Tenement Funster

I Like The Good Things In Life...

Brian didn't know what Roger had meant by an encore and he was absorbed with the idea of what it could be as he returned to the auditorium and resumed his seat with the group.  He noticed that Roger had traded seats with Mel and she was now next to Brian.  He took hold of his popcorn and drink and felt Abby's hand brush against his side.  He turned and smiled at her and then watched the screen. And then resumed watching the people to his right.  But nothing else happened.

The anticipation built as the film ended and the small group left the cinema and headed out on foot to return home.  Brian was on one end of the line of people and Abby was next to him; like she had been all night. 

"So what do you do Brian?"  Abby asked him as they strolled down the pavement.  Brian noticed the others paying attention to her question.

"I work for a book publisher...I edit manuscripts..."  he answered. 

"So you're a book editor?" Abby questioned and Brian shook his head.  

"No...I'm more like an assistant..."  he clarified.  "Once a book is pretty much finished I read over it and make sure there are no grammatical or typographical errors..."  he explained. 

"Wow!"  Mel declared with an impressed expression on her face.  "That's a real job!"  she remarked as they walked.  "Did you go to Uni?"  she asked.  Brian nodded.

"Yes...I got a degree in English Literature at Kings College..."  he answered.  They all showed admiration.

"I bet you make good money..."  Mel commented and Brian looked over and found Roger watching with real interest.  

"Not really...not yet at least..."  he replied.  "It's an entry level job that leads to being an editor and then you can make some real money..."  Brian advised.  Abby slipped her arm around Brian's and leaned into him.

"I told them you were smart..."  she remarked and looked up at Brian with reverence in her eyes.

"Intelligent and a promising future...when's the wedding Abby?"  Mel asked her teasingly and nudged her.  Everyone chuckled at the insinuation.  Abby blushed but looked up at Brian again.  Clearly into him.  Brian smiled warmly at her.  He found her sweet and easy going.  He wasn't opposed to her entirely.  She just wasn't as intriguing Roger.  Brian glanced over to the end of their group and found Roger still watching him.  Their eyes met and Roger gave him a compelling look.  Brian wondered when he might get a chance to be alone with Roger again.  He kept that thought as they arrived at the building.  As they went inside someone Brian didn't know came up to them.

"There you are!" the girl stated.  "Monty's having a party and he was having me round up the usual suspects..."  she declared.  Brian noticed the faces of the others brighten at the news.  Abby tugged his arm and he looked at her.

"You have to come!"  she pleaded.  

"Sure!"  the girl told Brian as she eyed him.  "Monty won't care...the more the merrier!"  she remarked.  He felt everyone's eyes on him.  He didn't have to go into the office tomorrow so he could sleep in a bit.

"Okay..."  he said and noted smiles forming on everyone's.  Abby made a sound of delight.

"Monty is in 407!"  she told Brian.  "See you there in twenty..."  she announced.  Brian nodded and watched Abby move briskly towards the stairs.  Apparently going to get ready.  Mel was whispering something to Roger and he tried not to appear to be eavesdropping.  A broad grin crossed Roger's face and Mel ran her hand over Roger's arm as she walked past him for the stairs.  Roger faced Brian as the girls disappeared.  Brian wished they were alone but several people, including the girl announcing the party, were nearby.