Saturday, June 13, 2009

A View of The Lair Through a Cabana Boy's Eyes

posted by Joanie T

The place was a mess.

Not a surprise since his employers had held another one of their launch parties, Ricco thought, as he lifted another batch of margharita glasses from the industrial dishwasher. He set them down on the far end of the bar, picked up his Egyptian linen cloth and began polishing. The Banditas were very particular about spots.

Morning duty was a mixed blessing really. Lots to get in order; sweeping up debris, blender checks, chandelier repair. All work and little fun. He knew there was lots of exciting stuff going on in The Lair. Had to be with these creative types. Their imaginations are limitless and a little scary. He'd seen the looks on the party event staff's faces; befuddled, euphoric and occasional out right shock. Yep, those crews had the hardest job. Keeping the Banditas and their Buddies well stocked with an endless variety of alchoholic concoctions was a challenging task. Not to mention snacks, music, dancing lessons. Those conga lines were killers.

Maybe he should have taken that job at the post office.

A smile tugged at his lips. Nah, that would have been the polar opposite of this job. Day in day out sorting of envelopes vs. constant partying and never knowing what would happen next, which Bandita would require personal assistance. To be called by one of the Banditas? THAT was a coveted job.

Ricco glanced down from the bar situated on the mezzanine level of The Lair. He’d been told when hired by that fiery red headed Bandita JoMama that this was a club for a sedate, demure ladies group.

Hah!


There was more to it than that and his suspicions were being proven everyday. He was a second level cabana boy. He supposed he should be offended by being called a boy but when that Cassondra said it—purred it—he didn’t mind…even when she sashayed around all armed and ready. He knew weapons and that Bandita was lethal.

The required uniform…if black pirate pants and loose cotton shirts could be called that…and the daily mandatory workouts supervised by the Bandita known cryptically as AC were a bit much but hey, he liked keeping in shape.

He barely kept the Waterford flute in his hands from crashing to the floor at the loud crack coming from the exercise room. Ok, so that crop was concerning.

Nope, the Lair was definitely not your average club. For one thing it spread out in multi levels deep into the earth, up a mountain and he suspected had secret tunnels to the ocean. You had to be high level among the crews to descend into the depths. He swept his gaze over the gauze draped party room below. Oh, yeah, he wanted to advance.


Several of the third level guys were sweeping the floor which was a challenge as there were still Banditas and BB’s recovering from the last launch party for “Dark and Deadly.”
Ricco laughed out loud. Yeah, that about summed it up the world of The Lair.

The central floor area had a handful of silk covered chase lounges in a rainbow of colors. He recognized Duchess Hotdayum and Duchesse Snorkdom from the uninhibited way they were sprawled on the furniture with their pinkies crooked out. No etiquette involved there rather it was their trademark “C’mere cabana boy” signal. He smiled to himself. He’d been privileged to that before.

In the far corner that tall guy, Sven was working on his eighteenth massage. Poor guy looked exhausted but Ricco didn’t miss the heat in his eyes when he looked at that Aussie Christine. Even from up here, he could hear her murmur something about a "Wicked Little Game." It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Sven's frequent “Da’s” didn't just mean "Yes, Mme."

Ricco heard a rumble of thunder and cast a wary look to the balcony suspended in the air by what looked like clouds. He’d never figured how they did that but he wasn’t about to ask the goddess who was stretched out on it—on a cloud? This Bandita meant business with a capital B. He made a hasty check of the sangria, breathing a sigh of relief when he found the cabinet well stocked with her favored tropical blend. A shiver of excitement shot down his spine when he found her studying him with those midnight blue eyes. Not always good to gain her attention, not with those mammoth gladiators guarding her like Ft. Knox gold.

Caught in her gaze, he almost missed the one named Demetrius lifting his shield in silent salute to the Duchesse. The subtle nod they exchanged made his brows raise.

“Are you ready to par-tay?”

Ricco’s attention snapped back the hallway. No Hank Williams Jr. but a trio of Banditas rushing into the bar. Susan, Beth and Kirsten. Sweet, angelic smiles…and a glint in their eyes that set his nerves on edge.

“Plenty of wine, strawberries, mangos for the margaritas?” This from the one called Tawny or “Blaze” as she was nicknamed sauntering in behind them. Ricco cleared his throat at the sultry look she sent him, almost losing another glass.


