No Girls Allowed
It was all arranged during the Australia Day celebration. Jason Morgan was
going to get Arthur laid if it was the last thing he ever accomplished. This may
be a bit tough depending on how the sheila's in Coffs were but he was up to the
task.
Several other blokes jumped on the bandwagon and it looked as if they'd end up
being a pretty large group but it began here. Jason made arrangements to meet
Arthur and the rest of the guys at Millie's. He rented a big ass limo to take
them to Coffs Harbor so they could start out with a pub crawl and see where that
led them.
He was the first to arrive at Millie's but Arthur was right behind him.
"G'day, mate. Welcome to the start of the rest of your life," he chuckled as he
high fived the bloke.
"Plans?" Jason threw his head back and laughed. "I hired a driver so we can get pissed, mate. Everything else is on a come what may basis. So what are you looking for in a sheila, mate? Blonde, redhead, brunette, nice knockers, college degree, firm arse?"
Before Arthur could answer, Jeff came thundering down the stairs. He was
freshly showered, had his best jeans and shirt on, and smelt good enough to
eat...or so he thought.
"G'Day, mates. So, who we waiting for?"
Arthur smiled shyly. Should he mention to Jason what happened the last time his mates decided to take him out and get him pissed? He bit his lip, thought better of it, then answered, "Oh, doesn't matter to me, actually, what she looks like really, as long as she's nice and has a pretty face."
"G'day Jeff!" Jason gave him a nice firm pat on the back. "I'm not sure who else is showing up but we'll give em some time. How bout I buy you both a brew?"
Nudging his head toward Millie he held up three fingers. She knew exactly what to bring to the blokes. Three ice cold VB's were on the way.
"Now worries, Artie, they all have pretty faces. Ain't a bad one out there. I
reckon I love all women."
Jason just figured he had his work cut out for him. There was one thing going for this group though if he had to say it for himself. The three of them were pretty fine looking and who could resist them?
"We can hang around for a while, see who shows up. East said he might join us."
"Talking bout me behind my back, Morgan?" East Driscoll giggled in that blokish way he did. "Looks like we're four and growing. I'll get me own brew, thanks."
"Welcome aboard, East,"Jason acknowledged the bloke. "Yeah, Jeff, fire away.
I'm all ears."
"You can count me in, Mate," said Colin, walking up behind the group - VB in
hand. "Could use a bit of fun about now."
He looked around the group, caught Arthur hanging back a bit from the rest. "G'day,
Arthur. Havin' fun, are ya?"
Arthur smiled shyly and nodded, "Oh...hi there, Colin. Yes, just enjoying a beer while we wait on the others to arrive."
Johnny gratefully accepted a beer from Millie and walked out where they guys were standing around, nodding to Arthur and East whom he'd met before he walked up to Jason.
"Hey, I'm Johnny Ryan. Are we really going to Coffs in that?" he asked nodding toward the limo.
Surprised by the number of people around when he arrived downstairs, Jim made his way to the bar. Millie gave him his beer and he looked around for someplace to sit.
Upstairs in his room, Jeffrey could hear several male voices talking loudly below in the tavern. Leaving his room, he walked downstairs and saw Colin and several of the other men from the Glen hanging around Arthur. Smiling, Jeffrey approached the group.
"Colin, Jim, it's good to see you. What's going on? A party or something?" he asked, then looked over and noticed a rather nervous Arthur.
"G'day, Jeffrey," replied Colin, "Good to see you again."
Jeffrey smiled, noticing how Arthur blushed. Ah, to be young again and see the world so innocently, he thought. "Well, just remember, somewhere out there is a lovely, nice lady waiting for you." Jeffrey gave Arthur a pat on the shoulder. Looking over at Colin, Jeffrey wondered about Kate and debated whether to ask. "You mind if I tag along then?" he asked.
Jeff looked over at the older man wondering why he would want to join the boys in Coffs. Perhaps he was going to make sure they didn't go over the top. Getting another drink from the bar, he walked over and extended his hand.
Charlie was looking over the group thoughtfully as he chugged his beer. He wondered himself what Colin was doing with them. He'd seen the mess at the celebration with Colin's girl, Kate, and that weirdo, Sid. And he'd seen Kate leave with Sid in his car. His guess was that things weren't goin' too well there. Could be interestin' talkin' to Colin, he thought to himself with a grin.
