I dreaded every step up the driveway as we headed for the mansion. It wasn't so much that I was concerned about the quality of the food we would have or the company would be unpleasant as I knew those things would be fine. It was the concern that, once again, I was walking into a trap, a sexy sexy trap. At least this time I has Sarah Jean with me. She would protect me.
My other reason for concern was the lack of traffic. I was of the impression that this was meant to be a dinner party and there weren't any other cars lining the block like the first party I'd attended here. I was worried that we were early but Sarah Jean was very confident we were accurate in the timing of our arrival. The calm reaction of the butler to our presence seemed to confirm our timing. Then again, he's a butler; he's supposed to remain calm and detached, right?
It did please me to see Sarah Jean's eyes widen a bit as we entered the hallway. She lives in a mansion but she still gave me a quick thought of 'wow!' Now I don't feel like quite the bumpkin for being impressed my first time here.
We were directed into the main room where Dr. Castillo and Ms. Romero waited for us. For that moment before they moved to greet us, they were casually posed around the room in a manner that made me think of an advertisement for some fancy brand of alcohol or another. The warmth of the fireplace glowing over Ms. Romero, the manly way that Dr. Castillo leaned upon the mantelpiece, everything looked right.
Dr. Castillo beamed his smile at us, his white teeth gleaming in the flickering firelight. He approached, hand outstretched. “Patrick my friend. What a pleasure it is to see you again.”
Ms. Romero, clad in yet another dress that appeared to be defined more by its lack of presence than its presence, bounded from the couch to join in the greeting. For a moment, she leaned in as if to kiss my cheek, then receded quickly, as if suddenly remembering Sarah Jean's presence. Instead, she took my hand and joined her hands around it in an affectionate manner. I thought that was nice. She was trying anyway. “I agree with my husband; it is good to see you again Patrick, especially as you look so well.” While still holding onto my hand, she turned to smile at Sarah Jean, standing at my side. “This will be your lady friend?” I had planned a formal introduction and, well, sometimes I can take a hint. Now was the time and I took the opportunity to accomplish this task. Politely, Dr. Castillo took her hand and kissed it. Ms. Romero released my hand in order to embrace Sarah Jean. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” Ms. Romero expressed enthusiastically. “Patrick has spoken so highly of you.”
Sarah Jean, still somewhat intertwined with Ms. Romero, looked a bit dazed by this reception. “He's spoken highly of you as well.”
Ms. Romero's smile returned its destination to me. “Has he? How very sweet of him.” Sarah Jean was released in order for her to pat my cheek affectionately. Once again she was mindful of Sarah Jean as she patted the cheek on my face and not elsewhere. “Still, we have so many other things to discuss over dinner.” Taking my hand, she sought to drag me away.
I resisted. “Shouldn't we wait for the others?”
Ms. Romero's expression was a cross between confusion and innocence. “What others, my dear Patrick? This is our dinner with you and your very lovely lady.”
“It's just that we thought it was a dinner party,” I noted.
Dr. Castillo clamped a hand on my shoulder in a friendly manner. “Four can be a party my friend.”
“Yes. It can,” I agreed. There was little else to say at that point. We went to the dining room.
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