Summer of 04, At Cena - Chapter Two

Dinner @ Cena

Sitting outside on the porch with my new mates I let the big portable fan nearest to our table sprinkle some water on my face. I wonder if its the fan throwing sprinkles of water on the guests is whats keeping the business going in the October summer heat. We place an order for cocktails and snacks. I ask for scallops dipped in melted cheese to be served with garlic bread. Light hearted banter at the dinner table keeps us relatively entertained till the drinks arrive. I spot Jason and Jon Tout walking past the porch we are sitting on.I wave at Jason as I catch his eye. He gives me a wide grin and both men walk over to our table.

Kat: "You blokes wanna join us for dinner?"

Jon Tout: "Nah. We are just planning to head back to the hotel and order a pizza."

Jason: "We could stay and have some sea food. What say Jon?"

Ben: "You wont regret it. Pleasant company and good food assured!"

Jon Tout: "Well I guess we could have a pizza any other day...,lets get pissed!"

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8 creamy white shells turned inside out with salt and black pepper sprinkled on the edges. Pale discs of one scallop each swimming in dollops of hot melting cheese fill the shells to the brim. Intoxicating smell of warm garlic bread with cheese wafts into my nostrils and makes my stomach growl in anticipation. I dig into the first shell with a fork and bring the tender flesh wrapped in cheese close to my mouth. My tongue waters and I quickly bite into the scallop which I had been devouring with all my senses so far. The warm flesh nearly melts in my mouth. I close my eyes and savor my first scallop ever. I then lift one slice of garlic bread in one hand and the shell oozing with cheese (now minus the scallop)in the other and plaster the cheese from the shell onto the bread. I then take my first morsel of that heavenly bread and relish it. My eyes stay half closed throughout the meal oblivious to the laughter and teasing going on around me.

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We get into the mini van (curtsy Somerset Salcedo) waiting for us outside greenbelt. I don't say much as I feel rather heady. I slide into the back seat and rest my head against the headrest. Jason sits next to me and inquires; "You ok love?"

Me: (drowsily) Hmmm. I am good. Thanks for asking.

Jason: (Chuckles)"Are you always this formal or are you just drunk?"

Me: (With a sheepish grin) "Guess I am always painfully polite. I was groomed to be a lady (with a wink).

Jason: "I can see you have a wicked streak. You just hide it well."

Me: "Hmmm... Maybe..." I let my voice trail off and deliberately turn my head the other way to look outside the window.

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(To be continued...)