Johnny stood back with his beer, he too was surprised to see Colin after all they were all prepared to back him up in a fight over his girl. Maybe he'd lost her to the wanker in the suit. "Women," he thought, and took a long drink from his can of VB. He figured none of them were to be trusted.
Colin couldn't help but notice how the other blokes were giving him odd stares. He figured they must all be wondering why he would be tagging along with all the single blokes when it was well-known that he himself had a beautiful girlfriend, Kate, waiting for him back home. That was the issue, though, wasn't it? None of them knew. He managed to put a smile on his face and pretend like everything was fine, but sooner or later he knew he'd have to fill them in on what had happened.
Turning to Charlie, he stuck out his hand and said, "G'day, I'm Colin O'Brian. Don't think we met."
"Charlie. Charlie Prince." Charlie returned the handshake. "No, I don't think we actually met. But I did see you at the celebration. Hope you didn't have too many problems with that - what is it they call 'em around these parts? Wanker?"
Colin's jaw tightened and his fists instinctively clenched at the mention of what had happened with Sid at the Australia Day celebration. He looked at Charlie for a moment, then took a deep breath and managed to calm himself a bit before answering. Finally, he said, "Wanker is too nice a word for what that Armani-wearing asshole is, Mate."
Charlie leaned casually against the bar. His eyes, fixed on Colin, had
a cold and dangerous glint. "If that- asshole- is givin' you problems with
your girl, some of us could always get together and...fix things," he said
calculatingly.
Jim couldn't help but overhear the content of the conversations. Surprised at Jeffrey's request to tag along, he thought of Meggie's reaction to Jeffrey's drinking on New Years. Shrugging, he continued to nurse his beer, it was none of his business anyway.
"Good to meet ya, Jeff," Jeffrey responded, shaking his hand. He noticed Jim drinking a beer by himself. "Excuse me one moment, Jeff." Jeffrey headed towards Jim. "Hey, Jim, how's Ivy doing?" he asked. Sitting down, he studied the boxer carefully. "How are
you doing after that match?"Jim looked up from his beer at Jeffrey. "Ivy's fine. She's upstairs. I'm coming along just fine. Ivy made a bigger fuss than needed. I figure it is good to humor her for a while though." Taking another swig from the bottle he looked at Jeffrey. "How are you and Meggie getting along?"
He chuckled. "That's good to hear. Yeah, sometimes you just have to humor them." Jeffrey looked down at his hands before answering Jim's question. "We...we're getting there -gradually."
"You going to Coffs tonight then...does she know about that?" shaking his head Jim finished his beer. He figured he ought to know if he should forget he saw Jeffrey....just incase the girls find out about the excursion.
"Yeah... I... we both need a little space and distance to think about everything," Jeffrey answered solemnly.
"Well then have a good time tonight. I'll keep this on the down low with Ivy. Speaking of which, she is probably done with her bath so I should be heading back upstairs. See you round...looks like this lot is getting ready to move out."
_,"Thanks. Tell her I said hello, Jim." Hearing Jason's voice, Jeffrey stood up. "If Meggie..." he started, then shook his head. "Nevermind. Night Jim and remember, Meggie is still planning on having you and Ivy over for dinner sometime when you're both free."
_.__Jim watched as Jeffrey and the others filed outside. He knew each of them had their own reason for going out, just as he had his for staying behind. Millie asked if he wanted another beer. "No thanks, Millie. I think I'm going to go back upstairs." Taking one last look at the last of the guys getting into the limo, he turned to head up stairs, happy to know Ivy was there awaiting his return.
It seemed that everyone who was supposed to go to Coffs was there now. Jason thought it was about time that they hit the road. He set his beer down then he climbed on a chair and whistled loudly:
"Mates, let's get the show on the road. Everyone who's on this mission to get Arthur a date for the night ...move out. The limo out front is stocked with everything you could think of to drink."
With that, he stepped off the chair to lead the way. This was going to be a
hell of a night.
Jeffrey walked up to Colin and put his hand on his shoulder. "Ready, Colin?" he asked.
