Page 4 of Rhymes with Metaphor
“You were about to.She’s nothing like Egregria.”
“So, what did you get her?”Reg eyed the present in Martin’s hand.“I hope not a first edition ofRebecca.You wouldn’t want to give her any ideas.”
“They’re liqueur chocolates.”
“Nicely impersonal.Have they got absinthe in them?”
“No.”
“Why not?Is she prudish?”
“Please, Reg.I really like her.”
They climbed the front steps, and Martin rapped on the door.The door was opened a minute later by a tall woman with dark blond hair in a high ponytail, dressed in a black business casual suit.Reg immediately revised his impression of what sort of party this was.
“Hello, Juliet,” said Martin.
“Hello, Martin,” she said.She sized them both up before admitting them.
Martin kissed Juliet’s cheek.Her eyes widened a touch, and Martin blushed.“This is my best friend, Reg.”
“Hello, Reg.”She gave him an unexpectedly firm handshake.
Reg got the distinct impression she thought he ought to stand up straighter.Reg had affected a fashionable slouch for so long in his persona as tortured artist that standing up straight for long periods required tremendous energy and incentive on his part.He currently possessed neither.In response to Juliet’s gaze, he slouched even more.
“Happy...birthday,” said Martin, handing her the present.
Reg knew Martin well enough to know he’d nearly said “Happy Christmas.”He was clearly besotted.Reg almost pitied him.
Juliet shut the door behind them.“Come in.”
They followed her into the kitchen.Considering a party was supposed to be going on, the house was remarkably quiet.
“What can I get you to drink?”she said.
“Whatever you’re having,” said Martin.
“Prosecco, it is.”Juliet filled a glass and handed it to him.“Reg?”
“Coffee, please.”
“Instant all right?”said Juliet, opening a cupboard.
Reg winced, and Martin mouthed,Don’t.
“Instant’s fine,” said Reg.
Juliet filled the kettle.“How did you two meet?”
“Our friendship has been in the family for three generations,” said Reg.
“Our grandfathers were best friends,” said Martin.“And our fathers after them.And Reg and I have known each other since the womb—separate wombs, obviously.”
“You must have some interesting stories about Martin,” said Juliet to Reg.
“Oh, yes,” said Reg.“Once—”
“Another time,” said Martin warningly.
