Chapter 43 Horizons Fate (13)

• I could barely overhear the conversations as Lucas and Richard made their way into the house where Wendy no doubt ushered them into the kitchen for a beer or cocktail. Several minutes later, Richard emerged casually dressed in shorts and a polo shirt with the steaks that had been marinating most of the afternoon. Handing me the tray, his fingers touched my hand and I felt that electricity that surged through my body. His smile made me warm as we exchanged small talk about our week.
• Dinner was superb complimented with a fine bottle of Cabernet. Wendy, typically not much of a drinker, was enjoying the conversation with my new friends. Later we retired to the outside patio where Lucas and Wendy continued their conversation. I could already tell she was feeling the impact of the wine as she acted a little giddy with a slight slur to her words. At Lucas's suggestion, we all felt another bottle might be in order as everyone seemed to be enjoying the evening. When I returned, Lucas was surveying the hot tub in the corner. After pouring each of us a refill Mark made his move.
• "Michael, this is a really nice whirl pool you have. What does it seat?," he inquired.