"Right behind ya, Mate," called Colin, then turned to Arthur and said,
"Ready, Mate?"
Arthur gulped, raised his bottle of beer to his lips and guzzled down the last
of the amber liquid, then smiled nervously and nodded, as he followed the others
out the door and into the limo.
East stepped aside to let Arthur get in first. "Seems like this is your day, mate. Lucky bastard. If this bunch can't round up a few sheila's, no one can."
Arthur grinned and nodded to East as he stumbled nervously into the limo
and fell into one of the plush seats. He wasn't sure why the other blokes were
so concerned about his love life, or lack-there-of, but he was willing to go
along with them for now.
Colin climbed in behind East and sat on one side of Arthur. He nudged him, then
whispered in his ear, "How ya holdin' up, Mate?"
"Fine, fine," replied Arthur, quietly, then began to break out in a sweat as he
watched the others pile into the limo
Jeff nudged Jason and nodded his head towards Arthur. "Do you really think he's ready for tonight, Jase?"
Charlie Prince had come up behind East. "What was that about a roundup?" he grinned.
"Roundin up sheila's," East replied "My favorite past time.
Jason got in last with Jeff Mitchell. He waited until they were on the way before he cracked out more beers, handing them to Jeff to distribute. "First one to puke is a bloody candy ass," he added.
Jeffrey eagerly took the beer. His head was pounding, along with frustration boiling up inside him. All he wanted at this moment was to feel numb to the world, to pain, to Meggie for a short time.
Charlie watched the older man closely. Most of these guys were lookin' for a woman tonight. This guy was tryin' to lose one, for a while at least. Charlie could understand how he felt. There was a certain woman he felt that way about too.
Johnny settled down in the plush seat and gave the limo a once over, he'd never seen the inside of one before. Accepting another beer, he had no fear of puking. Looking around at the occupants, he grinned. Should be a fun night with these blokes, he just hoped there were enough sheilas to go around.
Colin eagerly grabbed another VB from Jeff, too, popped it open and guzzled have of it down in one swig. Yeah, he was ready to get pissed. He noticed Arthur fumbling with the lid, grinned, and took the bottle from him, popped it open with his hands, and handed it back. Then, as the others watched with surprise, he quickly guzzled down the other half of his own beer. "Got another one for me there, mate?" he asked Jason.
Jason handed the brew over.
The ride to Coffs would take just about thirty minutes. They all seemed to be having a good time so far. Their first destination was the Coffs harbor hotel and seeing as how it was early they were the biggest group at the place.
No sheila's around yet but the bartender was named Joe and he was more than willing to serve the boys.
"A round for everyone, Joe. Set em up on me," Jason announced.
Joe wondered if these guys were good tippers or not, he sure hoped so because he figured them to keep him hopping for a while.
Jeff looked at Joe and gave him a shy smile as he took the VB from him. "He's hot," Jeff thought, heading back to the others with a quick glance over his shoulder
Johnny leaned against the bar and nudged Arthur, "Is it true you ain't never been laid, you're still a virgin?"
Colin started giggling as Arthur spit out a mouth full of his beer. Embarrassed, he quickly apologized to Joe for spewing VB down the front of his shirt, then nervously and quite defensively answered, "Umm...what gave you that idea?" He opted not to mention the time he and his mates went to the whore house in Kalgoorie and he spent the night hiding in the car.
Johnny looked toward Colin, "Well, what I heard was this whole night was about getting you some."
Colin gave Johnny a knowing smile and chuckled a bit under his breath.
Arthur noticed the exchange and wasn't too happy. He lifted his chin a bit, then muttered, "Don't recall that being something I put on my job application when I signed on."
"It's okay, really Arthur," Jeffrey commented. "I think we all remember what it was like, don't we, our first time?"
"Yeah, sure." Jeffrey made sure Arthur couldn't hear them before he spoke to Colin. "He really is nervous. Are you sure he's ready?" Jeffrey asked, taking another swig from his fresh bottle of beer. He chuckled, thinking back when he was Arthur's age.
Colin giggled again, shook his head, glancing quickly over at Arthur. "Probably not," he giggled.
