Page 46 of Nightclub Surprise
Everyone laughed then, and Tillie answered, “The therapeutic sessions go on for at least eight hours. I don’t begin to get antsy until the end, and when my therapist notices me squirming, she ends the session, and I have to go masturbate for at least anhour.”
Natasha added, “It’s like a little inside joke around here. Don’t let it bother you if you see someone walking real fast to get to their room, and they ignore you. It’s just that they have to deal with some more personal matters inprivate.”
“I’ve got to ask,” I said as one question ate at me. “Is there a lot of hooking up inhere?”
They all looked back and forth at each other, then each one of them looked at a table in the far corner where six people sat. One female and five males. “If you’re into hooking up, she’s really the only one into thathere.”
“No,” I said quickly as I shook my head. “I’m not into that at all. I was justwondering.”
Tom laughed then downed the last of his water, and I saw Tasha coming into the cafeteria. She waved me over, and I excused myself to go get myschedule.
Things were about to begin, and I felt ready forthat.
Chapter Twenty-five
Tawny
A week had passed, and I hadn’t heard a thing from August. Leila had come over to our place to do some planning. She’d called me up, explaining that the family wanted to have the holiday at August’s place that year, which would work great, as August was set be released from the facility just a couple of days beforeThanksgiving.
I was happy to oblige as I’d already requested that my start date at the hospital be moved to January fifth; I was free as a bird and knew the planning would help take my mind off missingAugust.
Leila’s kids had come over, too. It was the weekend, and they helped keep Calum entertained while Leila and I chatted over a few glasses of the wine she’d brought with her. She’d handed the car keys to her oldest, Jeanna, just after coming inside. “Here, Jeanna, I’m drinking, so you’re driving ushome.”
Her daughter took the keys and followed the others to the game room. “Got it,Mom.”
Leila showed me the bag with the three bottles inside. “I’ve brought us some refreshments, Tawny. But I drink responsibly, never drinking and driving. My hubby’s Uncle Alonzo died in a car wreck ten years ago after drinking and driving, and I vowed then and there never to do it—even after just onedrink.”
With a nod, I led her to the bar so that we could find some glasses and a corkscrew. Texting Tara along the way, I asked the chef if she could bring us a cheeseboard and fresh fruittray.
Leila and I settled in, sitting on tall barstools at the gorgeous dark wood bar. Leila had found the stereo system and put on some soft rock music. “I just love visiting this place. It’s like a hotel, don’t you think?” she askedme.
“That’s what I said when I first saw it.” I chuckled, taking of sip and loving the salty undertones of the red wine. “Yummy.”
“I know, right?” Leila asked. “I just love Napa Valleywine.”
“A true Californian,” I added,smiling.
Tara brought in the trays I requested, and Leila was quick to invite her to join us. “Tara, we’re going to be discussing the Thanksgiving holiday. Would you care to grab a glass and join us? Your input would beappreciated.”
Going behind the bar, Tara got a glass and poured herself some wine. She took a pad of paper and a pen out of her apron and placed it on the top of the bar. “Okay, so we’re having it herethen?”
With a smile, I was happy to tell her the news, “We are. Our first holiday together, and I get to be the hostess. I’m soexcited.”
“Mom and Dad are coming, too,” Leila informed her. “The total headcount is thirteen. Even my elusive hubby will be home for once and will bethere.”
“So, I’ll get to meet the man behind the remarkable woman,” I said with alaugh.
“That youwill.”
Tara tapped her nails on the bar. “Okay. Turkey is amust.”
“Ham, too,” Iadded.
Then Leila looked at me. “Tawny, please tell me your parents are going to come, too.” She looked at Tara. “Put down two more people. I forgot to addthem.”
Tara jotted that down. “Okay, fifteenpeople.”
“Make it nineteen, Tara,” I quickly pointed out. “I certainly expect you and the rest of the staff would like to enjoy the meal,too.”
