Wednesday, October 05, 2005
I rustle arond in the kitchen for a bit, gathering refills on the snacks and the drinks - it is beginning to sound as though this game could go on for a while. When I bring the beer, you request additional snacks (see, I told you...) and as I went back to the kitchen to bring them to you and your friends, I glanced over at Pet. Someone had covered her, and she looks as if she is just about asleep. She's pretty, something I hadn't really noticed before.
I go back through the swinging doors as you and your friends laugh about something one of you was dealt. I may understand the game of poker, but I will never quite get the way you and your friends play. It seems more like a social thing than a chance to win money, and I like that, even if it would be less work to just have a cocktail party if all you're going to do is socialize.
I grab the snacks I had laid out before entering the room with your beer, and head back into the game room. I place a plate of individual snacks at each seat, and then lean over your shoulder to put the larger platters on the table. You smile, and reach up for what I think is going to be a kiss... silly me. You pinch one nipple, and when I gasp, you pinch the other. I think I must be just about the original color of the Datsun by now, when finally you allow me to be seated beside you.
Once again I wrap my arms around your calf, feeling secure in your closeness. I know many things about you, one of which is that you won't allow any harm to come to anyone under your roof. So while I'm feeling warm and safe, I lay my head on your thigh and close my eyes. Just for a few seconds. I feel your hand in my hair, and look up at you. You look down at me with that wicked smile and say "You could at least refrain from snoring. You're interrupting the game."
I bury my face in your thigh, because I know you're right. Another of those things I know about you - you never lie to me. Not even when it would be easier on both of us if you did. You lean down toward me and say, "I think it might be time to begin cleaning up."
So I, still crimson from the knowlege that everyone in the room knows I fell asleep while I was supposed to be serving you, get up and begin to clear away the empty plates as you and your friends continue to play. I stop at the kitchen door to ask if anyone needs anything else, and one of the players grins at me and says "Nah, we should just finish up and let you get some rest. You've obviously had a hard day."
If I was allowed to run away from things, that's precisely what I'd do, but this is our home, and you have made it clear that here, at least, I'm to face things head-on. So I (as graciously as possible, given the circumstances) retreat to the kitchen, and once there I do everything in my power to keep from either laughing or crying - either of which would be heard in the next room.
Boy, at this point I'd give just about anything for one of those cigars you're passing around out there. Either that or a stiff belt. Or both. Yes, both. Then perhaps I could gather the courage to go back out there. I know, I know. No smoking for me. And drinking at this point wouldn't help me stay alert and finish the job, now would it?
You and I both know that the smart remark was made in jest, and that this is one of your closer friends, one who has known us for a long time, but still, it smarts.
I go back through the swinging doors as you and your friends laugh about something one of you was dealt. I may understand the game of poker, but I will never quite get the way you and your friends play. It seems more like a social thing than a chance to win money, and I like that, even if it would be less work to just have a cocktail party if all you're going to do is socialize.
I grab the snacks I had laid out before entering the room with your beer, and head back into the game room. I place a plate of individual snacks at each seat, and then lean over your shoulder to put the larger platters on the table. You smile, and reach up for what I think is going to be a kiss... silly me. You pinch one nipple, and when I gasp, you pinch the other. I think I must be just about the original color of the Datsun by now, when finally you allow me to be seated beside you.
Once again I wrap my arms around your calf, feeling secure in your closeness. I know many things about you, one of which is that you won't allow any harm to come to anyone under your roof. So while I'm feeling warm and safe, I lay my head on your thigh and close my eyes. Just for a few seconds. I feel your hand in my hair, and look up at you. You look down at me with that wicked smile and say "You could at least refrain from snoring. You're interrupting the game."
I bury my face in your thigh, because I know you're right. Another of those things I know about you - you never lie to me. Not even when it would be easier on both of us if you did. You lean down toward me and say, "I think it might be time to begin cleaning up."
So I, still crimson from the knowlege that everyone in the room knows I fell asleep while I was supposed to be serving you, get up and begin to clear away the empty plates as you and your friends continue to play. I stop at the kitchen door to ask if anyone needs anything else, and one of the players grins at me and says "Nah, we should just finish up and let you get some rest. You've obviously had a hard day."
If I was allowed to run away from things, that's precisely what I'd do, but this is our home, and you have made it clear that here, at least, I'm to face things head-on. So I (as graciously as possible, given the circumstances) retreat to the kitchen, and once there I do everything in my power to keep from either laughing or crying - either of which would be heard in the next room.
Boy, at this point I'd give just about anything for one of those cigars you're passing around out there. Either that or a stiff belt. Or both. Yes, both. Then perhaps I could gather the courage to go back out there. I know, I know. No smoking for me. And drinking at this point wouldn't help me stay alert and finish the job, now would it?
You and I both know that the smart remark was made in jest, and that this is one of your closer friends, one who has known us for a long time, but still, it smarts.
