

Women!!!! Arrrghh!!!!

I slam the front door as I come stalking into my house.

11 o'clock! I wasted TWO hours thanks to that woman driver!

How could she stall her car like that? Cause the accident and then she blames me???

Not only that but I get a caution from the police for disturbing the peace!

Gahhh!

Then there's that other one at the supermarket. I just hope she doesn't drive.

If I have to talk to another woman tonight, I...

"Meester Tim. Oh thank God you are back, Senor. I haf beeen worrieed."

It's Maria, my housekeeper.

"I haf fed the dog." as she open the kitchen door and Tibvo comes rushing out to greet me.

"Hello, boy!" I grin as I bend down and give him a love. I thank her.

"Goodnight, Meester Tim." and my housekeeper leaves for the night.

"What a day, Tibvo." I tell him as I get changed and make myself a brandy. "I tell you what. You have it so easy. Not having to work. To be looked after all day. And you don't have to deal with any women drivers!"

I check the answering machine and find a message from Bob. "Tim, I have found someone for you to take on Saturday night. I'll talk to you about it tomorrow."

Oh no! Shivering at the memory of the last blind date he got me. Well, there's nothing I can do about it now.

Tired, I slip into my favourite armchair with Tibvo laying on the floor in front of me and we both drift off to sleep...

Sandy is already in the office...

when I arrive at 8:30. "You're early. What's up, girlfriend?"

"Not much, Kate. Just thought we'd talk about what you're going to wear on your date tomorrow night. Plenty of sales going on right now. You should get something new. It'll put you in the dating frame of mind," Sandy shrugged and giggled. "Oh... and shoes! Gotta have new shoes. And sexy unders."

I just groaned at the last. "UNDERS, Sandy. I am NOT, I repeat NOT going to bed with Tom. I'm doing you and Bob a favor since he can't seem to find a date on his own."

"TIM," Sandy corrected. "And I don't see you exactly filling up your appointment book with dates, either. He isn't much different than you, actually. Work-a-holics, both of you."

"Yeah... Tim, Tom, Harry... whatever. I don't date by choice. That's a lot different than not being able to get a date, San. As to my being a work-a-holic, well... If I don't work, I don't have a travel agency and YOU don't have a pay check."

"Excuses, excuses," Sandy grinned. "Oh, by the way. Wait til I tell you what happened to Tim last night. He called first thing this morning to tell Bob. Couldn't wait for the office, I guess."

As Sandy went on to tell the tale of Tim and his accident and run in with some bitch of a woman who rammed him with her cart in the grocery, I could hear alarm bells going off in my head. No. It can't be. This is a huge city. Besides, I wasn't a bitch. That wet guy last night rammed me with his cart... not the other way around.

Tim

After phoning Bob and explaining why I'm going to be late for work, I take my car to the garage for repairs and pick up the rental.

It's well after eleven before I am at my desk. I only just got started when I find Bob standing in front of me. Looking up at him, I see that he's grinning inanely.

"I'm almost finished."" I tell him.

"Finished with what?"

"This job I'm doing for Matheson's." I tell him.

"Tim, buddy. I'm not here for that!"

Oh! Oh!

"Well, aren't you going to ask?" he says after a pause.

"Ask what?" trying to act dumb.

"The hot date I've got lined up for you tomorrow night."

Hot date? Oh oh!

"Bob...." I begin.

"It's alright, buddy. She's a friend of Sandy's. Trust me!"

'Trust me'. Oh no!

Seeing the look on Bob's face, I can see that I'm not going to get out of it. Besides, I need a date.

"What's she like?" I ask, knowing I'm going to regret it.

"Relax, buddy. You will like her. Look, Sandy's going to arrange for Kate..."

"Kate?" I cut in.

"Your date...to come round our house on Saturday around 6 so you can pick her up from there. Even have a drink before you two leave."

Knowing I haven't really any other option, I agree.

"Cheer up, Tim. You will like her."

"Yeah? As long as she's not like any of those women I bumped into last night."

"Trust me! You'll like her." he says again and walks off.

I get on with my work...

Tim

As usual, it's a busy day and it soon goes.

I am halfway through yet another job when Bob comes over.

"Tim! Come on! Mr Jehanox's here!"

"The owner?"

"Who else?" Bob replies.

