The Wild Orchid

Growing Attractions: Part 1

Chapter Seven: Growing Attractions

As they walked out of the hospital, Gavin suggested that they take his car. His was a sleek black sports car that he bragged about, but then most young men bragged about their cars. The difference was Gavin actually gave his car a name. She thought it was cute when men named their cars, but she couldn't see herself doing that.

He led them out onto the street where she saw the black sports car. He opened the passenger's side door for her. "This is Julia, and you may enter, dear lady."

She tried not to laugh at his over exuberance, so she just decided to play along.

"Thank you, kind sir," she said and entered the car. She had never ridden in anything so luxurious. Her father being the penny pincher he was never allowed his family to have expensive things, and that included cars. He opted for the less expensive models.

"What about me, Mister Lorio?" Leland asked sarcastically as Gavin walked over to the driver's side.

"It's unlocked," Gavin said and opened the driver's side door. Leland opened the back door and got in. Gavin's attention was centered on Leland's very eligible in-law.

"I see, only the beautiful ladies get the royal treatment," Leland said, as he sat back and made himself comfortable. Zorell thought the behavior of her two male escorts was rather comical, and she felt she was in a flicker comedy. She just wondered when Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin would show up.

Gavin drove them to a little café a few blocks from the hospital. She knew that Leland was still anxious about Shanee, and he would be that way until his love was out of danger. He desperately needed a distraction, and she hoped he would let her and Gavin give him one.

They stopped in front of an establishment called The Kitty Cafe. There was a painting of a sly cartoonish blue cat in the window with a piping hot cup of coffee sitting next to it. The eyes were long and narrow with its whiskers looking more like a man's mustache and it wore a stylish hat on its head. Zorell noticed for the first time that Gavin had a mustache that would have made him look shifty if it wasn't for that natural ungreased hair the lay on top of his head. There was no place back home like this, and if there was it wouldn't have lasted long.

She walked in with her two escorts, and they were led to a table near a small stage. She wondered if this place had some kind of live entertainment. If so, she would want to make this place a regular stop to visit. She didn't get a chance to see much live entertainment back home. The most she ever got to do was go to the picture show on Saturdays with Devlin or one of the other boys. Her father didn't approve of the flickers, but she and her brothers would sneak off when he was busy working.

The one thing she liked most about the place was the piano that sat near the stage. Gavin let them to a table near the large open window. It gave them a good view of the city. She was about to sit down when Gavin pulled out her chair for her.

"Thank you," she said as she got comfortable in her seat. She kept staring over at the upright piano, while Gavin signaled for a waiter. Zorell spotted a man with gray hair come towards their table.

"Hello, Mister Lorio," he said with a smile. He had a mustache that curled at each end. "I see you have brought some friends. Ah, young man I recognize you. Good day, Mister Freeman."

"Good day, Mister Zapher," he said politely.

"Who is this lovely young lady?" Mister Zapher asked and gave a short bow towards Zorell. She was flattered that he would give her so much attention.

"Oh, this is Zorell Dupree," Leland said, taking care of the introductions. "She is one of my new in-laws."

"It's a pleasure, dear lady," he said and took her hand and kissed it. It was a little embarrassing, but she looked over at Gavin who seemed a little vexed that the nice elderly man was giving her so much attention.

"That's enough, Zaph," Gavin said and took his hand away from Zorell. "Now, what's on the lunch menu for today?"

"Well, I'm trying out a new recipe, and I wondered if you three would like to be my taste testers," he said and looked excited. The little man looked like he was about to jump out of his skin and onto the ceiling like a wild cat.

"So, what crazy concoction have you created now?" Leland asked. Zorell looked confused, but it did seem the old man loved food, and loved making it.

"It's a new dish that I'm thinking about adding to the menu," he said and raised his hands up as life he was about to start a dance. "It's called creamy garlic herb mushroom spaghetti ala Zapher." He pointed his index finger to the ceiling wearing a proud smile while making the announcement.

"I'd like some," Zorell said, and the boys looked strangely at her. "Something wrong?"

"We both have been victims to Zaph's experiments before," Leland said and cleared his throat.

"Don't scare her off a grand adventure like this," Gavin said and looked over at Mister Zapher. "The lady and I will both take a plate." Then he turned to Leland. "What about you, old pal?"

"I'm not very hungry," he said and stood up from the table. "I'm sorry, but I think I just need a walk to clear my head. Then I'm going back to the hospital."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Zorell asked as she stood up and walked up next to him.

"You stay here and have lunch," he said then he looked over to Gavin. "Will you make sure she returns home safely? She's staying at my apartment, until she gets settled."

"Don't worry, I'll look after her," Gavin said and sat down next to Zorell, who had returned to her seat.

"Do that... but like she was your sister," Leland said and gave Gavin a stern stare. There was Leland trying to treat her like his kid sister once again, but she was more than capable of handling herself, even around a smooth talker like Gavin Lorio.

"I can take care of myself," she said, and Leland saw that determined look in her eye. It was plain to see that it was Gavin he should have been worried about.

This is the first scene of chapter seven. I think it turned out pretty good. Gavin and Zorell are alone at the cafe having lunch together. Their growing attraction may lead to something more, especially when Gavin discovers one of Zorell's many talents. Be here next time for all the fun.