Aunt September’s Society Dinner
From the hallway, I could hear my aunt in the banquet room.
“Let’s see now. One pheasant. Check. Lobster. Check. Naked young m—good heavens! Joffrey! Get in here this instant!”
Oh, dear. I strode around the corner. “Yes, Aunt September? How can I help?”
“You can begin by explaining why there’s someone nude on my table. He looks like one of your…guests. I know my sight is failing, but he is naked, isn’t he?”
“Yes, Aunt September. His name is Paolo. He’s the waiter I hired.” I couldn’t help but admire Paolo’s naturally tan complexion and his smooth, muscular body.
“Gracious sakes, Joffrey, have him put on his uniform. And what is he doing in the food?”
“He’s a combination waiter/centerpiece.”
“Oh, good grief. What am I supposed to say? ‘Have some pâté,
