Date: Sat, 27 May 2023 12:36:40 -0400 From: Ronald Speener Subject: Chapter 8 to the Chrysalis Story This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends. Please contribute to Nifty. They do a great job of providing stories that please the senses, titillate the mind, and expand our view of the world. Chapter 8--Italian Conspiracy As the valet speed away with Cedrick's car, Cedrick looked critically at the unassuming front of Del Artiste Ristorante. "Not much curb appeal," Cedrick commented as he made an appraisal of the red brick, modest signage and dark green canopy stretching from the street to the door. "But some of the best restaurants in France are dives outside and in." With a shrug, he gently took Ariel's arm. "It is getting some good reviews. Chris how did you hear of this place?" "A server at Chaz's works here, and he praised the food the chef is creating." Chris smiled at Cedrick, a little nervous that he would recommend places to a man as wide traveled and knowledgeable as Cedrick, and Chris's experience with Italian food was Pizza Hut and his mother's box spaghetti. "I've never had true Italian food, a good recommendation, some research online and we are at the door." "So we are," laughed Cedrick, "Lead on Chris." "Welcome to Del Artiste Ristorante," said the maitre'd, a handsome man in his early twenties, lean, muscular and Mediterranean. He was wearing a dark blue jacket with the same color piping and gold braid epaulets that screamed courtesy. He gave an extra smile to Chris and Tom as he held the door. "Do you have reservations?" Cedrick said yes. "The hostess will seat you shortly. Enjoy your meal." Cedrick and company moved toward an archway leading into the restaurant. Tom, Chris, and Cedrick turned and gave the maitre'd an appraising look. "He's a classic Italian beauty like the young Claudio Bigagli." Chris whispered. Cedrick overheard and wondered how Chris knew of that actor. Ariel hit Chris's arm lightly, "Do I need to start walking around naked?" She frowned. "Here I dress up in this most seductive gown, and it is him that get the oogles." She laughed lightly, "Is everyone now so gay. That this voluptuous, sexy woman is ignored." "My dear," Cedrick cooed to Ariel, "to me you are sexy in that dress or without." Ariel smiled as she moved closer to Cedrick, "but the world likes sexy young gay men. And if you crave the attention so bad, wear pants." He smiled love and devotion. "with breasts your size, you could pass." Ariel quickly stepped away from Cedrick and hit him lightly on the chest, "Now you're into boys. I wish I had known sooner; I know several that I could introduce you to, Binky, perhaps." "Termagant, shrew, you are evil." Cedrick retorted. "Never! besides, your other parts are very delicious." He pulled Ariel into a kiss. "Good evening and welcome to Del Artiste Ristorante," a bright female voice interrupted. "Greenwood, party of four." Cedrick replied mechanically, still more interested in teasing Ariel. "Very good sir, follow me." The young dark-skinned woman, dressed in a slim dark green satin dress that ran to the ankles, led the four through a full but not crowded main dining room, past a central fountain of seated young girl with a cornucopia, to one of several alcoves with a single table set for four. As Cedrick pulled a chair out for Ariel, and Tom started doing the same for Chris, Chris turned to the young lady and asked, "Could you show me the restrooms, please." "Do you need some help?" Tom quickly jumped in. "No, I'll be fine. I have gotten far more efficient." The young lady's face did not change during this strange conversation. "This way sir, I'd be pleased to show you." Once out of earshot of the table Chris asked, "Is Blaine working tonight?" "Yes sir," curiosity in her voice. "Could you have him be our primary server tonight?" "We don't usually assign by request," she replied. "Blaine is your best server? Right" "Yes," caution. "You might want to impress Mr. Greenwood. He owns the Aurora Hotel chain and other properties. He lists restaurants in his hotel guide that he finds superior. A listing there would be beneficial. I think your best server is warranted." The young lady, still walking was thinking, "I thought the name sounded familiar. I can arrange for Blaine. I also need to tell the chef and owner so that they can prepare something special." Chris felt a sudden panic because