Straightening up my tie as I get up from my desk, I join the others at the front of the office.

"Thank you, everyone!" It's Mr Jehanox who's talking.

Strange, I can never tell where he comes from exactly. Thanks to that curious accent of his.

"I am here to say that this year, the company profits are up and you will be getting your annual bonus."

People around me murmur happily.

"And to because we have done so well, I am also giving you 5% extra."

Everyone, including me, start to murmur our appreciation even louder.

Mr Jehanox then goes on to give us a little peptalk.

"Okay, people!" says Bob when Mr Jehanox has finished. "Back to work."

I turn to go back.

"Tim!"

Turning round, Bob is standing there with Mr Jehanox.

"So is this the young man you have being praising me about?" Jehanox asks.

"Yes, Sir. He has been a tremendous asset to us."

Don't go over the top, Bob!

"Well done, Tim. Glad to have you aboard. I take it you are coming to my dinner tomorrow night?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Good! I would like you and your wife to sit at our table then."

I gulp. Sitting at Mr Jehanox's table?

I glance at Bob who's raising an eyebrow in surprise.

"Why thank you, Sir. But I'm not..." but when I see Bob shaking his head, I quickly shut up.

"I'll see you there then, Tom."

"Erm! Tim!" I correct.

"Oh yes, Tim." and shaking my hand, he's gone.

"Not bad, Tim." Bob says. "Not every day, you get invited to sit at The Table."

But I'm confused.

"But why does he think I'm married, Bob?"

"Ah! Yes!" Bob starts, looking decisively awkward. "It's just that Mr Jehanox believes that only married men are worth investing in. It's something to do with them not being able not afford to not to take the job seriously with their family commitments."

"And you told him I was married?"

"It's only a little white lie. You and Kate only have to pretend to be married for one night." I can't believe what I am hearing.

"Are you saying that I got to pretend that my date for tomorrow, someone who I have never even met before, is my wife!?"

"Shhh! Keep it down." Bob looks around us to make sure no-one is eavesdropping.

"Relax! It's only for one night."

"And does she know about this?" I ask.

Again, Bob looks uncomfortable.

"Sandy's planning to tell her tonight or tomorrow." Then turning to face me head on, he continues.

"Look, Tim. If you want to get on, you either have to be married or, in this case, pretend to be. So relax. How many years have you been here? Three and this is the first time Mr Jehanox has even spoken to you. Do this tomorrow night and I doubt you will see him again for another three years. But it will do your career prospects the world of good."

I'm not convinced.

"I'm not sure about this." I tell him as we start moving back to my desk.

"Look! Nothing will go wrong. Just enjoy yourself. You deserve it." and then patting me on the back, he leaves me to it.

I'm still worrying about it when I go home for the weekend...

The day passed quickly...

People were in and out making reservations and travel plans for over the holidays. It was always a busy time of year for the travel business. As the last customer departed, I slipped off my shoes, leaned back in my chair and propped my feet on the desk.

"You might as well head out, Sandy. I guess we'll both be leaving early tomorrow. Think Angela can handle it on her own?" Angela was a part-timer I had hired recently to cut the slack at lunchtime or whenever I had to leave the office or go on short trips.

"Yeah. Umm... She'll do great..." Sandy's voice trailed off.

There was a worried look on her face. She was usually so cheerful that I couldn't help feeling concerned. "Okay, girlie. What's up? Spill."

Sandy fidgeted around with things on her desk, avoiding my eyes. "Umm... Kate? Something came up with your date with Tim."

I sighed with relief. I just knew that she was going to tell me Tim pulled out. I didn't want to go in the first place, but I couldn't help feeling a little annoyed. No wonder the loser couldn't get a date on his own. He couldn't even keep an 'arranged' date. "Hey, San.. Listen. I don't care if Tim backed out. It's cool with me. Honest."

Sandy looked up with a puzzled look on her face. "No, Kate. You misunderstood. Tim is still on for the dinner. There's something else."

"What? He has a disease? He sprouted an extra nose? Geez, Sandy. Get it out, will you?"

Sandy sighed deeply and blurted out, "You have to pretend you're married to Tim tomorrow night."

I took my feet down from the desk and sat up straight. "WHAT?!? Are you out of your MIND? I don't even know the guy and I have to pretend we are MARRIED?"

