Last year had been so perfect: a new video, some artery clogging, tooth decaying baked goods and... this had been the best part... being left alone to enjoy them. Jim Ellison reflected fondly on his previous birthday as he sat on the over stuffed sofa cushion, his knees bumping the table, "drinking" soup in the Moroccan hell hole of a restaurant that his goodhearted, very well-meaning best friend had selected for this year's celebration. Okay, maybe the place itself wasn't that bad, but for a basic meat and potatoes, make that Wonderburger and fries kind of guy, it came pretty close. He had already survived an ordeal as a server insisted on washing his hands and providing instructions that food is eaten without the benefit of utensils.
"This place is just amazing," Blair's excited chatter interrupted his reverie. "Totally authentic... decor, food, music... everything. Don't you like your soup?"
"It's fine," Jim told him.
"You should see the ladies room!" That was Cass, Blair's date for the evening. She and Michelle returned to the table together and lowered themselves to the cushions. "All gold hardware," she continued. "And no doors on the stalls... just beads."
"See, authentic," Blair commented, smiling as Cass leaned against him.
Jim turned to Michelle. "Beads?"
Michelle shrugged slightly. Then for something to say asked, "Don't you like your soup?"
"Why is everyone so worried about my soup?" He raised the cup to his lips and gulped the remaining liquid. "See. Delicious."
Before there could be another remark a continuous jangling was heard. Heads turned to watch as Lori shimmied her way to the table. During the day Lori taught belly dancing as one of the hyper electives at Rainier. In the evenings she performed.
And perform she did. She gyrated, and vibrated and twirled, the bangles on her scanty costume following every move of her hips.
For the first time that evening a huge grin broke across the sentinel's face as he watched the floor show with great.... appreciation. Blair chuckled at his friend's "cluelessness." The man was all but panting in front of his girlfriend.
Jim had about zoned out on her navel when Michelle flicked him in the side of the leg with her finger.
"What?" Jim asked innocently. "I was just admiring her... talent." Avoiding Michelle's stare he reached for the soup cup and sipped, only to remember he had already drained the contents.
With Lori's departure came the arrival of an eggplant appetizer that Blair had ordered. The eggplant had been near pulverized, seasoned and served with bread. Jim watched as Cass used the bread to scoop the eggplant and place it in Blair's mouth. After he chewed a bit the two kissed. The procedure was then repeated.
Michelle helped herself to some bread and sampled the eggplant. It was really pretty good. Then again, she liked eggplant. Swallowing she noticed that Jim was still watching their dining companions quite intently. "Jim, give it a try," she offered. The detective did not respond. Michelle followed his gaze as Cass popped more appetizer into Blair's mouth. "You aren't wanting me to feed you... are you?" Michelle asked tentatively.
Jim turned to her quickly. "Hell, no," he declared in a loud whisper. Michelle sent up a silent prayer of thanks. "It's just how am I suppose to eat this?"
"Pretend it's chips and salsa. Works kind of the same way."
Jim threw her a look but broke off a piece of bread and attempted to scoop the eggplant with it. The bread didn't quite work as well for dipping as tortilla chips. The birthday boy finally gave up.
The main course turned out to be a somewhat better experience. At least they served meat. What kind of meat? Well, Jim wasn't about to ask. After eggplant and couscous he was just going to be happy that ts was meat. It was served a little "funny" for his liking. on a skewer and, of course, no silverware with which to tackle it.
'Okay, taste dialed...down.' He told himself. He had already dialed down his sense of smell upon entering the establishment. The pungent aromas had assaulted his nose before they'd even walked in the door. Jim had wanted to say something right then and there, but, just like now Blair was beaming and that look was enough to make him tolerate just about anything.
It was a relief to Jim when the meal finally ended. And after dropping Cass at her apartment they headed for the loft.
Blair bounced from Michelle's Buick. "I'll let you two alone. Don't do anything I wouldn't."
Jim shook his head. His roommate never seemed to tire. With a sigh he opened the car door and helped Michelle slide to the driver's position adjusting the seat for someone of her stature.
"Lunch tomorrow?" Jim asked her, leaning on the open car door.
"Why not," she agreed.
"I want American," Jim said.
"Goodnight, Jim." She started to pull her door closed.
"No kiss?"
"I didn't think you'd want to. I might taste like Moroccan spices."
"Oh, you're funny." The couple kissed briefly before Jim closed her door and watched her drive away.
Upstairs in the loft Jim found that Blair had already changed into sweats and was reading on the sofa. "Hey, Chief."
Blair set his text aside and rose. "Jim." There was a pause with neither one speaking. "Look, man, I'm sorry about tonight. I know you don't go for the theme kind of restaurant. It's just that... well... Cass was real excited about it. And Cass is so... so..." Blair gestured vaguely.
Jim put his hand up. "I get it."
The young man grinned again and headed for the kitchen. "I think I can make it up to you."
Jim followed. "You got a three-cheese, bacon burger in here?"
Blair pulled a box from its hiding place in a cabinet. "No. But I think you'll like this." He set the box on the counter and lifted the lid. "I got Michelle to bake this."
"I thought you said I was going to like it," Jim joked, thinking not so fondly of Michelle's vegan sugar free concoctions.
Blair bopped him on the arm. "This, my brother, is a chocolate, chocolate chip cake with vanilla coconut frosting." He retrieved a plate,and fork. Grabbing a knife he sliced off a hunk of the cake for Jim.
Jim stabbed a piece with the fork and ate quickly. Damn it was good!
"Well?"
"I could live on this," Jim commented through another mouthful. "Have a slice."
"Nah. Too rich for my blood."
Jim broke off another piece with his fork and held it to his friend's mouth. "Come, on, Chief, live a little."
Blair looked around as if some invisible food pyramid police might be watching, then tentatively accepted the bite. His eyes widened. "Oh, wow... Oh, wow," he repeated. While he was savoring. Jim set his plate aside and cut Blair a slice, handing it to him and leading the way to the couch where they both sat beside each other contently eating. Jim managed to polish off two pieces to his friend's one.
"You're right, Chief."
"About what?"
"That more than made up for dinner."
Blair's smile faded for the first time all night. "I'm really sorry," he apologized again. "I wanted you to have a nice birthday and...."
"Chief, hush. It was nice. I was with the people I care about."
Once again a grin spread across Blair's face. "There is one more thing," he added.
Jim looked concerned. "This doesn't have anything to do with your hand and my backside, does it?" Jim asked recalling the impromptu birthday spanking he had bestowed on the young man.
Blair laughed. "No. Don't think I wasn't tempted, though. I was thinking more along the lines of my lips and your face."
"You're going to give me forty kisses?"
Blair shook his head. "I think one will do, don't you?"
Jim shrugged.
"Happy birthday." Blair leaned over and pressed his lips gently to the side of Jim's face then sat back.
"One more?" Jim asked.
Blair threw him a look.
"Hey, it is my birthday."
The young man rolled his eyes but complied, kissing his brother-at-heart on the cheek.
"Thanks, Chief." He tugged at one of his friend's curls. "Now that really makes up for dinner."
The End