he did not want Cedrick to know that he was setting up a job interview. "No, please do not go to that trouble. Mr. Greenwood, wants to experience the food and service, as any guest. Otherwise, how could he be objective?" The young lady nodded. Chris quickly glanced at her name tag. "Michelle, Mr. Greenwood would be upset if anyone knew he was here and special treatment was given." "Wouldn't Blaine be special treatment?" Michelle asked. "No, he is part of the usual wait staff. How he is assigned is a matter of rotation. The rotation just got a little messed up." "I see your point." Michelle paused and looked at Chris. "How do you know Blaine anyway." Again caution. "I met him at a party he was working, and he struck me as very professional under difficult circumstances." "Chaz's?" "Yes." Michelle actually broke her persona and laughed quietly. "He was complaining the next day about all the bruises on his ass from being pinched." Michelle put a finger to her lip thinking. "He has a table he is just finishing up; they're on espresso; it should not be too much of a burden to add your table." She stopped and gestured, "Here is the restroom sir, if that is your intention." She smiled kindly, "Thanks for the heads-up." Chris returned to the table rather pleased with himself. Tom stood and held out Chris chair for seating. "Is everything good? No problems?" Tom whispered to Chris. Chris nodded. Michelle returned, "Your server will be with you shortly, he is just finishing up another table. Could I take drink orders?" Cedrick smiled at Michelle, "My wife will have a Campari Spritz, the boys, sorry Tom and Chris, are under age and will have a strawberry basil soda, and a rosemary citrus spritzer." Cedrick looked apologetically to the two. "You can decide who gets each, and I'll have a Bombay martini with two olives." "Thank you sir, I'll..." "Excuse me for the delay," Blaine's "thank you Michelle for getting drink orders." A busboy quietly came to the other side of the table and placed a basket of fragrant bread and started filling water glasses. Blaine handed menus to the four. "I am Blaine and my assistant," point to the busboy "is Steve. If you have any questions you can ask either of us." Blaine's smile was polite but perfunctory. "The specials tonight are calamari ripieni--calamari stuffed with bread crumbs in a white wine sauce--and involtini di vitelli--rolled veal stuffed with cheeses and prosciutto and served in a white wine sauce." Chris lowered the large menu and looked at Tom, "Calamari is squid, right?" Tom smiled a yes, "Yuck," Blaine, just noticed Chris. "Oh, hi Chris, I did not notice you behind the menu." Tom gave Chris a quick jealous glance, but Chris places a hand on his knee and squeezed. "The calamari ripieni is excellent here. We use true calamari and not the cheaper squid, which many restaurants use for fried calamari. I will leave you to gather your drinks and then return to take your order and answer any questions." As Blaine was turning to leave, Cedrick caught Blaine's attention. "I would like to order antipasti for us to share." Blaine pivoted gracefully back toward the table. "Certainly, sir, what would you like?" "You have a very nice selection. I was thinking mozzarella carrozza." He paused and looked at Blaine, "unless you have other suggestions." "The mozzarella is very popular sir, but fairly standard, in my opinion. I would recommend fraglio di salvia ripine with your aperitifs." Chris looked slightly amused. "Fried sage leaves between mozzarella" He smile back at Chris. "Also, both the cristini al gineptro and the frittata di pomodori verdi are excellent." "I will follow your recommendation," Cedrick assented as he eyed Blaine with a critical eye. "I will place the orders and return with your drinks." Once Blaine was well away from hearing, Tom rounded on Chris. "How do you know our flirtatious, very hot, server?" Both Cedrick and Ariel laughed at Tom's rising jealousy. Chris, oozed calm innocence, "I met him at Chaz's, he was a server there." Chris gave a sweet smile. "He helped me when I needed a restroom." Chris let his gaze go where Blaine had just gone. He smiled a little more sweetly, dimples in his cheeks. "He helped you in the bathroom?" Tom eyes narrowed like a cat's focusing on a mouse. Chris turned his attention to Cedrick and Ariel. "I like the lighting in here. It is suffused: bright enough to see a