After Joe handed the two men their fresh beers, Colin quickly set about guzzling it down. He was already starting to feel the effects of all the beer he had consumed, but managed to keep it together.
"Colin, your downing them like there's no tomorrow!" Jeffrey said, as guzzled his own beer. Jeffrey allowed the effects of the alcohol to take away everything from his mind.
"Yeah, well, you're not doing so bad there yourself, Jeffrey," he chuckled, slapping the older man on the back. "Meggie know what you're up to tonight?"
He set his bottle down on the bar. Jim had asked him that earlier. He sighed, taking his glasses off, and rubbed his eyes. "Yeah. Sort of. We've decided a little space might help right now." Pausing, he looked up into Colin's eyes. "What about Kate?"
"What about her?" Colin asked, then took another swig of beer. He had a feeling Kate's name would eventually come up, but he wasn't really looking forward to the conversation.
When Jeffrey just looked at him, he sighed and said, "Don't think she'd really care what I'm up to at the moment, to be honest with ya, Jeff."Jeffrey could tell Colin didn't want to talk about it, and understanding that feeling all too well, honored it. "Well then, here's to an evening that will help us not to care, either." He raised his beer.
Jeffrey...Jeffrey... Shaking his head, he pushed Meggie's voice further back in his clouded mind."Cheers, Mate," Colin replied, taping his bottle to Jeffrey's, then took another gulp.
"Arthur," Jeffrey spoke, "how are you doin' there...mate?"
Jeffrey turned to look at Arthur's face. He looked scared, embarrassed, just about everything. Trying to help ease his mind, he nodded towards the other guys. "Arthur, listen. You're handsome, smart, and a have a great future ahead of you. Just remember that, okay? You'll have plenty of times and opportunities to meet...that special girl you mentioned earlier. Don't ever settle for less."
"Thanks, Jeffrey," replied Arthur, with a smile. "I'll try and remember
that."
Johnny listened to the talk beside him and nodded his head, "They will do that, rip out your heart and stomp on it. You mates ready for another round? I'm buying." Johnny put his money on the bar, "Have a bit of fun with them Arthur, just mind your heart."
"Thanks for the advice, Mates," replied Arthur, "and for the beer. Actually, I've had the misfortune of losing a girl, myself, to another bloke. Ivy. She was my girl back home."
"Hey, sorry about that, Arthur," Jeffrey replied. "You still love her?"
Arthur thought for a moment, then said, "nah...it was a long time ago. Over it now."
"Well, good for you, Arthur. Here's to new beginnings then," Jeffrey
said, raising his bottle. "Actually, if I could kick Sid's Armani ass out
of the Glen...."
"That's what we're here for and I do believe we're in luck, lads. Look what just came through the door!"
It was about half of all of the women from the Coffs Harbor ladies football league and they appeared as if they were ready to celebrate. The made their way right though the center of the group of men and up to the bar. One exceptionally tall blonde with an Aussie flag tattoo moved though like she was parting the sea.
Jason leaned in to East and said "That's the one for Arthur. She'll teach him everything he'll need to know."
"Naw, mate. Don't do that to him." East said. At this point they were both looking at Arthur.
Colin nudged Arthur, nodded towards one of the women that had approached the bar next to him. Arthur turned, smiled, then quickly turned away and started guzzling his beer. "Go on, Mate," Colin encouraged, nudging him again. Embarrassed, Arthur just shushed him.
"Well, if you don't ask her out, I will," Colin told him, guzzling down his own beer and watching the pretty blonde - looking her up and down.Jeffrey caught Colin eyeing the tall blonde. He caught himself smiling. She was pretty, and had suddenly noticed Colin looking her over. Leaning over to him, Jeffrey whispered. "I think she likes you, Colin."
"Yeah?" Colin asked, glancing back over at the blonde woman who was now
smiling directly at him. "Watch and learn, Arthur," he said, downing the last of
his beer and walking over to where the woman was standing. "Hey Joe," he called,
leaning across the bar, right next to the woman. "Another round for me and one
for the lady here...." he turned, looking into her big blue eyes and added with
a grin, "if that's alright with you."
She flashed him a wide smile and replied, "Yeah, thanks, Mate. My names' Cara,
what's yours?"