“Don’t forget the appetizers,” called the Texan Bandita Suz. Ricco narrowed his eyes. Was that a rope she was twirling? Her avid gaze swept over him. His mouth went dry.



“Mimosas,” trilled Kate as she swept by with her witchy friend. “Don’t forget the mimosas. And appletini's. My guest needs appletinis!”

Ricco’s eyes widened at the woman riding a small dragon swooping in from the doorway. “Diet Coke for me,” called Nancy. She waved at Trish who’d just driven in with another multi-contracted deal with Donna and Christie. Those two called most of the cabana boys “Duke.” Strange.

The boys below were scurrying to finish the clean up directed by a tall, lithe Bandita with a brilliant smile and a gorgeous Chico’s jacket. She glared up at the goddess. “Don’t even think about it.”

Man, they were all here. Anna with those hockey hunks which he could take in a minute if it weren’t for those sticks, the other Anna from Oz who could barely carry all her awards but was still calling for a scotch on the rocks and cherry ripes and Tim Tams. Dang, the shipment of those hadn't arrived yet.

He was jotting down a note to rememdy that when a sultry voice asked, “Got anything, cold?”
Ricco raised his head at the murmured voice to stare at the elusive KJ. “I’ve just arrived from an expedition and..” She raked him with her hot gaze. “I’m thirsty.”

Ricco gulped.

“I’ve got turtles!” chirped frequent guest PJ.

“Eat ‘em fast,” said the dude in BDU’s as he checked the perimeter. “Me and my boy gotta get the place fastened down.”

He shook his head at the rooster following the guy around with a rucksack strapped to his back.

A flash of light caught Ricco in the eye as more guests began to arrive. It was a never ending party in this place, he mused as he broke out more ice. No other job like it.

“Cabana boy?”

He looked down at the Duchesse who crooked her finger at him.

Ricco grinned. Nope, no other job like it in the world.

While Ricco is busy…er, at his job. Who else is arriving today for the party? Any other cabana boys out there?

88 comments:

Helen said...

Is he staying with me

Have Fun
Helen

Fedora said...

Oh yes he is, Helen! And for a cabana boy party! Woohoo! ;)

Helen said...

Well the GR is enjoying the cool weather here in Oz we are reading and have the heater on it is cool and we are both very relaxed.

Joanie I am rolling around laughing what a fantastic post I can't wait till one of your books is publuished and I can read all about those gladiators.

Well I will be here for the party and I would love to be looked after by a Cabana Boy while lounging around in very compfy chair.

Love you descriptions of everyone Joanie loved the post

Have Fun
Helen

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Helen.

Ooh, a party. I don't think I've had the pleasure of being served by Ricco.

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

Okay now this is a place where i want to be... A Cabana boy party... Ummm.. Yummy.... Thanks Ladies! Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

pjpuppymom said...

OMG, Joanie! I'm ROFL! That was magnificent!

Minna said...

I found this Tarzan boy:
Baltimora - Tarzan Boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r0n9Dv6XnY

Joan said...

Conga!!!! Helen, you'll have to be in shape today if you're following the chook in the line.

Do be careful though..Ricco is training for third level CB today and he's allergic to feathers

Joan said...

Yeah, fedora, grab a drink of your choice and go down to check on the Duchess-i's....they are beginning to stir

Joan said...

Jane, Ricco is the one who knows how to balance....his tray, yeah that's the ticket.

Grab a settee and turn up the music.

Joan said...

Hey Cecile! What a day to visit The Lair!

There are drinks and snacks and Carlos and Ricco and don't forget to get a ticket for a massage.

Joan said...

Ahhh PJ....Ricco does like chocolate....oh, and on turtles too ;-)

pjpuppymom said...

Ricco, sweetie, I have a huge order of turtles to make. Wouldn't you like to mosey on over here and give me a hand? Melted chocolate would be involved and you know how very creative I can get with melted chocolate. Mmmmmmmm...

limecello said...

lol loved this post!

Congratulations on the GR, Helen!

Deb Marlowe said...

LOL, Joanie T! You rock!

I'd love to come to the party! Duchesse, save one of those appletinis for me!

