#ccsemberclub

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Hearth Agnes looks about. She does not belong here, in this city, let alone a jazz club where it seems every woman who works is young enough to be a grand daughter

But she was invited

Well, if she arrived on a dark Monday, the Club would be closed for a private event; dinner with friends. Perhaps a dishwasher would be brought in for extra hours, just to help.
If she wanted to see the Club in full swing, that would accommodated as well.

She arrived on Dark monday.

Then a private soiree it is!

Emerson opens the Club door himself.

"Mister Stodgepoole, thank you for the invitation"

"Please, call me Emerson, and come in, come in...." he bustles aside and bustles her in.

"I hope I might call you by your name?" with a jovial smile.

She brought some food "Agnes will do" She nods

"Oh, wonderful.... Let me show you the kitchen here..." he walks her back through the swinging doors. It's a commercial kitchen, but he moves around like it is home.

She looks about the kitchen "My, this is a fancy kitchen, very nice"

"Well, it does what we need it to for the Club." he shows here where to stow dessert, and she can see where dinner simmers and bubbles "And I admit, it is sometimes fun to have such a place at my disposal."

"I understand. Got quite a few mouths to feed"

"On a good night." he says with a twinkle "Cocktail?"

"Coffee if you don't mind?"

"Touch of the Irish?" he offers as he goes to pull a mug for her; it's tiny but what can you do? Free refills....

"Clearly you and Emmit are kindred souls" She says wryly

"I'll pass on the Irish at least at first," She says

"Fair enough. And, note, this is plain black American style drip coffee; no frills. Cream and sugar...." he indicates and lord help us it's REAL cream and sugar.

"Maybe later, if we get in the mood, I'll break out the viennese coffee." he winks.

"You sir, are a smooth talker, but the company should be enough. How's CC?"

"Wonderful!" he lies cheerfully; butter wouldn't melt in his mouth "She'll be with us shortly."

"Here I am, sorry ..." CC comes in "Agnes, so kind of you to come"

"Kind of you for the invite" Agnes says

"Ladies, shoo." the short man says with fists on his hips "I'll finish dinner and bring it out."

A mortal young man of average appearance is sitting in the kitchen on an upside down 5 gallon bucket; he's a pot washer, scullery servant.

"You got some hard working folk here" She approves

"Luis has an excellent future before him." Emerson observes "I'm going to have him to do some prep tonight for tomorrow's service."

CC says "Emerson runs a tight ship."

"But he respectts hard work"

He tutts "Go on now... let me work."

And off others go

He works quickly (albeit in a mortal's presence) and leave Luis with a list and examples to work from; vegetable prep, nothing that requires heat or cooking or mixing. He loads up two large serving trays and had Luis help him take the trays out.

Luis asks "Who's the older lady , sir? She's not a regular."

A family-style bowl of pasta, a choice of sauces, garlic bread, a fresh salad with toppings like sweet corn, carrot, cukes, baby lettuce, hardboiled eggs, peas, and more.

"She's a friend of ours, Luis."

"Yes, sir" He serves, carrying some of what Agnes brought

At the table, he shoos Luis away and offers to serve "I hope this is to your liking, Agnes."

"I'm sure it will be. " She smells the food, tthen closes her eyes . And holds sttill for a moment

CC blinnks and shoots EBG a look as if to say 'did you drug her?'

He actually doesn't catch Callidora's look; he's serving long pasta into a warmed bowl to place in front of their guest and watching her reaction with some satisfaction.

"So mote" She says, whatever it is, Agnes is done.

"So mote." Emerson murmurs, and serves Callidora.

"Thank you, Dear" Callidora says

"Most welcome, Dearest."

Agnes samples "My word, Emerson. I've tasted your food before but you are truly versitile"

"Oh, thank you Agnes!" he chuckles "I have to beg your pardon, though. Pasta is a cheat; easy enough to make, delicious, and allows for conversation at table."

This pasta is, of course, fresh and hand-made