close face but dimmed enough to give ambiance." Ariel gave Chris a wicked grin. "I agree Chris about the lighting. It makes the splashes of red far less annoying." She did a quick glance at Tom. "I do like that my menu has the prices. I get very annoyed at those fancy French restaurants that only give prices to the man." "Does that mean you are paying tonight, my dear?" Cedrick asked with good humor. "Yes, I would like to. This evening is on me." Ariel smiled an indulgent smile at her husband. Cedrick looked at Tom, who was still staring at Chris for an explanation, "My dearest Ariel is buying tonight so indulge. It will still be me that is paying." Tom did not hear Cedrick. Ariel gave Cedrick a slap on the arm, "I'll have you know that I don't need your money. My business is doing very well." Cedrick leaned back smugly at having goaded Ariel. Love and pride glinting in his eyes. "You own a business," Chris leaned toward Ariel. "What is it?" "I have four art galleries: New York, Los Angeles, Rome and Tokyo." Chris's face showed he was impressed. "I'll be opening one next month in Dubai." Chris was about to reply when Tom growled. "Tell me about Blaine and the bathroom, if you would be so kind as to give me your attention." Chris gave a quick wink at Ariel. "I am so sorry sweet cheeks." Chris leaned into Tom and gave affirm pinch to his cheek, "that I was not giving you my full attention." Ariel wanted to laugh and Cedrick looked at Tom and realized that Tom was lost. "I want to know about you and Blaine at Chaz's" Tom said with slow enunciation and controlled breath. "Oh, only that. It was nothing.' Chris patted Tom's hand "The bathroom downstairs was occupied, and he showed me to the guest bathroom. I know you saw us go upstairs." Chris smiled into Tom's eyes. "We chatted on the way up. He showed me the bathroom and left. He was a perfect gentleman." "Oh, OK," Tom slowly cooled, "if you say so." "Are you going to be this disagreeable over every man the talks to me?" Chris asked. "Yes," Tom rapidly replied then paused, quietly amending. "No. not if I want to keep you." "Damn right. I may be yours but you do not own me." Ariel gave Chris an approving nod. Blaine had returned with the drinks giving the Campari to Ariel and the martini to Cedrick. One look at Tom and he realized that he was in an awkward moment. "Excuse me, but Michelle did not say which drink was whose." Chris reached over Tom and grabbed a glass with a sprig of rosemary, "Thank you Blaine, this one is mine and Tom can have what is left." Blaine placed the pink drink by Tom. "This bread is excellent," interrupted Cedrick. "focaccia with blue cheese and pear?" "Yes sir," Steve brought out the antipasti, which Blaine placed in the center of the table with dishes and small forks for each. He quickly identified each. "Are you ready to order? Or could I suggest the Chef's Table." "Chef's tables are frequently overpriced excursions into a particular chef's ego." Cedrick looked at Blaine expecting a denial. "Unfortunately, that is true in many places. And our head chef here does use it to experiment with ingredients. But, it is also a chance to use fresh ingredients not found in quantities to add to the menu. Today, our chef found morel mushrooms from a supplier in Wisconsin, which he is using in a sauce for his venison scallopini." Ariel held her napkin ready in the event that Cedrick would start to drool. "Please elaborate on the Chef's table. I do not see it listed." "Of course, sir. The chef's table is not published because it is limited, so only a few regulars know about it." Cedrick nodded, a few of his restaurants did the same. It made your more important patrons feel special. Blaine continued, "It is five courses paired with wine. Each course has a choice of three items." "The courses are?" Cedrick was shifting into his business mode. "Antipasto, which I would include what you have already ordered, primo plato--pasta, soup or grilled vegetable, secondo plato--the venison, or lobster, or pheasant--formaggio--assorted cheeses, and finally, a dolci--sweet." Cedrick, looked at Blaine thoughtfully, "No boiled course?" "In Firenza" Blaine smile back at Cedrick, "certainly, but we must adjust to the expectations of our guests. So here no boiled course." Blaine saw a look of disappointment on Cedrick's face, "I would, however, ask the chef if he could prepare something boiled." Cedrick