Can I bring along my current hero? I confess, I'm becoming quite attached to him! He needs a little shaking up and a Bandita party would be just the thing!

pjpuppymom said...

Helen, have fun with the GR today!

jo robertson said...

Joannie!! Too, too hilarious! I love the world of the Lair you've built. Thanks for making my morning funny.

Congrats, Helen. Today might be quite wild so keep the rooster close.

Hey, Ricco, Pepsi, straight, over here! Ahhhhhh.

Kirsten said...

Oh Joanie, that was hilarious! I do have a couple of men to add to the bunch, having just returned from a trip to Hawaii.

They're fire-knife dancers. And a warrior from New Zealand. You can't miss him -- lots of tattoos on the face and carries a big spear.

Now you'll all have to get in line behind me while we watch them dance. Oh. Be still my heart.

And by the way, just in case anyone is worried, we do have a very strict rule about the secrecy of the Lair Activities. What happens in the Lair STAYS in the Lair.

Joan said...

Ricco? Ricco?

Um, PJ...Ricco is still trying out for the upper ecehlon. Please send him back ASAP...chocolate optional.

Joan said...

Deb said: He needs a little shaking up and a Bandita party would be just the thing!

As long as he's shaken, not stirred....

Oops, sorry that was for the appletini's.

So sure Deb, bring him on. Let me look through the wardrobe room. Hmmm...what size pirate pants?

Joan said...

Kirsten! Fire knife dancers? WARRIORS????

THAT will make the conga line lively.....

What happens in the Lair STAYS in the Lair. ...

Oops, you're right Kirsten. Ricco! Sorry, you'll have to let PJ bring the chocolate here...no, I don't know if she's bringing the caramel or not.

Um, heads up there is rumbling from cloud....

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Joanie and Ricco...what an excellent look into the innerworkings of the Lair...I just went for a walk in the hot Texas sun...perhaps a dip in the Lair's underground spa pool...and then a nice Long Island Iced Tea?

OH Ricco....

Suzanne Ferrell said...

What happens in the Lair STAYS in the Lair...

Yes, Kristen, except when a certain feathered spy or a rather hunky a**ed Cabana boy decide to let info slip out!!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

(Aunty snaps her crop in preparation for putting Ricco through his paces)

Discipline! That is the key for all Cabana boys! They must be disciplined enough to keep the drinks flowing and all the Banditas and BBs happy! Oh, and ride herd over the wily GR when he runs amok, which we all know is pretty often!

Yes, yes, it's a DIRTY JOB, but somebody has to do it! I know Helen is up for the task of GR herding today!

ACK! (Aunty narrowly avoids being run over by the Conga line)

Joanie, I want you to know that those two new recruits you brought back from your last trip to Ireland are ready to join the Lair's Cabana Boy ranks.

Meet Sean and Liam everyone! (Aunty sashays down the mezzanine staircase with a Celtic hunk on each arm.)

FIRE UP THE BLENDERS!

Pissenlit said...

Congrats on getting the GR today, Helen!

Hee hee hee! Love this post!

I'd like to give Ricco a hug but...*squints off to the left*...I think he's a bit busy at the moment. :)

Delta said...

I've got your Long Island Iced tea right here ma'm. {bow, bow, raises up and looks at Suz} I'll bring you a whole pitcher, right away!

I swear, the secrets of the Lair are safe with me! I mean on my third CB level honor, what happens here (on the mezzanine, in the party room, that locked room Bandita Posh disappears into) stays here.

Now can I assist you with your swim?

Delta said...

{Hmmmmm...Liam and Sean? More competition.}

Greetings, Aunty, I have your margharita mixed just as you like. {Shoulders the two Celts aside. Not hard since they appear to be mesmerized by the cloud}.

Ack! The tail end of the conga line is whipping this way! Don't worry Bandita! {Sweeps AC up in his arms} I've got you!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Sean Darlin, and Liam, boyo, do pay attention to our newly promoted to Level 3 CB Ricco.

THIS is the kind of dedication and devotion to the Lair that we Banditas and BBs REWARD most prodigiously!

One taste of PJ's fabulous turtles and you will see what I mean! They are especially nice with a little Bailey's on the side, so HOP TO IT, CBs in training!

