James Landis Story Chapter 26

James Landis Story Chapter 26



"You're love- I- I mean, it's really lovely... to meet you both!" James stumbled with his words.

Lakshmi swept forward and hugged James, kissing him on both cheeks catching him by surprise. She squeezed his biceps as she stepped back and raised her eyebrows at Angie with a smile.

Tajo was right there before James had a chance to recover from the first hug. She squeezed her body against his firmly and James thought her body felt a lot like Grace's, soft and substantial.

James was in full blush mode as both ladies stepped back. They gestured to the table and everyone took their seats. The waitress arrived and took their drink order. When James asked for a particular brand of scotch smiles appeared on the faces of the ladies.

Angie placed her hand on James's arm and got his attention. Lakshmi and Tajo have been my close friends ever since our teens. Our boyfriends started up this crazy band and we were pulled along for the ride. We bonded over the ups and downs of the career of the band, we were each other's bridesmaids at our weddings, paced the halls of the hospitals as the other's had children, and we keep in touch. Lakshmi's husband is Thierry Dumas, the band's keyboardist. Tajo's husband is Rig Saxon, the band's drummer. They don't see eye to eye.

Tajo's laugh was a soft cough of sound. Angie, always the diplomat Rig and Thierry barely tolerate each other these days. Too much bad blood from the past and both are too stubborn to just let it go!

Lakshmi was smiling and nodding at Tajo. She started and looked sharply at Angie. "You didn't bump into Jillian at the airport did you?

Angie's expression showed her relief. No, thankfully.

Apparently she was waiting for Greg all day at the airport. He missed his flight, no explanation. I got a text from her this afternoon. She wanted to join us for dinner but Greg insisted she wait for him and then he didn't show.

Angie struggled to keep her anger off her face. Lakshmi shared a look with Tajo. Sorry Angie. I shouldn't have mentioned him.

No, it's just that we've seen his abusive behavior again and again and Jillian just keeps pretending she doesn't see it and that it's ok. The woman is a caricature of an abuse victim at this point. She sighed. I've tried to help her and you saw how that went. I'm just going to avoid her as best I can this weekend. Her friends just nodded to her.

The drinks arrived and they asked the waitress for a few more minutes to review the menus.

James gasped when he saw the prices in the menu and Angie caught his reaction. She leaned over to whisper in his ear.

James, this weekend is on me. You are doing me a major favor by coming as my date and in the case of Greg, bodyguard. This is the least I can do. Please order whatever you like.

He felt a little off about letting her pay but he didn't bring enough cash so he nodded. They couldn't be eating in expensive places like this for every meal. He was sure he'd get to pay for a meal at some point this weekend.

The waitress returned and they placed their orders. All three ordered one of their signature salads. He was about to do the same when Angie stopped him and pointed to the ribs. James, order the ribs. They make them really well here. You'll love them!

He was going to protest but gave in and ordered the ribs. He asked the waitress for an extra order of the sweet potato fries. He knew how Grace snuck food from his plate when he had fries and she ordered a salad.

He took a sip of his scotch and let it slide across his tongue and down his throat. It was good!

So James, how did you meet Angie? Tajo asked, grinning at Angie.

"I serviced her furnace and air conditioner," he replied with a smile.

Tajo began to laugh as she thought he was using a double entendre. She looked at James who was looking back curiously and her laugh choked to a halt.

Tell them what you do James. Angie smiled.

I work for Draco’s Heating and Cooling. I do installations and maintenance for single family dwelling units to industrial and commercial units," he said with a smile.

He's very good at his job. Angie said with pride patting his arm.

Seriously! That's how you met? Tajo asked, surprised.

"What were you expecting?" Angie grinned.

None of the technicians who show up to do service on our homes look like you, James. Lakshmi said with a smile.

That's a very good thing for our marriages! Tajo said.

James smiled and ducked his head in embarrassment. Lakshmi and Tajo just grinned at Angie who glowed with happiness.

The food arrived and as James predicted all three women ended up raiding the basket of sweet potato fries. This did have the beneficial effect of distracting them from eating the fries from his plate.

Angie was right, the ribs were very good and there were a lot of them! He made a bit of a mess of himself so once he was done he excused himself to wash his hands and mouth.

The moment he was out of earshot Lakshmi leaned over the table. "Angie, seriously, are you sleeping with him?"

Tajo grinned and leaned forward as well. "Dish girl! You know we're living vicariously through you! We need details!"

Angie saw James step out of sight and smiled mischievously at her friends. I don't know... he might not like it if I was indiscreet.

"Don't you dare hold out on us!" Tajo growled playfully.

"OK, yes, we're lovers."

And? Lakshmi pushed.

He's incredible!" Angie sighed and her friends moaned. For all his brutish size and strength, he has such a gentle heart and soft touch.

Lakshmi winked. Gentle heart! Are you falling in love with him or is he just a great lay?

It was Angie's turn to look surprise. I- I guess I am falling for him.

Oh love, that's not such a good idea. I don't want you to get hurt. Tajo said to her gently.

Angie's smile returned. James won't hurt me. It's not in him.

The two friends exchanged looks and shrugged. They knew Angie would not be swayed from her course.

So, you're saying he's good in bed? Lakshmi got them back on topic.

Intensely good in bed! Angie grinned.

Danny good Tajo asked having heard so many stories from Angie about her husband's prowess. She knew this might offend Angie but damn it she was tired of hearing about how good Danny had been.

Angie bit her lip and felt guilty about what she was about to say. "Better."

Tajo's eyes went wide. Angie worshipped her husband and for good reason. The man had loved her beyond all measure and had apparently been a master between the sheets, not that Tajo had firsthand knowledge. For Angie to say James was better?

Is he big? Lakshmi grinned wickedly.

Angie looked her straight in the eye. "Ed is very large but better yet he knows how to use it." She made some discrete hand gestures to indicate his measurements and both women gasped.

"I'm calling bullshit," Taj announced and Lakshmi giggled.

I'm not about to ask him to whip it out and slam it down on the table for you two to ogle. James is very shy about his... endowment. He took a lot of abuse about it when he was younger and it's left him a little sensitive on the subject.

SHHH! He's coming!" Lakshmi announced a little too loudly and waved her hands, bangles jangling. Subtlety was not her forte.

When James got back to the table all of the ladies were smiling oddly and Tajo seemed to be trying to see through his pants. He quickly placed his napkin over his lap and sat down. His eyes glanced over to Angie. He'd seen Lakshmi's waving.

Is everything ok? he asked with concern.

Everything is fine, James. We were thinking about going out dancing. Would that be ok with you?" Angie said with a smile, changing the subject.

James's face lit up. He recalled the dancing he'd done with Rose and Tristan in Barbados. "Sure! I love dancing!" he grinned and they all returned his smile.

The waitress appeared once more and Angie asked for the check but Tajo got to it first and insisted on paying. She looked at Jams with a grin. That means I get the first dance!

He smiled nervously at her hungry look. Angie put him at ease by taking his hand in hers. Her diamond ring glittered in the light of the restaurant and his eyes spotted the rings on her friend's hands too. All three were wearing significantly large stones in their rings. Their husbands must really love them, James mused to himself.

They put on their coats and headed outside. James shivered as the temperature had dropped dramatically since they'd entered the restaurant. Angie noticed though her coat kept her nice and toasty.

James, we have to get you a better coat! You're going to freeze to death! she said.





By nutbuster