laughed, "No please do not disturb the chef for something special. A good chef can be very temperamental, and I would not want to upset the kitchen." "You have met our chef then." Blaine smiled back with humor in his eyes. The noise from another part of the restaurant was escalating. "What the fuck are you serving me. This is not the fuck what I ordered." The yelling dominating the restaurant. "Please, dear." came a small female voice, "don't make a scene." "I am sorry, sir, but you ordered the trippa alla fiorentina." "I'm not eating goddamn pig fucking guts." The man closed in on the diminutive waitress. Blaine face showed concern. "Excuse me," he said to Cedrick's table and quickly walked to the source of conflict. He easily interposed himself between the waitress and the man. "Thank you Cindra, I will handle this." The young lady nodded and left. "Now sir, if you can explain to me the problem, I am sure that we can resolve the issue." Although Blaine was not as large as the irate man. Blaine exuded far more strength and power. "That fucking cunt served me pig intestine." "Sir, that kind of language is not befitting a gentleman such as you. If you do not calm down and discuss this like gentleman, I will have no choice but to remove you from the restaurant." "Don't you fucking tell me what to do, you're just a fucking waiter in a third-rate shit hole." The small voice came from his table, "Please, sit down, Tony, you can have my meal; I'll eat yours. It's actually very good" Tony completely ignored the plaintive voice of his dinner companion. "I'm Senator Collins administrative assistant and I can have this place shut down and everyone arrested for serving tainted food." "Of course, sir," Blaine stood still totally calm. "Would you like to use my cell phone to make calls?" Blaine asked. Blaine turned to Michelle, who had joined the fracas. "Michelle, would you be so kind to call the Chicago Tribune and talk to Lonnie Bottom." Blaine turned to Tony, "He is a report. I am sure he would love to help Senator Collins Administrative Assistant shut down an Italian restaurant that serves tripe. And I am sure Senator Collins would appreciate your white knight stance for food safety, especially after your conversation is published." Tony glared at Blaine. "Stella we're leaving." He threw the napkin he was holding into Blaine's face and left cursing. Stella slowly rose from the table and looked at all the staring faces of the other patrons. "I am so sorry. This was to be our tenth wedding anniversary celebration." She started to sob, "I'm so sorry" Blaine pulled her into a hug. "Michelle, do you have a business card on you?" Michelle pulled one out. "Could you comp two lunches for Stella." Michelle wrote on the back of the card and handed it to Blaine. "I am sorry Stella that this meal was ruined for you, You and a friend, not Tony, can return and have lunch on us." Stella pulled away from Blaine. Michelle handed Stella clean napkin which Stella used to wipe her eyes. "I am so sorry, and thank you." Stella turned to leave. "I will let everyone I know what a wonderful restaurant this is." She turned and left following her husband beyond the door. "I am very sorry about the scene," Blaine said returning to the table. "Very well-handled young man," Cedrick said, "Neatly diffused and established goodwill. Nice touch on the comp lunches. Your about to be a favorite for lady lunches." "Thank you sir," Blaine said pleased at the complement, "The best way to handle bullies like him is to stand your ground." "I know Senator Collins," Cedrick smiled; it was not a kind smile, "I may pay him a visit tomorrow." "Cheedy," Ariel beamed, "I love you." "Back to the matter at hand," Blaine returned attention to him. "are you ready to order." Every one ordered the chef's table; Blaine fluidly gave the Italian names for each course and a translation for Tom and Chris. "I am impressed with Blaine," Cedrick said to no one in particular. He turned to Chris "You met him at Chaz's? What do you know?" "We did not have a long conversation but he told me he was a waiter here, spoke fluent Italian and French, passable Arabic, some German and Spanish. He is finishing his degree in restaurant hospitality." "Explains his flawless pronunciation of the dishes." Ariel commented. "You got all this information in ten-fifteen minutes?" Tom asked. Chris just shrugged. "People tell me