AC

Delta said...

{Sets AC down on a chaise lounge}

{Winks over his shoulder at Pissenlit}

Never too busy for you darlin' Mimosa?

Delta said...

Hard to hide my smile at the two intruders...um, new guys forget to put the top on the blender....

Today third level...tomorrow Fourth.

Can Grand tier be far off?

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Oh Ricco!!! (AC purrs)

You are soooo gallant to rescue Aunty from the Conga line. Put me down now, as I must check out these fire dancers of Kirsten's.

(Aunty yodels) BOYS!!! No fire pits inside the Lair! You must go out back. Demetrius will show you a nice safe place to practice.

Nancy said...

Helen, you have fun, too, and work that bird! Congrats.

JT, I'll pop in later for the party. Just have Ricco mix me up a wine spritzer (and I don't care, Demetrius, if you think that's a sissy drink! I have work to do.), and I'll swoop on back to Revisionland.

Would much rather be here, actually, but I have goals I want met before I leave for National.

Oh, and now my ride's gone. *sigh* Guess I'll have to call the dh for pickup. I had visions of becoming a Dragonrider. Like in the Ann McCaffrey books, y'know? I mean, what with the CRATER in my back yard, I sort of feel owed.

However, the beast, who is now a sort of iridescent silver, informs me that stuff only happens in books and I should get over it. She gave me a lift over here only because she was coming anyway, for a snack.

And I hate to tell Ricco, but she sort of left a mess around the fridge.

Nancy said...

PJ, you make fabulous turtles! I don't suppose you'd consider teaching Ricco? Might earn him a promotion if he could produce scrumptious chocolate treats in addition to his other, um, skills.

Nancy said...

Deb, since your heroes tend to be wonderful guys, not to mention hunky, bring him, by all means! At least, that's my vote. . . .

Nancy said...

Kirsten wrote: What happens in the Lair STAYS in the Lair.

You sure you didn't actually go to Vegas? *g*

These guys sound like very, er, useful additions to the lair. The warriors, in particular, should be helpful in deterring snoops.

Nancy said...

Speaking of parties, Joan, I hear the GR may be planning one? With his relatives? That's a scary thought in itself, that there could be others like him.

Have you heard anything, and if not, could you put a gladiator on it to check?

Delta said...

And I hate to tell Ricco, but she sort of left a mess around the fridge.

BEG....Hey you! New guy! Yeah, Liam. Clean up on aisle 3!

Delta said...

Might earn him a promotion if he could produce scrumptious chocolate treats in addition to his other, um, skills. ...

Hmmmm...promotion? Let me find that tempting pixie PJ and the whipped cream

Joan said...

Have you heard anything, and if not, could you put a gladiator on it to check?

Hmmm....I don't know Nancy....Lucien! Leave the two Duchi's alone and c'mere....I've got a job for you...

Louisa Cornell said...

OMG JOAN !!! I laughed until my sides hurt. What a great insider report on the lives of the much abused and much loved cabana boys!!

Thanks goodness the Lair works on Vegas Rules or most of us would be in SERIOUS trouble!!

Helen, he likes it at your house. What are you feeding that GR?

Oh Rico, darling, do you have a little sparking grape juice on tap for me? And how about some sparkling Rico to go with it!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

(Aunty fans self vigorously) OH MY!

Those fire dancers are very entertaining... and ummm... HAWT!

Note to self--consider loin cloths for Cabana Boy summer uniforms.

Ricco, dear boy, another frozen margarita to cool Aunty's parched throat! Make this one mango, please...

pjpuppymom said...

Hmmmm...promotion? Let me find that tempting pixie PJ and the whipped cream


PJ. Whipped cream. Ricco. Ooh, Ricco, you sexy hunk of man. You thought I was good with chocolate? Let me show you just how creative I can get with whipped cream! :)

Delta said...

And how about some sparkling Rico to go with it!

{Blocks Pissenlit's view of Duchess Hotdayum kicks Sean back and smiles}

Sparkling grape juice, your Grace? For you a whole vineyard!

Delta said...

Mango? {Eyes crop slapping casually against Aunty's leg} Right away.

{Whirrrrrrrrrr}

Note to self--consider loin cloths for Cabana Boy summer uniforms.