"Only for one night, Kate. Mr. Jehanox has this thing about single guys not being as 'dedicated' to their work as married ones. It's important, Kate. Please say you'll do it?"

"I can't believe you're asking me to do this, Sandy. It is asking a bit much, isn't it?? What does Tom have to say about this?"

"Tim, Kate. TIM. Bob says he isn't really happy about the idea either, but it's a good career move."

"Career move?? I thought you said one night? One time. Just tell me one thing. Why do I owe it to this dateless wonder to further his career?" I was really furious now and I was waving my arms tumultuously to boot.

Sandy stood quietly, gathering her things up to go home. "I'm sorry, Kate. I'll have Bob tell Tom."

"TIM... " I corrected Sandy with a chuckle. "Now you can't even get the poor sap's name right." Walking over to my friend, I hugged her tightly. "Oh, what the hell. It's just for a couple of hours, right? I can do this. I won't like it, but I can do this for you."

"Thanks, Kate. I really do appreciate it. Really."

"Uh huh.. Now get out of here and go home to your husband, will you? There will be a price to pay for this, you know." Sandy looked at me and grimaced. "To be determined at a later time. I'll think of something proportionate in value. Don't you worry."

"Good night, Kate. Thanks," Sandy paused at the door and sighed. "Proportionate? That's exactly what I am afraid of."

Tim

That night, I toss and turn in my bed, dreaming of all the horrible things that can possibly happen. Like the date turns out to be Jehanox's heavily pregnant daughter and I'm accused of being the father. Or that she's an alcoholic and goes crazy after a few drinks. Or she turns out to be a man with a beard wearing a dress (I wake up screaming at that one). Finally, blurry-eyed, I get up.

Feeling better after having my toast and coffee, I shower, get changed and go out to get my rented tux.

Saturday goes very slowly and twice I phone Bob to make sure that everything's okay. He assures me it is and finally, at 6 o'clock, sharp, I am at Bob and Sandy's front door.

Taking a deep breath, I say to myself "It will be alright, Tim! It will be alright, Tim!" as I ring the doorbell.

It seems to go on forever, but finally it's answered by Bob, also wearing a tux.

"Snap! Tim! Come in!" he laughs, showing me into the hallway.

"Is she here?" I ask, expecting at the last minute that she isn't.

"Of course!" he says, patting me on the back. Then going to the bottom of the stairs, he shouts upwards.

"Oh honey! You-know-who's here!"

I feel my throat starting to close up on me.

Please, God! Don't let her by like the last one he tried to saddle me with!...

It took me hours to decide what to wear...

The boys sat quietly on the bed watching as I pulled things out of the closet. Trying on, taking off and tossing into an ever-growing pile on the bed. Godfrey had dozed off long ago, buried under the castoff outfits.

I don't know why I'm obsessing so, for crying out loud. It's only a blind date. I should stuff a pillow under a baggy blouse and go as the pregnant 'wife' of the dateless wonder. That would teach him a lesson.

"Cripes! Look at the time!" Enough is enough now. I closed my eyes and reached into the closet.

Almost afraid to open them again, I finally peeked to see what I held in my hand. "Oh, yes! This is just perfect!" I thought to myself as I slipped into it.

Quickly making up my face and combing my hair, I stood before the mirror and spun around. I was drenched in lycra metallic red that grabbed every inch of my body. I felt like Bette Davis in "Jezebel" and I was going to have a blast.

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/reddress.jpg

A half hour later I was at Sandy and Bob's house. Her eyebrows went up when she saw what I was wearing, but she knew better than to make a comment.

We went upstairs while she got ready... last minute things and girl talk. It wasn't long before we heard Bob call out "Oh honey! You-know-who's here!"

Tim

I'm almost disappointed as I see only Sandy come down the stairs.

"Why, who's this handsome stranger?" she says as she embraces me.

"Hi, Sandy. You don't look bad yourself." I grin.

Giving me a kiss, she pulls away.

"Oh you were always were the smooth talker, Tom..I mean Tim!." I can see she's slightly embarrassed for getting my name wrong.

Strange! She's never done that before!

"Now I suppose you are ready to meet your bride?"

Bride? Oh God! I had almost forgotten about that!

"Come on, Kate." she shouts upstairs. "Your husband awaits you."

