Matchmaking at The Towers

Elinor and Frank and the Tea Party Pt. 3

When everyone had arrived and been seated comfortably, both Geishas went to either side of Lane and seated him, removed his swords, and waited on either side of him until the tea ceremony. He was first to be served, followed by each of the gentlemen in turn. The tea ceremony was very formal, authentic, and beautiful. The servers learned the whole procedure, the pouring, turning the cups, serving the masters, etc. (...Lane was so pleased with their performance that he added the two Geishas to his list of obligations...)

At each lady's place setting was a folded gold-plated fan. They were heavy and with the metal edges, were traditionally used as a weapon by gentlemen. Although they could have served as guy's gifts, he opted also to give the two gentlemen Towers-logo-ed throwing stars.

Lane was seated between Olivia and Elinor (...déjà vu...) Next to Olivia sat Denise and beside Elinor was the scary Sherry (...He couldn't in good heart leave her out, but he still avoided being alone with her...) Across from Lane was Brandi and Lisa. Beside Lisa was Frank in his master's regalia and beyond Frank sat Isabel. (...Isabel mused, "At least Ayla was as far from Lane as I am...") Next to Lisa was seated Dan, as a master (...and loving it...) And...beyond Dan was Lane's precious Ayla, but she was willing to play along to make her love happy. She could tell he was having fun!

Lane was very solicitous to Olivia and Elinor, serving them tidbits with chopsticks by his own hand, pouring their tea or sake as they needed refills. The Geishas tried to serve Lane, but he waved them off and sent them to the other two gentlemen, so he could do as he pleased. Dan and Frank didn't mind having their own personal Geisha one little bit.

Elinor seemed a little subdued this evening. "What's the matter, dear one?" She turned a wobbly smile on Lane as he reached for her hand. Her hand was trembling as she wrapped her fingers around his. He searched her face for some sign of her distress.

"I...Well, I...I shouldn't be talking out of turn, and I really shouldn't burden you with my troubles." Lane's forehead wrinkled and he pulled her hand to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Elinor, you should know that I would do anything I can to ease any hurt that you might have. I've missed your understanding ministrations, when I may have needed you. Don't block me out if you need something from me. Is there anything I can do?" He bent to her ear and whispered. "Please tell me. I see you so rarely, and I won't have you hurting just because I wasn't there to help."

She sighed a shaky breath and whispered back into his ear, "I think Frank is having an affair." Lane's brows shot to his hairline. (...Wasn't expecting that one!...) He glanced up quickly and looked directly into Frank's half-lidded eyes. "He's so cold and ignores me," She continued on an almost sobbed.

"Shh...Shh. Hold on until we can get out of here. We'll talk." He patted her hand, which she quickly pulled into her lap. Lane picked up his empty sake cup, and it was promptly filled by Geisha Number Two. He glanced at her and gave her a nod and a half-smile. His mind was working overtime. ("What have I put my foot into this time?") He saw out of the corner of his eye that Elinor had turned to Sherry and was speaking as if the last few minutes hadn't happened. (..."Good...for now...")

Continuing in the spirit of the tea party, he turned his attention to Olivia. (...At least his face, if not his mind....) With much pomp, he handed Olivia her hair sticks tied in a bright red silk ribbon. "Lane, you've done too much..."

Smiling, he murmured sincerely "Never could do too much for you. I've missed you. You're one of a very few people I call friend." Olivia searched his face and cocked her head slightly. "I have a hard time getting out and about, so I'd love to have you visit here whenever you can." Understanding his loyalty to his obligations, she touched his cheek and caressed him with her thumb. Leaning into her thumb's pressure, he whispered, "Please, don't stay away too long."

"You are the sweetest boy I've ever met. I wish I was forty years younger. I'd give your Ayla a fight." She grinned and dropped her eyes. Lane blushed and dropped his eyes, too. From the end of the table, Ayla saw the exchange and guessed what might have transpired. He felt her eyes on him and looked up at her.

She mouthed "I love you." As he sent her his sweetest smile he lowered his eyes again.