#ccsemberclub

He sips his wine.

"I mean to" She says a bit lamely

A sigh. He eats a few bites.

"Oh don't do that" A guilty look crosses her features

He gives her a fond smile "Dearest, it's entirely up to you. I -would- like to point out, Caesar is not a stupid man. A fact you should take pride in! He -is- going to find out there's a naked mole rat colony in the barn. He -does- visit the farm and will notice when you don't appear to do the same. Or when you aren't at the Club. He isn't stupid." William repeats.

A wince "A fair point."

"The question, as I see it, and I could be wrong.... is: do you want to tell him before, or after? In the first, he'll be worried, but focused on finding a solution. The second, he'll be ... upset."

"I suppose I should tell him before, but I do hate he's going to worry. I KNOW he will"

"Yes. He will. I am. Others are." simply.

"let's not ruin dinner , please?" She eyes her food with less luster

"Ssshhhhh......" he soothes "I'm sorry. The matter is dropped. Have you tried the carrots?" a rainbow medley cooked with honey, thyme, and a few pepper flakes for kick.

"Do you fancy the chocolate mousse for dessert?"

"I think the chef gets to pick our dessert" She reminds trying to rally a smile

and she does try a carrot "mmm didn't over or under do the pepper"

"French was an excellent suggestion, Dearest."

"It's been awhile" She admits

"Mmm.... I wonder if Chef Andre here has a commis
or sous chef who feels under appreciated.....?"

"You're planning on swiping one of his staff?" Amused

"Oh, the possibility is worth exploring perhaps.

"Good luck. You and I both know that there's a shotage of good kitchen staff, real demand is up"

"Decent pay and benefits." he responds "As we have always offered."

"Are any of OUR Chefs getting offers from others?"

"Not to my knowledge." he takes another bite "I haven't seen any signs of unrest, or hints that anyone is considering a move." he refers to his social skills that might tingle at such a thing.

"Teensy has certainnnly made her spot" referrring to their troll hat works as one of he chefs

"She has!" pleased "An excellent investment."

"touch surly about her turf" Wry

"Mmm... I can understand it. As long as she defers to us and doesn't drive the others away."

A nod, and they come to the desert, Melinda presents it "French Meringue Dessert Merveilleux, with a slight caramel dotting"

"Oh, Marvellou indeed." Stodgepole seems delighted.

"Oh, hello treadmill" CC eyes the offering like a lover she knows will break her heart, but only after rocking her world

Melinda covers a laugh "Please enjoy and let me know if there is anything else you need"

"Aperitif?" William offers Callidora; an after-dinner/dessert drink that he hasn't suggested since the diagnosis. Must be something of a special occasion!

"oui" CC sayss, surprised

He nods, and asks Melinda "Mixologist's choice but perhaps something with Frangelico?"

"I'll inform tthem" Melinda assures "Be but a tick"

"Thank you, my dear." warmly, and then a smile to Callidora.

"Oh she's getting a tip"

"Most certainly! And we are getting superior service."

The Aperitif is as he hoped, and more. Apparently the Chef threatened the Mixxologistt

Or rather suggested he bring his A game

"Oh, this really -was- a good idea. Best of all, of course, no dishes. And the warm feeling of having helped the economy."

"Agreed" She savors

CC then says "I know you're right about telling Caesar. I know. I just... I'm very tired of living for the cancer. "

"It is an unwelcome intruder, and will be dealt with as such." he says firmly "Caesar is an ally in this."

"We will need him."

She nods "I'll call him tomorrow" And she sounnds like she means it

He leans over and kisses her.

She returns the kiss

"You are the bravest woman I have ever known." he whispers when they part.

"You need to meet more women" She whispers back, and smiles