Those were ordered sometime ago, Aunty....{ducks as a shield comes sailing from the cloud and bounces off Liam. Snicker...amateur}

At least that's what Goddess Sangria said when she had us come in for our fittings.

Delta said...

Let me show you just how creative I can get with whipped cream! :)...

{Grabs a peach daquiri and makes beeline for PJ} I'm on break....

Susan Sey said...

Ricco, my sweet, my gem. Have you an ice cold Corona for me? Be a darling & squeeze a lime in it for me, will you? I'm feeling beachy. :-)

I am, however, pacing myself, as the RWA conference is but four-ish weeks away. I don't want to be hung over for the GH/Rita ceremony. I need to cheer loudly & lustily for my girls (Christine, KJ, Louisa, etc.) without fearing to split my head open.

Plus, I get maudlin when I drink, & have been known to drunk dial without compunction. Any banditas or bandita buddies missing the fun this year (you know who you are!) be prepared. I drink, I dial.

Ricco? That corona?

Oh, you're a dear.

Pissenlit said...

Never too busy for you darlin' Mimosa?

*hugz* I'd love one, thank you! Congrats on the promotion! *huge grin*

{Blocks Pissenlit's view of Duchess Hotdayum kicks Sean back and smiles}

Ooooh! Ricco butt! Um...oops...did I say that out loud?

Minna said...

Oh, by the way Nancy, I just remembered: we had some talk about the different versions of Beauty and the Beast the other day and I just found one on Audible. It's a free audio book.

Delta said...

{Discreetly removes cherry from pec and slips away}

Smoov! May I deem to call you by your name?

I have an entire cooler of your favored ale and am prepared to travel with you to this conference (If my eyes can adjust to the sunlight) to keep you readily supplied and to do the dialing when you grow weary (I've seen your list...it's long)

Delta said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Helen said...

The GR and I are ready to party for a while before I go to work, I would rather stay here all day but I don't think they would take the excuse that I was partying with the Bandits as good one.

So maybe a nice iced tea would be nice and of course some of PJ's turtles served by Ricco and if some of the chocolate is melted then that wouldn't be a problem cleaning it up

Great party

Have Fun
Helen

Delta said...

*blush*

BB Pissenlit.....thank you.

In my efforts to gain the notice of the Banditas I took Aunty's "Buns of Steel" class...twice.

Delta said...

Helen,

Tea well iced is on its way. I hope you don't mind the newbie Sean bringing it. (He's only dropped the tray twice...Tawny keeps...er, waylaying him).

I know I speak for all the cabana boys when I say thank you for keeping that fluffed chook out of the lair for a day....Feathers are h*ll on vaccums!

pjpuppymom said...

Ricco's coming to Nationals? Off to order more chocolate...

pjpuppymom said...

Oh, and Ricco, you darling man, however did you know that peach daiquiris are my very favorite?

Pissenlit said...

*facepalm* Sorry, Ricco. Uh, *cough* looks like the classes did their job. *redface*

*mumbles something about no more mimosas*

Helen said...

Thank you so much Sean the iced tea is just what I needed to get me going this morning and yes I will keep the GR under control we don't want him interfering with the Cabana Boys serving us in such wonderful ways and maybe I might need a massage before work that will help me through the day

Have Fun
Helen

Christine Wells said...

Oh, wow, how could I have almost missed this? Ricco, it's morning in Oz, so I'll have champagne, darling and one for you as well. Sweetie, you work too hard...

I've been deep in the bowels of the lair, in the deadline cave, and not likely to see the light until the conference, but I couldn't resist popping in to say hello. Joanie, fantastic post!

Now, where's that Sven got to? My back has this strange kink in it. Time for a massage...

Delta said...

Ricco, you darling man, however did you know that peach daiquiris are my very favorite?

I'm a level 3 CB. It's my job.

AND my pleasure my BB pixie.

(How do you get chocolate out of loincloth material? Goddess S will NOT be happy....)

Delta said...

I might need a massage before work that will help me through the day

Might I suggest gettin in line now, BB Helen?

Sven is fading fast.....

Delta said...

Now, where's that Sven got to? My back has this strange kink in it. Time for a massage...

He's not with you, Bandita Mme?

Really?