"Colin. Nice to meet ya, Cara."
Joe handed them their VBs. Colin held his bottle up to Cara's and said,
"Cheers." then took a big gulp. "So Cara, got any friends here that might be
interested in my best mate, Arthur?" he asked, slapping Arthur across the back.
Cara glanced over at Arthur. He smiled, nodded to her. "He's a real cutie," she
giggled, then thought for a moment and said, "Umm....maybe. The gals and me here
just won a big game and were hoping to celebrate a bit. You all up for that?"
Colin turned towards the rest of his group, "What'd ya think, mates, wanna party
with the sheilas here...help 'em celebrate their win tonight?"
Johnny moved in on a slim brunette, "I see you need a drink, what'll you
have...I'm buying."
"Oh you are?" she said, raising a brow and giving him the once over, her face
turned into smiles. "I guess you can buy me a drink. What's your name,
handsome?"
"Johnny Ryan. What's yours?"
"Cissy Bates. Now that we've taken care of that, I'll have a beer...VB."
Johnny gave her a winning smile. A girl that drinks VB couldn't be a stranger
long.
Jeffrey looked at the group of young women. They were all smiles and giggles now, eager to have fun and party. Not one of them knew who he was, or about his past. Or expected something he admittedly had trouble doing at times: sharing his feelings. He stood up and turned to face the team. "Congrats on the big win tonight, ladies," he said, smiling.
After a bunch of 'woo hoo's' Jeffrey found himself in the center of a lake of fine looking woman who hugged and kissed him as if he were the only man in the room.
"Hey, ladies, what about the rest of us?" Jason shouted through a laugh. It was his turn next to be the center of attention and he didn't mind it in the least. "That's right, we'll help you celebrate but its quid pro quo, luvies. We're celebrating too."
The tallest of the women stepped up and asked "Whatcha celebrating then, mate?"
Jason tickled her ribs and answered with a wink. "Life, liberty and the pursuit of pleasure."
East was already sitting on a bar stool with a pretty brunette on his lap. They were sharing a drink and it was one of her choice. He had no idea what was in the pink frothy concoction but as long as it got him the attention of his new girly he didn't care.
"Wot's your name, love?" He asked as she wiped the pink moustache from his upper lip.
"Wot's yours, mate?" she replied. Before he could answer she was smothering him with a big wet kiss.
It was a shy redhead who approached Arthur. "Are you with those blokes?" she asked in a little voice.
Arthur looked around...to the left and right and behind...making sure she was in fact actually speaking to him. "Yes, I am, actually," he answered, smiling sweetly at her. "I'm Arthur, what's your name?"
She grinned sweetly at him. "When I'm in the game they call me Boomer but my real name is Eve."
She reached out a hand to him. "Nice to meet you, Arthur. Did they really bring you here for...for what I heard? If its true then they're worse than my teammates. I swear, they think its their responsibility to take care of my social life."
Arthur blushed a bit. It was bad enough that all his mates were kidding
him about his love life, but now they went and spread it to the girls as well.
He managed a slight smile and said, "They seem to have developed a rather odd
interest in my love life for some reason. I don't let it bother me,
really...they're all just having a bit of fun is all." He looked up at Eve and
smiled again, thinking how lovely a face she had. After a moment of awkward
silence, he finally managed to ask, "Can I buy you a drink, Eve?"
"I'd love to," replied Arthur, a broad smile stretched across his face. He
couldn't believe his luck. Not only was Eve sweet and pretty, but she actually
seemed to like him.
Charlie Prince, who had been sitting on a barstool quietly observing all
the others now had his full attention on a raven-haired beauty who was running a
lovely hand up his thigh. His whiskey gone, he motioned to the bartender
and asked the lady what she was having.
Eyeing him hungrily, she murmured, "Hopefully you."
Jeff stood a little way back from the throng leaning against the bar and
smiling. Joe came up to him on the other side of the bar and nodded to the boys
with their soccer girls.
"You not joining in with your mates then?"
"No, mate. I'll leave the girls to them and just enjoy my beer," Jeff answered,
smiling at Joe.
