ManBeast - Book 1: A Kingdom of Predators

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

Jules was packing his belongings up for the day in the employee personal storage area; since the confrontation with Marjorie a day ago, his priority was now keeping his head down and accomplishing whatever task was set before him. Since the submission of the mural pieces, as well as the approval of the fountain and the pier designs, there wasn't much to do; coupled with Frankie's disappearance, the inner workings of Jules mind turned often towards the possibilities of "what if" when it came to his mentor and his own future.

Caught in the throes of his deepest thoughts, Ralphie and Michael caught Jules unaware in the computer lab. "Jules, I'm beginning to think you're avoiding us! You know Tammy, Pauline's secretary? It's her birthday this weekend, so we are all going out for drinks tonight. Join us?" Jules shook his head, donning a woeful expression; "No can-do fellas; already got plans," he replied. Michael stepped closer to Jules and tilted his head downward, looking at Jules through his eyebrows; "You might be going out with Bev, yeah? She's coming tonight too, you know..." he spoke quietly. Jules turned his attention to Ralphie, who was biting his lower lip and nodding his head in affirmation. "Shit. I forgot about Bev; need to think of something fast."

As if on cue, Tammy, Lori, and Gretchen, (the woman who fetishized Jules' species designation during his first week) all entered, chatting away about the night's activities. "Hey Julius! They told you right? Are you going to be able to come tonight?" Tammy asked earnestly. Jules scrunched his bottom lip up and shook his again: "Sorry T, I'm going to have to take a raincheck." Tammy pouted and let out a soft "aww"; Gretchen pursed her lips together and pushed past her two companions; "Julius, you need to come. You've been "requested!" what can be more important that hanging out with some fine, classy ladies like us? The party animal himself needs to make an appearance!" she said, fanning her hair out for emphasis.

Ralphie raised an eyebrow, and Michael pretended to suddenly be interested in his cell phone; Gretchen's use of the words "party animal" projected a double-entendre that Jules could find offensive. Surprising even himself, Jules smiled slightly and tilted his head, accepting Gretchen's comment with grace: "Tammy, Lori, I owe you guys a night of drinks; hold me to it. Gretchen, I bet you couldn't even handle "the party animal" on his worst day, be careful what you ask for," he responded, winking at Gretchen.

Ralphie and Michael guffawed while Tammy and Lori giggled, impressed by Jules' nonchalant reprisal. Gretchen pursed her lips up again: "Whatever Mr. Jones; let's go ladies, we're going to find us some hot guys who actually want to keep us company!" The girls left, followed by Ralphie and Michael. Before exiting the area, Ralphie turned back around and leaned against the door frame: "Real shit though Jules, we'd like you to join us one day. Think about it." Jules nodded and waved Ralphie on, who left a moment later.

"Finally, some quiet to think; I wonder what this Fang Fight is going to be like. I've only sparred against Frankie and never seen him really fight; will he be as technical as he is in training?" Jules thought to himself as he walked down the hallway. As he entered the elevator, Bev was already inside, busy texting on her phone; she raised her head donning a big, sheepish grin across her face: "Well hello, "Mr. Party Animal." Word as it you're dodging us again tonight."

Jules shrugged in a comical fashion, raising his palms towards the ceiling. "Once again, I feel as though I need to apologize for Gretchen; sorry about her accosting you in front of everyone. She's really a big insecure softie who just wants people to like her. I think she's a little attracted to you, if you ask me..." Bev mused. Jules, who already did the math on that possibility, chuckled slightly: "She's attractive but yeaaa...nahhh." Bev and Jules laughed as the elevator descended slowly. "Well, did you give any thought about if you want to see me...this weekend?" Bev asked softly. Jules put his hands in his pockets and turned to face Bev completely: "About that; normally I'd be all for hanging with you, but now's not such a good time."