Wilson

I wonder what dinner is going to be like. Are we in a separate dining room or in the main restaurant? Is Jo-Jo going to be over her hangover? I have to keep Leanne really close to me. We'll sit with the teachers if we have to. I like them all anyway. Especially Mr. Matheson. Mrs. Eckleberry is so cool. I wish she was my grandmother.

Wilson held the door open for Leanne. Walking back to the hotel from his mother's apartment was only a twenty minute trek. Of course, it would have been shorter if the architecture of the area wasn't so fascinating. The jeweler's window displays caught his attention when he saw a peridot pendant that matched the lighter green flecks in Leanne's irises.

I've got a lot in my savings account. I could get that for her. Is it too much too soon? Not really. According Mom my orientation falls quickly once the correct opportunity knocks us in the face. Who knew she's the same way? Dad was her best friend for years before they got serious in high school. It's sad that things went sour.

"Look, there's a sign with our tour group name on it. Do you know what it says?" Leanne asked.

"Not sure, let's ask the guy out front. I'll bet he does. I'll be right back." Wilson spun on his heel and went back out.

"Do you speak English?" he asked as he stopped in front of a middle aged man in a spiffy hotel uniform.

"Sure, man. What's up?"

"We're with the high school tour group from the US. Which room are we in for dinner? It looks like they have set up a special spot for us."

"Yes. Maria, my boss, said it was easier to set up a buffet style meal than try to keep up with free meals in the restaurant. You still get great food. Tonight, is Coq au Vin, Châteaubriand and some sort of fish. Lots of salad and appetizers too. Take the left turn past the elevators and you are the first set of doors on the right." He waved Wilson back inside when he finished speaking.

"Hey, thanks man," Wilson said, wanting to give him a tip, but the guy was already at the curb opening the passenger door of a silvery white Rolls Royce limousine.

He ducked through the door as it was closing behind another guest, and found Leanne studying a poster beside the registration desk.

"They've got the translation into English under the French. The Paris Opera House is presenting Mozart's Magic Flute. It has some of the most amazing flute solos of any classical works out there."

"There's a matinee performance on Monday. We could try to get tickets," Wilson said. "I've been studying some of the opera arias. Not that I want to become an operatic tenor, but they're still a challenge to learn to sing properly. I have just enough range to hit the high notes on most of them."

"You think we could?"

"Sure, and I found out we're in a private room for dinner. They're putting buffets together for us. Nice guy out front. Quick too." Wilson curled his fingers through Leanne's and tugged her toward the elevators.

"Where is it?"

"Down here. Just around the corner from the elevators. We're a few minutes early though. In through those doors."

He pointed toward an impressive set of double doors which were open. There was a sign beside them with Atlanta East Side High School on it.

"I guess we would have found it no matter what. Where is everyone?"

"At least the times are clear. Service is from 19:30 till 22:00 they eat fairly late. We wouldn't be able to go to an evening event and get back in time to eat a late meal."

"Nineteen to twenty-two? What's that?"

"Oh, shit, you don't know twenty-four hour time. It's pretty simple when you think about it."

"Doh!" Leanne smacked her forehead. "Geeze, of course so seven thirty till ten o'clock. I feel so stupid."

"Unless you do a very specific job or are in the military, you wouldn't need to know," Wilson explained. "I learned because my Dad uses it for flying so there is no confusion as to what time of day he has to be somewhere."

"It would be good in a hospital too. I might adopt it from now on too. I've had to double check so often to make sure if it's morning or evening for some things."

Wilson went through the doors, and found the teachers were already down, enjoying a drink together. He looked around for a bar and found none.

"No booze?" His half query brought out a sly smile on Mrs. Eckleberry's face.

"With the behavior our group displayed on the flight, we nixed the alcohol service with lunch and dinner. I doubt any of them speak enough French to be able to order drinks in the bar." Mr. Grant lifted his cocktail in a mock toast.

"Considering all of them are old enough for soft liquor like wine, beer and cider, it would be a disaster if they figured it out. Let them apply US standards." Ms. Hollingsworth commented. "If you two want to, you can use the other two seats at this table."