things. I listen." Tom pulled Chris close for a quick kiss on the cheek. Chris looked quickly around to see if anyone else in the restaurant noticed. An older couple a few tables over raise a glass in salute. Chris blushed. Tom stroked the blush on Chris's cheek. "Chris is full of surprising talents. He cooks, plays classical piano, does ballet, and can read auras." Chris blushed again, "My mother wanted to raise the perfect wife." Chris sighed. "Surprise" He gave a choked laugh. "You can read auras?" Ariel asked suddenly intrigued. She unconsciously put a hand on her husband's hand. "Can you see mine?" "Tom told me about auras, so I am not sure. I just see colors around people. Always have and assumed everyone could." "No, actually very few people see them, a few can sense them, but most are blind." Ariel explained. "What do you see for me?" "Your colors blend and swirl, which I consider as tolerant and flexible. My dad's aura had hard edges." Chris took a deep breath, "He is inflexible and does not change, which is perfect for an accountant." Chris paused again to refocus. "Your aura is pale yellow, gold, and spring green. A few flashes of red." Chris looked at Ariel and smiled at the secret, "You have a bit of a temper." Cedrick gave a loud laugh, "Got that right." Ariel scowled and slapped Cedrick on the arm. "It is interesting that your green Ariel is the same as some of the green in Cedrick's. I had a neighbor who called people soul bound." Ariel looked at Cedrick: pride, love, contentment, loyalty all bound in that look. "We are soul bound." Cedrick reached over and took Ariel's hand and kissed it. "Forever," he whispered. "What about Tom and me?" Cedrick asked, intrigued by Chris's observations. "You are both similar, I guess that is from being related," Cedrick nodded. "Yours Cedrick is darker browns and deeper greens than Tom. Your aura," Chris continued to Cedrick, "is slower moving with eddies and swirls like a wide river. Tom's is more like a rock strewn stream." "Tom has always been too impulsive." Cedrick smiled kindly at Tom as if this statement was a long given. "The worry he has given his parents." Chris dipped his head in agreement, understanding that he was here only because of Tom's impulsiveness. Chris continues, "Tom has some pale lavender and flecks of gold that flickers like stars." Chris looked at Tom and smiled. "It is one of the reasons I approached him. He is so beautiful." Tom beamed and gave Chris a quick kiss on the neck. "Chris?" asked Ariel, "What is your aura like?" Chris frowned, "Don't know. It does not show in a mirror." "It must be difficult to have a gift and not be able to use it on yourself." "I've never thought of using to see me. I was never happy with what I saw in a mirror, why would seeing my aura make me happier?" Chris shrugged and continued, "It has helped me avoid nasty people though, which may have saved my life." The Steve returned filling water glasses, removing plates and empty glass and adding wine glasses. He was soon followed by Blaine. "Did everyone enjoy the antipasti?" Chris commented that he really liked the fried sage and cheese. The first course was placed and Blaine poured a little wine into Cedrick's glass. Cedrick sniffed and tasted and smiled approvingly. "The wine is from a small vineyard in the Piedmont region." Cedrick continued to look at Blaine, so Blaine continued, "It is a Gavi, from the La Scolca winery, hence the Villa Scolca name. The winery produces several whites, sparkling, and red wines. But this is my favorite." "Yes a nice choice." Cedrick smiled to Blaine and Blaine pour Ariel a glass then completed Cedrick's glass. Blaine glanced at Tom and Chris's wine glasses and then Cedrick, who nodded. Blaine poured smaller portions into each. Cedrick sighed "Americans so protective of their children against the beauty of wine but not from brutality of guns. Europe is far more rational." Blaine did not react. "Have you been to the Piedmont region of Italy?" "My family lived in Rome for six years when I was young. My dad was always taking us on wine trips, so I have been to this particular winery." Blaine smiled both at the memory and the chance to brag. "Un pasto senza vino รจ come un giorno senza sole," Cedrick said and raised his glass "Amici e vini sono meglio vecchi" Blaine added and left the table. "Charming young man," Cedrick said as Blaine left the table. Chris