Still not mine.

We're upstairs now.

HOME WORK - AND THE PARTY GOES ON

Carlos put his hand on my back and escorted me up the magnificent stairwell. There were antique wall sconces with with flickering electrical candles along the hallways, thick carpeting that ate the sound of foot steps. The doors were dark polished mahogany and had ornate scroll work on the frames. The wallpaper was a golden beige baroque that complemented the light. I just realized Lula would be lost here, not because the house is huge, but her dress resembles the wallpaper and carpet in pattern. He opened a door and I peeked inside. Wow!

"You could fit a family of four in that bed alone." Or two people having a lot of fun.

"Now do you see why I want to downsize? This isn't even the largest one."

"Hypothetically, how much would this house bring on the market, as is?"

"Hypothetically, about 100 million. I'd settle for 85."

"So, not selling it to a single mother for a dollar?"

"No."

"What about a single father?"

"This single father bought it for 78. And I doubt Michaels father could afford that."

"He's from a single parent home? I never knew."

"Yeah, his dad is Dave Navarro, maybe you've heard of him?"

"The guitarist of Jane's Addiction and the TV-show Ink Master?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure he couldn't afford this?"

"Now that you mentioned it, no."

So, who do you see buying it?"

"Maybe someone looking for a good investment or someone who'd convert it to a design hotel. Most of the decor is remnants of the Versace era. I think that will bring in a few extra bucks."

"Back to the inked guitarist, could you see your self hanging out with him for a beer and barbeque?"

"Why? Do you want me to set you up? I've only met him once or twice." She's in to ink?

"No, I don't want you to set me up. But I think Julie and Michael might be a bit closer than the other project partners in class." He's clueless? He's flirting and I try to, not so subtly, flirt back. Am I that rusty?

"You've noticed it too?"

"Yes, and I think it's cute. They do look adorable together, don't you think?" Like you and me would be.

"Yeah, yeah, they do. But I would like for Julie and I to get to know each other for the time we have. Not her gallivanting around with Michael."

"Oh, does daddy get lonely?" Here goes nothing.

"Sometimes daddy does." She's openly flirting.

"Somehow I don't see you having trouble finding lady friends." I volunteer.

"You would be surprised." Is she volunteering?

"Really?" Really?

"Yes, really. I'm not looking for a quick and easy hook up. Those days are over. I'd like for my 'lady friend' to be able to engage in conversation about current things and not the reality shows on TV. Someone who's maybe seen a bit more of the world than just South Beach." Just like you Babe.

"There are women just like that out there." I'm right here.

"I know there are. And I've recently met someone that I'd like to get to know better. I was actually going to ask her out on a date for this evening but Celia said I had to attend this party instead." Man up Mañoso and ask her.

"By all means, don't let me stop you from going out. As a matter of fact, could you take me back to the party, I think it's time for me to say my good byes." Stupid, stupid me. Of course he's just found her.

"Are you sure? There's still one room I'd like to show you." What the hell just happened? She wants to leave all of a sudden.

"You can show me on the way out." Please, don't let it be his bedroom.

"It's just around the corner. This room I had remodeled to my taste. It reflects me and it's nothing like the rest of the house. It's my bedroom Babe. And I'd like for you to feel comfortable there.

"Let me guess, it's your bedroom."

"It is."

"It's really tasteful, so sleek and modern compared. I bet your 'lady friend' will love it." I do.

"I can only hope." Do you like it?

"Well hope is a four letter word. You need to put it out there and apparently her in here." And mine just went out the window.

Ok, here goes before she leaves. "Would you like to go out with me? For dinner and dancing?" Yes! I did it.

"I'd love too." Yes yes yes.

"You still want to leave the party?"

"Well, maybe if we actually were at the party, I'd like to stay."

"Come on, I'll take you down. I need to check on Julie?"

"Don't want to find her in a corner making out with Michael?"

"God no!"

"Oh, come on. She's nearly seventeen, she's bound to start dating. As a matter of fact why don't you reward them with tickets to the movies and a bite to eat as a thank you for making this party awesome. I think Celia would agree that it is a success. I know I do."

"I remember my self at that age. The amount of girls I had hanging around does nothing to alleviate my concerns of Michaels behavior." I was a horn dog.

"I think Michael is a level headed young man and not the apparent horn dog you were."

"You've met Lester?"

"Yes, Lester the love machine. Don't tell me you were like him?"

"Worse. But I promise you, those days are long gone. As I said, I'm looking for an equal partner. As a matter of fact I won't even put out on our first date. How's that for commitment?"

"Ok, you let Julie and Michael go to the movies and I promise you get to kiss me good night after our first date."

"What if I don't want to? What the fuck just came out of my mouth?

"You don't want to kiss me?" What?

"I do. But I don't want to wait till after our date. Can I kiss you now?" Good save Mañoso.

"As you wish." Please, kiss me already!