Plus One
Jazz appeared in the doorway of the private dining room, swirling a cocktail glass.
-Surprise, everyone! I came to see Giani after our explosive dance session and she said you were on your way so I had to stick around, she said.
-Jazz! What a lovely coincidence! Betty exclaimed. We weren't expecting another guest!
Alice raised an eyebrow.
-No assistants?
Jazz explained that Kiku and Liv had left for some R&R at Ednin's after the big dance session the other night .
-In fact, she said, I'm picking them up after this.
Giani picked up a serving spoon, pacing around the table. Shall we begin with the appetizers, or do you all need a moment to catch your breath?
-I think we're all ready to eat, Zed said with a smile.
Alice picked up her wine glass.
-Let's skip the small talk and get to the sustenance, Giani, she said.
Betty nodded vigorously.
-Yes, please! I am absolutely starving! she cheered.
Flower leaned back, watching the interplay between Jazz and Giani with a knowing smirk.
Zed noticed Flower watching Giani and Jazz.
-You missed quite the show at the dance studio Wednesday night, Flower, Zed told her.
Flower chuckled.
-Is it that obvious, Zed? I suppose I couldn't help but admire the... technical proficiency on display, she purred.
Jazz laughed, tossing her hair back as she took a step closer to the table.
-Technical proficiency? Is that what we're calling it now, Flower?
Giani stepped closer to Jazz, her hip bumping against the dancer's as she passed.
-In this room, we call it whatever gets the heart racing, the chef murmured.
Alice groaned loudly, setting her glass down loudly.
-Can we go five minutes without someone making a double entendre? My ears are bleeding, she snapped.
Betty giggled, nudging Alice's shoulder.
-Oh, lighten up! It's part of the atmosphere!
-It's a beautiful thing isn't it, Alice? Zed asked. I think the dance class Wednesday night was the first time Giani met Jazz. We were there, and it looks like there's a beautiful romance blossoming here.
Flower leaned forward.
-A blossom indeed, Zed, Flower said.
Giani reached out, her fingers grazing Jazz's forearm as she moved past to grab a platter.
-Romance is such a polite word for what happens when two forces collide, Zed, Giani said.
Jazz leaned into the contact, her eyes locked on the chef's.
-Force is exactly what I aim for, she countered.
Alice sighed heavily, rubbing her temples.
-And here we go.
-Consider it a little dinner entertainment, Zed laughed as he poured Alice a little more wine before picking at his plate again, watching Giani descend on Jazz.
-Don't act so bored, Alice, you're practically leaning in to hear more, Giani teased
-Careful, Chef, Jazz said, or I might start thinking you're trying to distract me from the food.
-She just came by for a quickie, Zed told Giani with a laugh. Jazz has to go pick Kiku and Liv up from Ednin's doesn't she?
-A quickie? Don't underestimate my stamina, Zed, Jazz quipped.
-Far be it from me to get in the way, Zed laughed.
Alice snatched her wine glass back from Zed.
-Stamina is a fine trait, but using it as a punchline is tacky, she remarked dryly.
Betty leaned toward Jazz.
-Do you really have to leave so soon? We could have talked for hours!
-I do, Jazz said, Kiku and Liv are waiting. But maybe we'll drop by Zed's after?
-Well, look at that! Flower said. Talk about impeccable timing, she laughed, gesturing for them to join the chaos. The party keeps getting bigger, doesn't it, Zed?
-It's becoming a bit of a logistical issue isn't it, Zed said. Why don't you take Alice and Betty home after this. I've got to check in on Ednin anyway. You'll give me a ride, right Jazz? he asked.
Jazz set her glass down and stood up.
-Count on it, Zed, I wouldn't miss a chance to drive you anywhere, she said, casting a sidelong glance at Giani.
Flower stood up gracefully.
-Consider it done, Zed, I'll make sure these two troublemakers find your bed safely, she promised.
Alice scoffed, grabbing her clutch and pushing her chair back.
-His bed? Please, Flower, don't feed his ego, she muttered, though she followed the group toward the exit. It’s our bed.
-That sounds wonderful! A little late-night fun! Betty said with excitement.
Giani glanced over her shoulder at the departing crowd, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Jazz and Zed.
-Jazz, do you mind if Zed gives me a hand in the kitchen for a minute?