We all look up. Me, with some expectation but mostly dread.

I can't believe that I let Bob do this and to put my career on the line as well?

I hear her moving and then she's at the top of the stairs and I can see her for the first time.

Wow!

At that moment, my mouth literally must have fallen to the floor as I just stand there, gorping, as she comes down...

Here comes the bride?

As I come down the stairs, I see my 'date-slash-husband' looking up at me. OH MY GOD!!! Please let me fall down and break a leg. No. Both of them. Traction. Traction is good.

I glare daggers at Sandy and Bob. Oh, they will pay for this favor dearly. As for the 'dateless wonder'... It's now quite obvious to me why he couldn't get his own date, what with running around crashing into defenseless women with his car and ramming others with shopping carts.

Shoulders back. Chin up. I flashed a smile that was 'to die for' as I walked over to Tim. Slipping my arms around his neck and combing my fingers through his hair, I slid one leg up his body and wrapped it around him. Then I kissed him. Deeply. Passionately. Oh, yes. I was going to have a GREAT time tonight.

Finally deciding to let him come up for air, I backed away and held out my hand. "So... You must be my husband, Tom?"

Trying to catch my breath...

"Erm! Tim!" I correct her as I shake her hand, ignoring Bob and Sandy as they stand there smirking.

Who is this woman?

"Well...erm...so..." I find myself saying, or trying to. "Erm....you are Kate?"

"Uh Huh!" she says as she goes and picks up her handbag.

I pull a handkerchief from my pocket and wipe the wet lipstick off my mouth. For some reason, I have a feeling I have met her before. But if I did, surely I would remember.

"Okay, everyone!" Bob breaks in. "Since we have a bit of time before having to get to the dinner, I thought we could visit this nice little bar I just found."

"I'll just get my coat." says Sandy and quickly goes into the other room.

"Wonderful idea, Bob." Kate says, giving me another smile as she grabs her own coat. But the way she is looking at me makes me feel uneasy.

I'm sure I have seen her somewhere before!

With Sandy now with her coat, the four of us leave the house. The girls going ahead while Bob and I locked up.

"Well, Tim. What do you think?" he asks me.

"Erm. She's...well..."

"Overpowering?" he suggests.

"Erm. Yes. Slightly!"

Bob laughs.

Why is he so goddamn cheerful all the time?

"Don't worry about it. She is a bit like that! But she's a really nice girl once you get to know her. Trust me!"

Those words again!

Something strikes me.

"Bob, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure! Anything, Tim! Whassup?"

"Well..she's not a professional is she?" I ask him.

Bob stops, his face blank.

"Professional? What do you mean? A professional what?"

I feel a little embarrassed that I have asked him. But now that I have.

"Well. You know! A Professional"

I see Bob's expression change as the penny drops.

"You mean a Prostitute? he says slightly too loudly.

"Shh! Well I actually meant an Escort but...yes." I say to him sheeplessly.

"Tim! Would I do that to you?", he says, shaking his head. "No. She's not a Professional".

I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Bob! Tim! Come on you guys!" It's Sandy. The girls are waiting outside the car. "It's cold out here. Let's get going!"

Getting into the car, Bob drives us to the bar...

Sandy:

And they say women talk all the time. The two stood there yammering. Quickly turning to Kate I whispered.

"What was that kiss for? You scared him." But the guys had arrived and she couldn't answer. What was she up too? that dress, and the hearty welcome.

Bob drove us while a dead silence filled the car. The two just sat there. Bob glanced at me, like I couold make them talk. Okay, I could. Slippping into my work attitude, the ditzy chattering one.

"Isn't the weather been simply gorgeous for this time of year?" Giving a deep, exaggerated sigh.
"Sop warm and wonderful. I simply adore it when it stays like this. Don't you Tom?" Shaking my head. Damn her. Hoping no one noticed.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bug in ones ear...

like a few bars of a song that you love to hate. I can't help chuckling aloud when Sandy calls Tim Tom again but (brilliant conversationalist that he is), Tim doesn't answer.

Before long, Bob pulls into the busy parking lot of a small bar whose flashing neon sign declares that it's 'Ladies Night: Buy One/Get One (between the hours of 6:00 and 7:00). I glance down at my watch. Six twenty. Plenty of time to knock a couple back. This 'date' was beginning to look better and better.

