Dolphin-san: I was looking at the biography's of some of my reviewers, to see how they write and stuff, and I noticed something on one in particular. In the Biography of Broken Vows, my most loyal reviewer, she has been so nice and sweet and patient with my writing since the start, and she has also recommended in her biography that people go and check out my fic. I saw this and decided that, to repay such a kind thing, I will dedicate this funny little chapter to her.

Hope you enjoy this.

Chapter 25

Bruce wasn't wildly impressed with Orlando anyway. Ray, keeping himself busy pouring drinks and passing round trays of M&S hors d'oeuvres, could only watch and admire Kai's performance. He might be a pig, but when it came to playing the part of the almost totally devoted younger man, he was perfect.

Florence was good too, as the besotted older woman.

Even Max was doing his bit, exchanging meaningful looks with Kai whenever Florence's attention was diverted.

If Bruce looked like he was chewing a lemon, thought Ray, Verity looked like she was chewing a lemon with a maggot in it.

'So we thought a few weeks in Las Vegas first,' Kai was busy explaining to them, 'then maybe fly on down to Miami.'

'If we've got any money left by then,' Florence put in cheerfully.

Kai gave her hand a squeeze.



'Don't worry, we will. I told you, we're going to bring each other luck.' His smile as he turned back to Bruce was warm. 'And I'm on a winning streak at the moment, wouldn't you say? Meeting Flo has been the best thing that's happened to me in years.'

I'll bet it is, thought Bruce savagely, suppressing the urge to take a wild swing at him.

He cleared his throat. 'So where did you two meet?'

'The Grosvenor Casino. You know Flo, fond of a flutter.' Kai draped his arm casually around Florence's shoulder. 'I've always been attracted to the kind of person who isn't afraid to take risks. This is a fantastic colour on you, by the way.' He paused to admire the crimson brocade of Florence's dress. 'You're looking stunning tonight.'

Patting his hand, Florence leaned forwards and stage-whispered to Verity, 'Isn't he a dream? Can you imagine how wonderful it feels, after years of . . . nothing, to be showered with compliments?'

Verity couldn't, actually. The only times Bruce remarked on her appearance were when he pointed out that her nail polish was chipped or that her bra straps were on show.

'But doesn't she deserve compliments?' Kai protested. 'I mean, forget she's your mother-in-law, just look at her! She's a beautiful woman, a fabulous, original human being. She has a mind of her own –'

'Not to mention a fair amount of money,' Bruce blurted out before he could stop himself.

Florence glared at him.

'Bruce!'

'What?' Defiantly, he glared back. 'I'm stating a fact. Aren't I allowed to mention that?'

Kai nodded understandingly.

'It's all right, I'm not interested in Florence's money,' he assured Bruce.

'So what's this I hear about a Porsche?'

Kai looked hurt.

'I didn't ask Flo to buy me a Porsche. She offered.'

'That's absolutely right. Anyway, we haven't bought it yet.' Florence rushed to his defence. 'There's a waiting list.'

For the first time in his life, Bruce was grateful for a waiting list.

'What kind of work do you do?' he demanded.

'Oh, this and that.' Kai shrugged, unembarrassed. 'I'm not exactly your nine to five type.'

As he smoothed back his hair, the fake diamond glittered in the light. Ray saw Verity and Bruce look at it, then at each other.

'I love that ring you're wearing,' he told Kai. 'Where did you get it?'

'This?' Kai raised his eyebrows and waggled his little finger. 'A gift from a dear friend of mine. Heavens, is that the time already? We should be ordering a cab.'

'Where are you going?' said Bruce, startled.

'Darling, the casino,' Florence exclaimed. 'Didn't I mention it? We go every Friday!'

'To celebrate our anniversary,' Kai chimed in. 'That's when we met, you see, on a Friday night.'

'It's great fun,' Florence told Verity and Bruce. 'You'll come along, won't you? We'll have the most wonderful time, the four of us together.'

'Why would we want to watch you throw your money anyway?' snapped Bruce. 'More to the point, why would you want to throw it away?'

'Because it's fun.' Calmly, Florence opened her bag and took out a lipstick. Pursing her lips, she dashed on a layer of glossy crimson to match her dress.

'Fun . . .'

'Bruce, lighten up. According to you,' Florence patiently reminded him, 'playing golf is fun. And membership of that fancy club of yours doesn't come cheap, I'm sure. To each his own, darling. You hit little white balls into sandpits, I happen to prefer blackjack and roulette. Besides, she went on as she squirted scent on to her wrists and throat, 'we need to practice. We're in training for Vegas.'

'Good God,' Bruce spluttered under his breath. He tipped back his head and drained his glass of Scotch, wincing as the ice cubes smacked into his front teeth.

'How about it then, are you coming with us or not?' Kai's hand was hovering over the phone. 'Because if it's a yes, we can all go in your car.'

The expression on Bruce's face reminded Ray of a grenade having it's pin slowly pulled out. Ray bit his lip and looked across at Florence, who was in turn gazing lovingly at Kai.

'No we bloody well are not coming with you,' Bruce hissed through clenched teeth. He began to wag his finger at Kai. 'And let me tell you something else –'



'Bruce is tired, he's had a hard day,' Verity broke in at high speed before Bruce managed to instantly disinherit himself. 'Actually, we should be getting back – we did promise the babysitter we wouldn't be late.'

'It's only nine o'clock.' Florence looked dismayed.

'Don't worry, I get the message,' said Kai. 'I'm not stupid. You think I'm only interested in your mother for her money, don't you?' He gazed sadly at Bruce. 'I'm not, though. I'm here because I care about her. I want to make her happy. I'm sorry if I don't earn enough to meet your approval, but there's nothing I can do about that.'

'My son finds it hard to understand that there are more important things in life than money,' Florence explained.

'You,' Bruce jabbed a finger in her direction, 'are going senile.'

'I'd like it if we could be friends,' Kai sighed, 'but I don't think he wants to be. Oh well, at least I tried. I've done my best.'

'I know you have, darling.' Florence patted his hand. 'Why don't you ring that cab company?'

'And charge it to my mother's account,' snarled Bruce.

Florence shot him a look of reproach.

'I'm sorry you feel this way, Bruce. Now, mustn't keep that babysitter waiting.'

'Oh no, I haven't finished yet –'

'Bruce, you're my son and I love you, but sometimes you have the manners of a hog.'

'But –'

'No, don't interrupt.' Out of the corner of her eye, Florence could see Ray trying desperately not to laugh. 'If you can't be charming to Orlando, I think you'd better go home.'

Dolphin-san:Tee hee, what a great performance by Kai, huh? I love this chapter. Bruce really doesn't know a thing does he? Until next time, folks, I hope you enjoyed this.