gave himself a secret smile. "Oh, you've got to taste this Cheddy," Ariel shoved a fork toward Cedrick's mouth. "The grilled eggplant is heavenly." Cedrick took a bit off Ariel's fork more to humor that a desire. He nodded agreement and tried his soup, and smiled satisfied. "I hope your pasta is a good as my soup," Tom asked Chris, "It that cream puffs in the soup, asked Chris. "No cream nuggets filled with mushrooms, Have a taste." Tom took a spoon and placed it toward Chris's mouth. Chris glanced over at Cedrick who returned a smile that said welcome to the club. Chris took the proffered spoon, grabbed his chest in mock ecstasy. "That is a little overboard." Tom chided, "How is the pasta?" "It's amazing," Chris put a tortellini in his mouth. "The sauce is mint not basil and the filling is mint and cheese." Tom opened his mouth for Chris to feed him. "No, I am not feeding you. Once you are old and toothless, maybe." Everyone laughed. Tom speared himself a tortellini, while Chris tried to block him. "Tom said you signed a contract with Stu." Cedrick returning to conversation. "Yes," Chris smiled, "He said he might have me go to Milan for fashion week." "You must have impressed him." "He is very impressive. You should have seen him in the leather outfit." Tom shimmed at the thought, "Sooo hot." "How do you feel about this, Chris?" Ariel asked. "Not sure, it is moving very fast" Chris smiled at Ariel, "It was fun." "Say that when they have you nearly naked in the snow." Tom commented as he speared another tortellini from Chris. The bus boy had come and cleared away the dishes and refilled water glasses. Blaine had approached the table and heard a little of the conversation. He beamed at Chris, "You had your audition at Corbett & Steinholtz?" "Yes, today," answered Chris. Tom pulled closer to Chris, stacking his territory. Ariel gave a quiet bemused laugh. "He signed a contract and for the next few months he is totally mine." Tom smiled at Blaine, "I will teach him the ropes." "Ropes?" Chris asked, "I didn't know you were kinky. Blaine finished pouring the wine emptying the bottle, giving the last to Chris. "You mentioned that you lived in Italy" Cedrick addressed Blaine. "Yes, six years." Blaine gave Cedrick a charming smile, "My father was in the diplomatic core in Rome, then Paris, and finally Tokyo." "Do you speak other languages besides Italian?" Cedrick was in an interview mode. "Yes, French--I can pass for a moderately educated native, Some German and Spanish. My Japanese is poor, difficult language, and Arabic" "Why Arabic?" Cedrick asked. "Roommate was from Morocco. It is not Classic Arabic." Blaine continued to explain. "Your main course will ready shortly, but I will bring the wine for it now." Blaine bowed quickly and left. "Professional young man," Cedrick commented. "Ariel, you might try some French on him." Cedrick smiled a nod to Ariel. "Cedrick, this is a casual night out not a business interview." Ariel frowned at Cedrick who pouted and looked at the empty spot where his plate was. He took some bread and idling nibbled. Blaine was soon back with three bottles of wine. He poured a red into Cedrick and Tom's glass, a yellow wine into Ariel's, and a white into Chris's. Steve arrived with a tray of food, the aromas arriving before the tray, teasing Chris's nose. "Gentlemen," indicating Cedrick and Tom, "your wine is a barolo, Madam your is an asti, and Chris I gave you a Pinot Grigio. If you would like something other, let me know." Steve and Blaine quickly place the warm plates in front of the appropriate person. "If there is anything else you need, just let Steve or I know." Chris looked at his lobster. He had lobster once for Christmas but this was not the same. This lobster, a resemblance to a lobster, was split in half and topped with something. Ariel saw Chris's confusion. "Chris, they use the Italian spiny lobster rather than the Maine variety. It is a nice touch for authentic Italian food, don't you think?" Cedrick nodded, too engaged in the venison to notice. "All you need to do Chris is pop the lobster out of the shell. The shell is just presentation." Chris gave Ariel a smile of relief and took his fork to the meat and the lobster separated easily from the shell. The conversation dwindled to occasions "try this" to grunts of pleasure. Blaine reappeared and proceeded to refill wine glasses. "It everything acceptable?" he