Wilson watched Leanne scanning the room and she said, "Thanks, but I think we might be able to get a table to ourselves if the others don't spread out too much. There's ten tables, so we could get lucky."

"But we'll keep it in mind," Wilson said, "Thanks."

"Here comes Jo-Jo and her troop. Looks like she's picked up a couple more girls for her gang," Leanne said.

"You might as well go help yourself. I would suggest a healthy salad and a solid main course." Mr. Grant stood as he spoke. "Come on, those five are raiding the good stuff."

Wilson followed him into the line, picking up two plates he handed one to Leanne. He motioned her ahead of himself and watched as she loaded up on the mixed greens and then selected several pieces of different cheeses. Sprinkling a few onions and julienned carrots on top, she continued to build her salad with other fresh vegetables. At the end of the line she chose Russian dressing to complement her unique creation.

Liking her choices, he picked up the same and a couple of pickles choosing what looked like Thousand Island dressing to drench his veggies in. The broccoli and cauliflower florets would be edible that way.

As Leanne turned to look for a table, the rest of the tour group streamed in through the doors, claiming chairs at all of the tables.

"Figures. You can see who likes who, though. I think there's a few more who have paired up. Look Angela and Rom are sitting together," Wilson observed.

"Jill is with Anna. I never even knew they knew each other," Leanne said. "I think I'll take the teacher's table." She stumbled forward, spilling her food all over the floor when Jo-Jo slammed into her back.

"Look at Leanne. Must be drunk, can't even get her food to her table!" Jo-Jo's harsh comment had everyone laughing and pointing. The serving staff came running to clean up.

"This is the one we were warned about. Darling, you go sit down, I'll bring a new creation." Wilson saw the girl's name tag as she swept the vegetables into a bag with quick movements. Her accent was British.

"Look, the baby can't even get her own food," Maddy's high pitched comment grated on Wilson's ears.

"Ellen, we're at the table with the teachers. Thank you," he said, and he pulled Leanne into his arms. She hid her face against his shoulder.

"Fag hag," Sam hissed in a whisper as he went by them.

Wilson put his hand under Leanne's chin and wiped her tears away with his thumb. Then he kissed her and felt her shudders stop. "A lot he knows," he whispered in her ear. "Come on, at least none of it got on your dress."

"Mr. Grant, did my mother call you? I gave her your number." Wilson asked.

"She did. She says Leanne is welcome to stay with her as well. I think it would be wise for you to eat there. I know it means Jo-Jo wins, but we can't have you getting hurt over here."

"We'll eat here, but we'll take you up on sitting with you. The best way to deal with Jo-Jo is not to run. I know, I've been her target for our entire time in school." Leanne accepted the plate Ellen brought to her.

"Jo-Jo is Jason Maddison's daughter, Ellen. He hasn't paid much attention to this one, but she's his youngest. I would suggest someone on the hotel staff inform him of her presence here and her behavior. I doubt he will approve." Mrs. Eckleberry took a sip of her cocktail.

Ellen stifled a snicker and nodded. "He happens to be in Paris. In fact, he's here in the penthouse suite. I can't wait to see what happens."

Wilson smiled, and said, "I wish you were my grandmother, Mrs. Eckleberry. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I've had enough of Jo-Jo. It's time for her to meet her father. Now let's enjoy this fine food. I haven't seen veggies this fresh and crisp at a salad bar in forever."

I'm torn between getting away from this batch of toxic idiots and staying around to see what happens. The food smells so good. It would be a shame to miss out.

Wilson reached for Leanne's hand under the tablecloth and squeezed three times. The answering clutch of her hand let him know she was putting on a brave face. But then again, what else could she do?

God she's tough.

He watched her shake her hair off her face and straighten her shoulders. Ms. Hollingsworth gave her a thumbs up from across the table.

Yup, I'm getting that pendant for her. She needs to have something special toremember this trip by. I'll get thechain too. It's going to lookspectacular with this dress.