She Came for the Party
“He’s been quite the gentleman,” Lucinda said sweetly, causing Ben’s heart to leap in his chest. His boss did not answer, having already lost interest in the topic as he wandered towards the assortment of bottles and decanters on the sideboard.
“Got any decent whiskey, Lurhman?”
“Yes sir, the square one right there, with the pointed top. It’s quite good, I’ve been told.”
His boss made a scoffing noise, “Didn’t take you for a whisky man.”
“No sir.” His eyes fell. He knew it was a silly thing, but the feel was too familiar. There was in that simple statement an assessment and denigration of his manliness. This was nothing new, nothing to which he had not become accustomed. But to have it said in front of Lucinda was a fresh sting.
She spoke, and Ben was in Heaven once again, “Lovely place you have here, secluded off in the woods.”
His boss spoke, dragging him back down to Hell, “Everything ready? Did the caterers drop everything off? You didn’t screw any of it up, did you, Lurhman?”