asked. Cedrick wiped a spot of sauce from his lip, "This venison is excellent, and the sauce divine." Ariel quickly added her pleasure. "The wine is acceptable?" Blaine shifted a little nervous. "The wine is perfect, thank you." Cedrick raised his glass and took a sip. "Who does your pairing." "I do sir," Blaine's slight blushed highlighted his cheekbones. "Great choices," Cedrick looked at his glass, "How did you learn to pair. It can be difficult." "At culinary school sir." Blaine looked at Cedrick who waited for him to continue. "I too several classes as part of my restaurant management program and I have studied on my own." "Where did you graduate from?" "I have not graduated yet. I will be graduating in June." "You go to school and work here too." "School is expensive, and this also gives me experience." Blaine explained. Cedrick took some bread and swirled it in the mushroom sauce. "If you will excuse me, I will allow you to enjoy the rest of your meal. Cedrick slowly chewed the gravy-soaked bread. "You know Ariel," he said without looking at her. "I need an assistant manager for my restaurant in Milan. What do you think?" "I think you are working when you need to enjoy the company of Tom and Chris." She gave Cedrick's hand a little pinch. "But yes, it might be worth pursuing." Cedrick raised his yes from his plate to Chris. Cedrick's eye spoke mischief. "What do you think Chris?" Chris almost choked on a piece of lobster, which he thought would be a waste of divine lobster. "I don't know. I really have no experience in the restaurant business. My opinion is not very informed." Chris quickly found a piece of lobster on his plate that had evaded detection. Ariel, put down a piece of pheasant she had just cut and looked at Chris, getting the drift of Cedrick's question. "That may be true," she gave Chris a quizzical look tilting her head a fraction, "but you are a good judge of character; you do see auras and that cannot be dismissed." She tilted her head to the other side. "You saw him work at Chaz's?" she added. Chris laughed at that. "I don't know if a silver thong and a tray of drinks is exactly the image of a restaurant manager." Chris looked from Ariel to Cedrick and back realizing he was expected to answer. "His aura is predominately deep blue with swirls gold and hints of lavender." Chris looked at Ariel, who nodded. "I find those colors as honest, hardworking, and caring." Chris looked at Cedrick, "And yes, I feel, with no objective reason, that he would be good for your organization." Cedrick gave a large expansive smile, which eased Chris, "I think so too," Soon the dishes were cleared, cheese, fruit and nuts were served, and finally Chris had a chocolate gelato with fresh raspberries. All other ice cream was a fraud as this was the best he ever tasted. Blaine approached the table, "Is there anything else I may get you?" "No everything was perfect." Cedrick said and slipped something into Blaine's hand. "Please give this too the chief as my way of saying thank you for a rare treat. I think we will sit and finish the espresso as a digestif." Blaine returned shortly from the kitchen with the chief. "Sir," Blaine said to Cedrick, "this is Chief Tomas. He wanted to meet you and say thank you." Tomas was thin, short in his late forties with dark black wavy hair and dark eyes that said everything. His hands were long and thin, like a pianist. "I want to thank you for your kind gift," he said with a hint of an Italian accent. "I hope you enjoyed the meal I prepared. I love cooking and making food my mother would be proud of." "Thank you Tomas for a very memorable meal." Cedrick rose and shook Tomas's hand, who hugged Cedrick instead, a young ivy attached to oak. "The food and service has been wonderful." Tomas gave a big smile as he released Cedrick. "Sir, it has been my pleasure, I do not often have the chance to prepare a full diner in the Italian manner. You have made me very happy to cook for you." Cedrick sat back down. "Did my Blainy do well by you?" Cedrick affirmed the quality of Blaine and Steve's service. "Thank you so much. One day soon Blaine will leave me because he is too good for here. We too small, he too big." Tomas's hand floated up the six seven inches Blaine had over Tomas. "He needs a big place with lots of food and people." Blaine just gave a large breath, use to Tomas's ways. "He's a good boy and very smart--not