"Tell ya what then, let me get them all sorted with drinks and I'll come down
and keep ya company. Shall I bring you another VB?"
"Ripper...but how about making it a Tooheys next time." Jeff grinned, thinking
maybe he'd have a fun night as well as the others.
Jason Morgan stood back to look at the big picture. He was damn proud of himself. Everyone was more or less paired up except him. As far as he was concerned, his work here was done.
"Who needs a room?" he shouted above the din. This should be interesting.
Colin was the first one to speak up, "Right here, Mate," he called out, as he half-way stumbled off the bar-stool, arms wrapped around Cara - who was giggling.
"Very good," Jason grinned. He turned to the bartender to take care of things. "Scuse me, Jeff," he gave his mate a pat on the back. "Joe, can you give Colin and his lovely sheila a key. In fact let's have a block of rooms for me mates here."
Handing his American Express card to the barkeep, Jason nudged Arthur. "How you making out, Artie. She's lovely." He made sure Eve didn't here him but he did give her a wink.
"She wants me to take her to dinner and a movie," Arthur whispered back, grinning.
Charlie had been on the way toward the stairs with his lady and a bottle, but he turned back at Jason's shout. What the hell, he thought. If somebody else was payin-
Jason nodded to Charlie to tell him, go ahead! He turned back to Arthur and said "Go for it, mate. Sounds good to me. She seems like a nice sheila too."
He was happy to go home unattached. All this made him feel like one of those matchmakers his dad told him about. Actually, when they got back to the Glen he may be lynched instead of praised if the women found out about this night.
Jeffrey had taken a seat in a booth near the back of the tavern, finishing his latest drink. Suddenly, he felt two small, warm hands glide over his shoulders and up to his neck.
"You're pretty tense. Hmmm...how's this feel?"
Before he could turn around to see who was there, he felt a warm breath on his neck and lips eagerly burning his skin. "Meggie," he sighed, not able to stop himself - enjoying the sensual touch. Just as quickly as the name left his lips, the slender brunette stopped what she was doing and slid into the booth, bumping into Jeffrey.
"No, name's Cheri. But," she said in a low, seductive tone as her hand slid up his leg to rest for a moment, "I'll make you forget all about this Meggie." She leaned in closer this time, and ran her fingers through his hair in an ever so familiar way.
Jeffrey blinked, in confusion. He grabbed her hands, yanking them away.
"Oh come on," she moaned softly, touching his lips with hers. "I'm sure Meggie never made you...."
"No," he said, practically pushing her out of his lap and from the booth. Standing, he ran his own hand through his hair and fixed his glasses. Cheri, rather surprised by the abrupt reaction, glared back. She shrugged, frowning at him.
"Fine. Excuse me! Go back to your
Meggie... jerk." She muttered as she walked away.Jeffrey shook his head. What in the hell was wrong with him? He looked up to see if the other guys were watching. What would he tell Meggie? Should he even...things were already screwed up between them...what would it matter now? He'd wait until the limo took them back to the Glen, where he could sleep and think before making his next move. Right now, his head pounded from too much alcohol consumption and partially from the heartache that spread like a wildfire throughout him.
Johnny couldn't believe Jason was picking up the tab for rooms, he was
staring open mouthed at him when Cissy nudged him in the ribs.
"Whadya say handsome, got time for a little?" She was smiling and looking at him
suggestively and running her hand up his back.
The thought occurred to him that he was way out of his league but what the hell,
when would an opportunity like this ever come to him again.
"I got time," he said and picked up two more drinks and headed toward the
stairs.
Johnny seemed to be secure. This night was turning into something Jason had not expected. What started out with a few blokes going out to get pissed turned into something a hell of a lot bigger. He looked over where East was sitting and noticed the empty stool. Lord knows where he got off too. Jeff was chatting up the barkeep, Jeffrey was occupied, Collin seemed to have his hands full and Arthur was somewhere between home plate and first base. A bit slow but it was better than nothing. Charlie Prince had vanished up the stairs...now who was he missing?
Jeff moved over to Jason and nudged his arm. "Looks like everyone is fixed up but us, Jase. What's our next move, mate?"