As Tom lifts the handle from the outside, I push the car door open with my foot. Right into him as he stands there pretending not to be trying to catch a glimpse up my dress. Should I? Shouldn't I? Oh, what the hell. Tom's my husband, isn't he?

I give him a flash of leg and a little bit more, leaving him wide-eyed and spluttering as I brush against him leading the way into the bar. Well... I didn't want unsightly panty lines after all. Did I?

Bob, the spouse

As I watched the byplay between the 'married couple' I tried to mask what must be a worried expression and put on a happy face. I had told Jehanox that Tim/Tom was married. Just a little white lie to advance his career. To be honest, I was watching out for mine as well. I talked so much about Tim and his contribution to the company. Jehanox had that blind spot about single employees...and he was rich enough to be considered eccentric rather than prejudiced.

Sandy and I cooked this up -we thought it rather amusing actually - but it had the earmarks of a situation that could spin out of control.

That slinky red dress was really something - and he really had thought she was a hooker. 'Poor Tim,' I thought, his 'wife' is quite a contrast to him. Judging by the flush and the expression on his face, he got a flash of something..... 'Women NEVER do anything accidentally,' I mused. Another thought almost made me suggest we turn around. This clever little scenario - and then Jehanox asks us to sit at 'The Table.'

Putting my brightest smile on my face, I touched Sandy on the arm and said, "Lets all go inside and have a libation. Oh, Tim, no shop talk tonight. Jehanox HATES technobabble. If he hears someone say 'server,' he looks for the waitstaff."

Sandy:
Linking my arm through Bob's I smile up at him. Knowing him so well, I know how worried he is. Bah. Nothing we can't handle. I love playing, though this could so easily blow up. And that dress. Damn her. She looked like a knockout, a high class hooker. Even I was practically drooling. Why had i never noticed her curves before?
"I for one need a few libations. They have the most incredible wine celler here, and their bartender, not only has he got a gorgeous ass, but he mixes a mean drink."

Tim

The first thing I notice is the noise.

What are they playing here?

"Maybe it isn't a good idea to go in?" I say to Bob.

"Kate's already inside." he replies.

"Can't we leave her and go straight to the dinner?" I find myself saying, pleading even.

"You can't do that. Besides, Jehanox wants to meet her."

"I could always say she's ill in bed." I find myself muttering even as I find myself entering....only to be blinded by the flashing lights.

"What the....?" but unable to hear myself talk thanks to the noise.

"Looks like they are having a 70s disco night!" shouts Sandy.

Oh no!

We make our way to the bar. Kate's nowhere to be seen.

"What would you like?" shouts the bartender.

I order myself a double Bonecrusher (Rum, Gin, Vodka, Sprite, Grenadine, Lemon, Champagne) and drinks for Bob and Sandy.

"We can't stay here!" I shout to Bob.

I then see Kate with some guy on the dance floor.

Jesus, Bob! What have you got me? I think to myself.

I quickly down my drink...

Saturday Night Fever...

Flashing lights, loud music and free drinks. Heaven, I thought to myself as I headed for the bar. "Canadian Club and 7," I said to the bartender. I chugged down the first one and was sipping at the second when someone tapped me on my shoulder. Holding up my finger, I hurriedly finished the second drink and followed him onto the dance floor. Just what I needed to get rid of some of this tension.

As I danced, I watched for Sandy and Bob to come in. Poor Tim looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a semi barrelling down the highway. The music stopped and I thanked my partner, giving him the brush-off when he wanted to dance again. "Sorry, bubba. My date's here. Later."

"This place is GREAT, Bob! How'd you find it?" He rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Come on, you guys. How 'bout a drink?" I raised my hand to get the bartender's attention. "Same?" he asked. "You bet. And a round for my friends here."

"Same?" I heard Tim whisper to Bob. "When did she get a chance to have the first?"

Turning to my 'husband', I draped an arm over his shoulder while I set my empty glass down on the bar. "You really need to loosen up, love," I purred into his ear and pulled him from his stool onto the dance floor.

Sandy:
Oh God. What was she doing? Dancing wildly like that, and now draping herself over Tom. Tim's body like a slut. I tugged at her arm.
"I need to use the bathroom. Please." Pleading with her to follow me.