just books but people too." Tomas smiled at Blaine. "You come back soon?" "I will certainly will next time I am in town." Cedrick returned Tomas's smile. "I will tell other people too." Tomas frowned, "Not too many, I like being small. Small is flexible." Cedrick laughed, "Small is very good. It is easier to maintain quality" "You enjoy the rest of your meal," and Tomas left. "He is an amazing person to work for," Blaine said, "He designed and created this place, runs the business with his wife, shops and creates the menu and then cooks six nights a week." Blaine wagged his head in awe. `We are closed Sunday because it is God's day of rest." "He is the owner?" Cedrick asked in disbelief. "He and his wife. It is his passion." "It shows." Blaine placed the burgundy leather waiter's wallet on the table. "I will pick that up when you are ready," Cedrick pulled a wallet from inside his coat pocket and a placed a credit card in the wallet. "This meal is on me," he smiled at Ariel, "to celebrate Chris's new career." Blaine unobtrusively collected the waiter's wallet and took it to Michelle to ring up. She looked at the card. "I don't recognize this card? Can we use it?" She handed the card to Blaine. Blaine examined it closely, "Fuck, I've heard of it in one of my classes. It's a Coutts Silk Card." Michelle blink said so what. "It is very exclusive, British royalty and all. Run it as a Master Card and it will clear." Michelle ran the card, "Heft tip for you. Will buy you a lot of books for school." "Don't forget Steve gets some." "No, he designated a tip for you and another, generous tip for Steve." She showed Blaine the receipt. "Wow," he said. "The pretty blond kid said he was some large international hotel owner. He asked for you personally to serve the table. Obviously you impressed him." "Chris arranged for me to wait the table, out of rotation?" "Yes, said it would be good for business. Was I wrong?" Michelle asked suddenly concerned. "No, lovely Michelle, you did perfect." Blaine took the wallet back to the table. "Sir, you just need to sign and keep the second copy. I'll pick it up after you leave." "Thank you Blaine. It has been a pleasure having you as a server. My business card will be inside the portefeuille, if you could call me tomorrow. I would like to discuss with you your career plans after you are graduated." "Thank you sir, I am flattered beyond belief by the prospect of talking to you about my future. I will call tomorrow morning. And again, thank you, and everyone have a good evening. And Chris, congrats on the job." Blaine walked away stunned, excited and petrified. "Shall we go?" Cedrick looked at everyone. "We can have cocktails in the Peacock Room of the hotel. As they left, Michelle and Blaine were at the door to wish them a good evening. Blaine signaled to Chris that he would text him tonight. Tom caught the hand movements and pulled Chris closer in the brisk spring night. It was very late by the time Chris and Tom fell into the sofa of their hotel room. "Did you enjoy tonight," Tom asked. "The food was far better than the Chef Boyardee that my mom served as Italian food." Chris undid his tie, unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt and loosened his pants, "I think I gained 30 pounds, I've never eaten that much at once." "Good, we need to fatten you up a little." Tom chided. "I must admit, the meal was exceptional, better than only one or two others that I have eaten. I'm going to change; do you want to help?" "No, I'll just sit here and wait for you to carry me to bed, I'm too full to move." Chris kicked off his shoes, "Ah heaven," and slide into the embrace of the sofa. Once Tom was out of the room, Chris pulled his phone out to read Blaine's text. "Thanks, I owe you big." "Who you texting," Tom asked from right behind Chris. His tone was cold. "Just Blaine saying thank you." "For what?" Tom voice was cautious. "For the large tip Cedrick gave him." "Liar," Tom rounded the sofa and grabbed Chris in a firm hug, "liar. You are one conniving, sneaky, little shit, Chris. You planned this whole night from suggesting that this new Italian restaurant is supposedly very good, that was an understatement, to having Blaine serve the table, to arranging Blaine and Cedrick to click and ... I will need to watch you very carefully, Chris Wentworth, you are very underhanded" Tom pulled Chris closer, "And I love you."