Page 53 of A Quick Buck

“Captain and Coke.” Noah batted his eyes. “Thanks, Junior. That’s so very nice of you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Junior made his way to the bar, cutting right to the front of the line. A few guests appeared to get angry, but they shut up quickly when Junior turned around and screamed something at them. Probably about balls.

“After we’ve gotten our drinks, would you like to go for a walk?” Alistair asked.

“A walk where?”

“Around the pool. Greet your guests?”

“I don’t know any of these people.” Noah frowned. “Let me guess. That’s not polite, is it?”

“No, not really.”

“Well, too bad. I’m gonna sit here, drink my little drink, and wait for these idiots to leave when the bar runs out.”

Alistair smiled.

“You’re gonna make me go, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I doubt that you normally sit around at your own party.”

“Normally I’m getting trashed and looking for some ass.”

“Ah. And here I thought you might be reading poetry. How silly of me.”

“Ha, ha. You’re hilarious.”

Alistair winked.

“So.” Noah fidgeted again, shifting all of his weight to one cheek to at least grant the other one a reprieve. “Are we ever gonna talk about my uncle?”

“Not now.” Alistair leaned on the table, folding his fingers together.

“Wait, that’s not a no!” Noah sat up straighter, ignoring the throb in his butt.

“How observant of you.”

“So, we’re really gonna talk?” Noah pressed.

“Later.”

Before Noah could push again, Junior arrived with their drinks.

“Here yous go.” Junior set each glass down carefully. “Need anything else, Mr. Star?”

“Mm, how’s the party going, Junior?” Alistair sipped his colorful drink. “Anything unusual to report?”

“No, sir.” Junior scratched his head. “Well, except for maybe this one fuckin’ thing.” He glanced at Noah before looking back at Alistair. “Yous want me to say it in front of him?”

“Go right ahead.”

“There’s this one fuckin’ guy runnin’ around askin’ about him. He’s fuckin’ annoyin’ as hell. Like, ingrown ball hair annoying. Actin’ real funny.”

Noah grimaced. “Is he short? Blond?”

“Yeah? He kinda looks like your fuckin’ uncle if ya squint?”

“But like, not old as crap?”