Hmmmmm {darts a look to the cloud. Demetrius rolls his eyes and shakes his head)

Might I suggest Bengay?

Louisa Cornell said...

I think Ricco deserves a promotion! Why, you ask? That's none of your business. Trust me! He's earned it!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

MMmmmmmm, *streches* What a LOVELY day in the Lair. And how nice that we're all ready to party again!

Ricco, darling, be a love and fetch me a chardonnay. Yes, in one of the BIG glasses. I've been at the Sports Events all day, and playing chauffer to my eldest as he plays basketball, changes clothes in the car and goes to baseball practice. *shakes head* He loves it. I have to say it would be much more interesting for ME if there were MEN playing...

Tell me, Ricco, do you like basketball? Hmmmm? Those pick up games the gladiators play with thier shirts off, that's a little rough compared to good ole American basketball.

Oh, look Lucien's arrived for his shift in Joanie's Entourage. He's "the new guy" you know.

BTW ladies, Its SNORKVILLE. My estates are vast and legendary, but they are definately NOT a Dom, they are a ville. :>

So yes, my darling friend Louisa, mistress of all things contest-y, and Duchess of Hotdayum, wanted another drink too, I believe.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

PJ! You naughty minx!

Deb, I saved you an appletini...did you get it already?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Ricco, I was laughing WITH you, by the way, when Liam and Sean forgot to put the lids on the blenders. I know you got peach margarita on your chest, but...wait...did Pissenlit help you with that little problem? Hmmmm?

Ricco, you are going to do JUSSSSST fine here in the Lair.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, Goddess Sangria!!!! It's gettting long about dark on the back side of the hill. Okay if I borrow Dem for some shield sledding?

Cassondra? Where did we put the lightning bug jars? There's a gorgeous lot of them starting to flicker out back.

Nancy, tell her royal dragon-ness that next time she needs to eat before she comes over to drop you off. That was a six month supply of steak she polished off. Not that she's not worth it, of course, but, you know....grocery budget? Our CBs and the hockey Hunks and the gladiators DO have rather large appetites *snork, of all varieties!* and with AC running those classes...well, we do have to keep the red meat stocked up!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Kirsten! LOVE the new guys! Thanks for bringing them back with you.

Question though...however did you get them through security? Grins.

Delta said...

I think Ricco deserves a promotion! Why, you ask? That's none of your business. Trust me! He's earned it!....

Lady Hotdayum....what happens in the supply closet STAYS in the supply closet.

:0

But I hope the Banditas will agree...I'm dying to see what is on RED level otherwise known to the CB's as "Warning Will Robinson" level...

Delta said...

*Gasp* Snorkville? Gahhhh.....this faux pas may have wiped out all the credits Lady Hotdayum, Pissenlit and the chocolatley PJ have earned for me today!

I shall make up for it by attending an extra class with Aunty then play baseball for the Duchesse....in those pants...well, perhaps all will be forgiven.

Please, accept this tray of chardonnay (it rhymes...point for poetry)Bandita Snorkville

Delta said...

Thank you Duchesse for removing the margaharita but really licking it off was more work than a cloth....

Not as much fun, but...

(Point for lickability?)

Delta said...

Alas, Duchesse, I risk all my promotion points by revealing that the dragonlet did not eat the steaks.

Those fire knife guys caught the rec room on fire destroying the circuits to the walk in freezer. So the meat was roasted and we, um ate it all. (I would like to report that the gladiators ate the majority...but who's going to argue with those swords?)

Delta said...

*Reaches for a note floating down from the cloud*

Duchesse, it's for you...

"Demetrius has my leave to attend you until the midnight hour while I attend to additional matters.

Send Liam and Sean up immediately for their....measuring."

Joan said...

Nancy,

Lucien has just returned from his reconnaissance. He reports that he snuck a look inside the GR's rucksack while he and "the dude" were stringing barbed wire around the rear entrances. There was a crumpled letter in there with a date chicken scratched on it. "June 3oth. Reunion."

Kind of cryptic...

Kirsten said...

Okay, setting the rec room on fire is a MAJOR party foul.

Back to fire-knife training, boys!

Nancy said...

Minna, thanks for the audiobook tip. I'll check it out.

Nancy said...

