ODDS OF LOVE SEASON TWELVE

Episode 159

That night at the large sprawling elaborate house that was the home of Gerald HighTower and Alfred Giadello their family and friends gathered in the marble floored dining room with its white and grey wallpapered walls and enormous oak wood dining room table and antique chairs. On the table were placed various diverse platters and bowls of food that everyone had provided for the potluck housewarming party ; from Nigel's shepherd pie to Joy's old family recipe potato salad to a Mexican pizza prepared by Spencer and DuBuis to Andrew's world famed five alarm chili.

There were also several delicious desserts for later that evening ; Glory's triple chocolate fudge cake, Dodie's dairy free gluten free avocado key lime pie and some very special chocolate brownies that had a prominent card before it that stated " For Adults Only" brought by Scout Mullins who had come along with his brother Mark , sister in law Susan and their ten month old son Little Spencer. As far as drinks were concerned there was plenty to spare with gourmet coffee, herbal tea and various fruit juices.

At one end of the table sat Spencer and his family along with the Mullins and Richard and Nigel and their assorted children. Spencer, Susan and Nigel were eagerly discussing parenting techniques as their spouses looked on with much amusement. The kids ( Luci , Sol , Theodore, Richie, Lewis and Race Jr. )argued over video games as Rebecca and Tanisha cooed over Miracle and Little Spencer in their high chairs. At another end of the table Joy and Faith bickered with Devin over his elaborate wedding planning details as Jas , Andrew and Glory watched fondly. Jeremiah and Bliss had eyes only for each other as Dodie silently fumed over their presence ( and , Bliss's engagement ring ) and ignored her brother and Gerald as she attempted to keep an eagle eye on her sons ( Franco , Marco and Salvatore ) who looked greedily at all the valuables in the house.

Lyle and Angel were discussing details of Lyle's sabbatical with Alfred and Gerald.

" I have a few connections at the college," Gerald said generously as he finished his plate of shepherd's pie , " if you are really certain about this teaching aide job there. Of course I would prefer you back at the school. " Where you belong were his unspoken words that nonetheless rang loud and clear.

" These brownies are delightful, Scout ! ," Dodie exclaimed with surprise as she ate her third one. " You really must give me the recipe. Is it gluten free? "

Spencer exchanged an amused look with DuBuis as Richard and Nigel suppressed grins of their own.

Scout swayed in his chair with twinkling but vacant eyes as he murmured ," Yeah , yo , lady , it's all natural like. Yeah , I have my own recipe. I like to bake. Mark cuts hair. I bake. "

" And , get baked ," Mark muttered under his breath as his wife Susan poked him in the ribs not so discreetly.

Dodie widened her eyes. " Nigel , I have the most wonderful idea for the magazine ! What if ..... Sam.... No , Sid..... No , Scout here writes a little cooking column for The Aura. All natural and healthy of course. "

Richard glanced at his husband. Nigel swallowed a bite of Mexican pizza before replying ," I am currently on an unlimited medical leave, Dodie. That decision is yours as editor in chief. If you want to roll it by someone try Alexi. Or possibly Max. I think he is still in the area. I do like the idea though. "

Dodie rolled her eyes at Nigel as Scout smiled big and said with childlike glee ," Yeah , I can write. I got a lot of recipes. "

Dodie waved her arms with their many hand woven bracelets in the air as she said with dramatic flair," Do call my personal assistant David HighTower tomorrow for an appointment to come in and discuss all the immediate details."

At the the mention of David a quiet hush came over Gerald, Alfred and Lyle.

As the adults all chattered and ate Race Jr. handed Lewis one of the brownies. " Dare you to eat it, Lewis," he said in a soft singsong voice. Lewis wiggled his nose at the little boy he considered very annoying and said," It's only a brownie. What's so special about it? "

As Lewis took a big bite, Race smiled and fingered the For Adults Only card he had snatched and tucked in his pants pocket.

Then Dawson slowly opened the dining room door and entered to say ," Dr. HighTower , Mr. Giadello , there are some rather late arrivals. "

" So sorry to be late , " Margaret Glover Reilly said with passionate enthusiasm as she swept into the room in a light purple silk dress that matched her eyes and strappy high heeled sandals. " We were mildly distracted. Weren't we, Tony , darling? "

Tony Angeletti came up behind her with a big wide shit eating grin on his handsome swarthy face with its neat goatee and wrapped his muscled arms around her tall lean body. " Hello, all. "

Alfred's fork fell from his good hand to the table top as Glory gasped in shock and Andrew narrowed his eyes.

Nigel exchanged glances with Richard who whispered to him," Please stay out of it. "

Dodie stood up and pointed her shaking hand at her husband and his mistress. "Who invited this little bitch ! And this cheating dirty no good greasy son of a bitch ! "

Spencer and Susan quickly covered their children Miracle and Spencer's ears as they began to cry. Tanisha ran over to Nigel and crawled onto his lap for comfort. He held onto his foster daughter and whispered that it was alright.

Tony laughed huskily. " Hello, wife. You're looking rather old. Botox wearing out, dear ? "