#ccsemberclub

***************
*the phone rings*

And is grabbed, "CC Ember's Club, CC speaking"

"Hello Dearest."

"Baby, how are you?"

"I'm well, Dearest, very well. You?"

"Missing you. "

"Oh. And I, you. I do hope you'll seek companionship when you need to." A worried tone.

"Oh don't worry about that I have my cooking. Maybe I'll find a fellow who likes carrots"

"I'm a watermelon and ham guy myself."

"Don't I know it. Maybe for breakfast and give the carrot recipe a rest" "is your vacation going as you hoped?"

"Oh, yes. Still .... mmm... getting there. Making new friends, renewing old acquaintances, so on."

'Well, make sure you don't end up buying dinner for everyone all the time. I know how generous you are."

He chuckles. "Well, I might cook for them instead."

"In fact, it's possible I might do a little catering while I'm away."

"You're enjoying keeping your hand in, aren't you?" An accusation mixed with fondness

"Of course, just as you do." Mildly, but tender care.

"I suppose one can't deny it" SHe says "Have you learned more that would help you in the catering business?"

"Oh, still making those important connections. So much business comes from the people you know. And then there's finding resources, and of course... the right clients."

"well, if you ever change your mind about calling me over, let me know. The club has back up singers"

He tsks. "You -are- a temptress."

A purr, "One tries"

"I won't get any cleaner, though, with you here to scrub my back. We'd only both get dirty. After I've cleaned up, I'll come home."

"mmmm I've gotten dirty myself before and survived, but okay love. See that you use soap"

"I promise." Warmly.

"Good. I hope to see you soon, my bed has a boggan shaped dent that no one else can fill right"

That makes him laugh. "Oh dear. Have you tried a sack of pudding?"

"Come home and you can eat me out of one"

She waits to see if there's sound of a fun being fumbled

"Oh my." A low sigh. "I'll hurry."

"Good" SHe says "Bye lover"

"Oh, not good bye. Till we speak again."

Can one hear a smile? "Till we speak again."

His voice drops to a whisper. "I love you."

"You better" And "Love you too. Now, you have to hang up or I'll get incredibly maudlin and start quoting movie likes about knowing how to whistle"

"Yes. Quite." He takes a deep breath. "Till then." And hangs up.

On her side, CC wipes her eyes. Someone says "CC, you're up in five.. you okay?"//She wipes her eyes "Okay? Please, darling, I'm never anything less than fabulous." She shakes her head and strides to ready for her next number.

(End Scene)