PJ, thanks so much for giving Ricco lessons. I think we'll all benefit.

Kind of like when Sven took advanced massage training. :-)

Nancy said...

Ricco, if you're stocking favored ale for Susan, where's my lager and lime? Playing favorites won't get you promoted, y'know.

Unless you play the right favorites . . .

Nancy said...

Duchesse, I delivered your message re: the grocery budget. Herself reminds us her name is Iolanthe and thanks us not to get snarky.

(Hmm. A little draconic hyper-sensitivity here, I think)

Now she has flown off somewhere, which is good because she does NOT LIVE HERE. She frightens the dog.

Nancy said...

Ricco, nice of you to exonerate Iolanthe, especially considering the ginormous mess she left around the fridge. Dragons apparently do not pick up their own trash.

Nancy said...

Joan wrote, from Lucien's recon report on the GR's rucksack: There was a crumpled letter in there with a date chicken scratched on it. "June 3oth. Reunion."

Kind of cryptic...


"Cryptic?" That's your word? "Cryptic?"

Try ominous. Try appalling. Try potentially disastrous!

Think about it JT--multiples of HIM running around the lair. If that's really happening, we need the gladiators at peak training, the fire knife guys on full alert, the CBs on guard by the liquor cabinet (envision multiple drunken GRs) and, if possible, the dragon flying patrol.

Even that might not save the lair. And the decorating budget was already in the hole for this year. :-/

Joan said...

OH, now Nancy....you might be putting the horse before the cart. Family reunions are congenial affairs.....most of the time....

Er, Lucien did report the date June 30th was circled in red....

Um, yeah, let's start battaning down the hatches just in case.

Ricco? Ricco!!! Whose lipstick is that on your shirt?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Saunters in from the spa pool, adjusting her lipstick and patting her hair...I do declare that Ricco is one very solicitous cabana boy!

Hey there Joanie...Anyone seen those new boys Sean and Liam?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: And the decorating budget was already in the hole for this year. :-/

Is this because the last Launch Party Donna had? Or was it Anna C's last launch party? I think everyone from Anna's books showed up. I KNOW I saw Verity. That dress...who could miss her?

I too am concerned about this June 30th issue. AC? I know the CBs will groan over it, but perhaps a wee step up in the training program? Congenial affairs or not, if there's any kind of GR "affair in the Lair" coming down the pike, we'd best be prepared.

BTW, GOddess Sangria? The shield sledding tonight was AWESOME!! You should descend from on high and give it a try! (see there, Ricco, I can rhyme too, even after a tray of Chardonnay!)

Oh, thanks for the refill, Ricco! :> Thank goodness you and the guys made all this extra food...wait. Did someone make a Sonic run? Is that corn dogs I smell?

Anna Campbell said...

Sorry I'm late to the party. I've been...partying! Hey, JT, what a brilliant post. Or perhaps the credit belongs to Ricco who deserves promotion toute suite. In which case, ask Tawny and Duchesse who are our mistresses of promo. Hmm, compared to mistresses of other things like some of the other Bandits! Killed myself laughing reading this. How cool is this?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Duchesse...if someone makes a Sonic Run, can they pick up one of those scrumptious Snicker Blasts? OMG!! Almost as good as our Cabana boys...er...look, yes!

Anna Campbell said...

Jeanne, I'm afraid you can't expect me to turn up without my characters. It's like Anna and Tawny turning up without shoes!

Ricco, I'll give you five bucks if you tell me what you and Louisa got up to! Sheesh, not enough? The rate for a cabana boy seems to be climbing.

Christine, unhand Sven. Or perhaps Sven, unhand Christine!

Delta said...

Is that corn dogs I smell?

Sadly, no. The first level CB's forgot to wash the socks this week.

I'm feeling very pumped (and chocolate covered)It sounds like my promotion came through?

It is a pleasure to serve the Banditas and BB's. (Psst, Bandita Suz...show me that rope trick again and....maybe I'll tell....)

Delta said...

It is an honor to serve you, Bandita Anna C. I've dusted your ....awards, yes...that's it....awards many times.

We sent Liam out to Sonic...poor guy has this dazed look after his "fitting" with the Goddess...so not sure how long he'll take to get Snicker Blasts....

We can make Tim Tam blasts