"No worries, mate. Main thing was that we got Artie hooked up. Looks like he and his sheila are going to dinner then a movie. I reckon its a good start but I see one of her mates is thinking on tagging alone. Should I go try to apply some interference?"
Eve's friend seemed to not want to let Arthur and her alone. She even managed to sit between the two at the bar. This was not a good thing.
"Hey Joe," called Colin, half-way leaning over the bar, Cara still draped all around him - practically holding him up now, "round of shots for everyone...my treat!"
Jeff had watched
everything from his place at the bar. He was about to help Jason with Colin, but
Arthur got there before him. He stopped worrying when he saw Jase come back
downstairs, he wouldn't have left if Col was in any danger. Sipping his drink,
he watched Jase and Arthur go back to Arthur's 'date' and grinned as his new
friend charmed the frowning girl. He could charm the birds out of the trees
alright; maybe Jeff could learn something from him.
Just then, Joe reached
over the bar and squeezed Jeff's arm, smiling at him. "So, Jeff...you got any
plans for later on?"
and....
"I thought we were going to go upstairs and have some fun, Col?"
Cara giggled in his ear then nibbled on his lobe.
"We will, love, but no reason not to have a bit more to drink
first," he replied, as he took 2 shot glasses from Joe and handed one off to
Cara. "Cheers, love," he said, clinking his shot glass against hers and guzzling
it down. A second later, Colin hit the floor - passed out cold.
"One down, a few more to go," Jason announced before downing the shot. "At least he bought one before he bought it. Someone want to help me get him upstairs?"
Bending down, Jason drew Colin up to his feet as he pulled the man’s arm over his shoulder.
Arthur looked up just in time to see Colin go down and immediately jumped up to give Jason a hand with his boss.
"Heavier than he looks," commented Arthur, as he grabbed onto Colin's
other arm and pulled it up over his shoulder - struggling a bit under the
weight.
"G'day love. It's me. I just wanted to let you know that I was okay and I'm behaving myself, really. I'll explain later. I love you, Emma. Goodbye for now."
Sliding back into the room, he looked Arthur's way. "He'll be alright, mate. It looks to me like he's safe and in good hands. Don't reckon he could do anything to get into trouble for at least another eight hours or so. I think there's someone downstairs for you. Best not keep her waiting.
Arthur looked back at Colin, who was snoring away on the bed, Cara by his side. "Take care of him, Cara," he said, then turned to Jason,
"Yes, it seems her friend doesn't really like the idea of her going out with me alone tonight, though," sighed Arthur, as he followed Jason out of the room and closed the door."What are you getting at, Artie? You need a backup, mate? Is that it?"
Jason wasn't beyond taking one for the team if that be the case. Eve's friend seemed kind of cute.
"If it's no trouble, Jason, umm...yes. She seems like a lovely girl, just doesn't particularly trust me alone with Eve for some reason," Arthur told him, smiling over at Eve and waving. Her friend sitting next to her frowned at him, then whispered something in Eve's ear.
Jason adjusted himself the way men do then he strolled over to the two women. He directed his attention right at the girl next to Eve and with a smile he held out his hand to her. When she offered hers he raised it to his lips to kiss. "Enchanté, tu es jolie" he smiled warmly at her. "And I don't mean Angelina. Would you like to be my date for the evening?"
She seemed a little flushed at first and who wouldn't be? Jason Morgan was pretty damn hot, every so slightly charming and he smelled near as good as Jeff Mitchell did.
"I don't even know your name," she stated
"My name is Jason and yours is....?"
"Esther, but you can call me Essie if you like."
Offering her his arm, Jason nodded okay to Arthur. "Alright, Essie. It's settled then. We know each other and I'll be your date for tonight, though I would have to say that your friend Eve may have gotten the better end of this bargain. Arthur is a fine young man."
"You're not gay are you?"
Jason chuckled. "Did it sound like I had designs on Arthur? No, love, I'm not gay," he replied "Just looking after my friend. He needs a bit of confidence."
"Thanks, Jason," Arthur whispered to his friend, then turned to Eve,
"Shall we go, then?" he asked, as he took her by the
hand.
She smiled up at him and replied, "Yes, let's." The two ladies followed Arthur
and Jason outside, where they got into a cab and drove away.