Algernon did something unexpected.

He had never done such a thing before at least not for a very long time.

Of course in his day tailing a young woman had been compliment and it wasn't considered a predatory activity.

There was nothing predatory about Algernon and he was really only following Noel out of boredom rather than a obsessive interest in her.

He took the new car that Stefan had given him for his birthday.

It was birthday that had occured when Noel was off at college.

It was really Fell's idea to buy the car, infact it was she that had purchased the car but it had been with Stefan's credit card.

Stefan had excellent credit mostly because he payed every bill which Feliciana was responsible for charging his various accounts every month.

It was a Navy Blue Corvette, he hoped it wasn't that obvious while he was tailing her cab down to South Hampton.

He at least the comfort of knowing that the car wouldn't be familiar to her and the fact that the car appeared almost black during these particular nightly hours.

He saw the cab pull in across the street from Chic Club called Carn Na Vale.

He parked just around the corner just in case anyone recognized the car.

He made a dash to the front door and somehow made it in there before Noel even made her way inside.

If he had waited for her to go inside and he headed in after her, it would have been seen as suspicious.

She would have known right a way that he'd followed her here.

You don't trust me that's why you're here.

He imagined she'd say.

Besides being bored he remembered he was incredibly nosy.

He was genuinely curious what she did in such a place as this.

He'd been to a few bars before, he'd occasionally have a few drinks at a Gentleman's Club with Mr. Knightdale, the family had even taken him to a bar and grill one time, a sushi restaurant and infact he had about just every kind of eating out experience you could.

Thanks to Feliciana he even went to Denny's one time.

Yet Chic Yuppy Clubs were not his forte.

He decided to order a drink so as not to look strange in such a place.

It was then he realized that this place wasn't so much for dancing but for drinking.

It had unused platform for a Disk Jockey and the equipment appeared to be gathering cobwebs.

There were cheap projecting lights on the top of the ceiling, the kind that would alternate in 5 different colors but at the moment they were switched off.

There were retro Neon signs all over the walls to make up for the dismal atmosphere this place provided.

The multicolored dancefloor wasn't in operation either so it appeared to be dull and lackluster.

He was not impressed by the place and he was surprised that the Bartender even knew what Cognac was.

What was worse is tasteless lounge jazz muzak played in the background.

He happened to be one of those people that considerably enjoyed jazz.

This wasn't music rather it was a cheap imitation of what real music should be.

The Bar Tender came with a small slightly smudged glass of cognac.

He simply stared at it.

This place should be shut down.

Yet on the other hand it reminds me of that outrageous party that Celina wanted for her birthday.

That at least she had some taste not to mention a proper disco ball.

That place had charm this place on the other hand this place must have lost it's charm long ago.

Why would she come to such a place?

The ambience in this place is Terrible.

It's completely deserted.

The place is need of a good dusting.

Too bad I don't work here.

Oh now that's an idea.

If I ever fall on hard times I could be the overly classy janitor for this place.

It wouldn't be much different from what I'm doing now.

I'm literally a glorified janitor.

I'm practically a live in maid.

Oh face it your slave that's just getting paid more than the average slave out there.

I really shouldn't be here.

This is low for even me.

What are you her father?

Her secret boyfriend slash stalker.

If she finds out that you've been following her it's game over.

I shouldn't have done this.

This Cognac looks questionable.

I might order something else.

Oh no she's here.

Well it's too late old man.

You're stuck here now.

Act casual.

Act like you come here all the time.

Just smile, be charming, be witty, be what you are when you're not a Butler.

Oh dear I'm doomed.

Algernon saw Noel slip in, she was wearing a red vest with a modest long sleeved blouse underneath.

She topped it off with a long plaid skirt that nearly dangled past her ankles.

She was wearing ruby penny loafers, saint Laurents by the looks of it and she wore dark panty hoes and a white shawl over her shoulders.

People began to flood in after her, however they were dressed more outrageously, with neon and pastel, sequin and metallic, very retro and vintage clothes something you might see in a club during the 80's.

Noel gazed around the room while clutching her plain black handbag.

Maybe she won't see me.

I can only hope.

However she saw him,she modestly smiled, until she was positively glowing from her smile that warmed her wintery complexion.

Her cheeks were now the shade of pink cherry blossoms.

She ambled over to the bar and she gracefully slid onto to the leather seated bar stool next to him.

"I had a feeling I'd see you here".

Noel sounded like she was trying to keep back her happiness.

"Whatever gave you that impression?"

He tried to sound like as casual as he could but instead he had that comically reserved lilt in his voice again.

"Oh it's just a feeling.

A premonition if you will.

Call it a intuition.

On my way here I kept thinking about you for some reason.

I tried to put the image of you in the back of my mind but it just kept coming back.

Not that I didn't want to think of you but I just kept seeing your face in my mind's eye.

Then I had this unshakable feeling that I might run into you today."

"Well you're premonitions proved to be correct.

Do you come here often by any chance?"

"I come here often enough.

Have you been here long...by any chance?"

She had a bit of mocking in her mouth.

"Oh no I haven't been here... long at all.

I was just curious about this place.

It caught my eye...the sign outside.

I've often driven past it.

You did mention you went to a few clubs here in South Hampton, so I thought I might give one a try...just out of curiosity".

"Is that your muscle car outside?"

"What car? I don't drive a muscle car? What gave you the idea that I drive a muscle car?"

"Sooo...that car around the corner isn't yours?"

" I really have no idea which car you're referring you could describe it to me".

"It's navy blue, looks almost black, resembles a racecar, it's shiny chrome, kind of sparkles a bit.

Says Buttle101 on the back".

"Alright I admit it but I'll have you know that's not a muscle car it just so happens to be a sports car.

Your uncle gave it to me as a gift for one of my birthdays if you must know."

"Oh I must have missed that one.

Where was I at the time I wonder".

"College, you were getting your master's for drama.

Didn't you get your degree in English Arts?"

"Yes I did.

I'm flattered that you remembered.

Not very many people kept track of me especially during my college years.

Fell was kept in the loop, my uncle would occasionally call me but I never heard from anyone else".

"Really? What about your parents?"

"You know my parents had a rather complicated relationship with me.

They said they loved me and they showered me with gifts, they sent me to Europe, they paid for everything that I wanted but they never spent any time with me.

Whenever people came over, we were loving and doting, but when everyone left, they would go back to be being indifferent and apathetic towards me.

So no once I took off for college I'd never hear from them.

When it comes down to it I think they rather enjoyed sending me a way, that way they wouldn't have to talk to me about what was really going on.

They were always sending me off somewhere which I rather enjoyed myself but it would have been nice if they had actually taken the time to discuss with me about the money issue.

I just wish they'd been honest with me before...before they were gone... forever.

Anyway I'm really touched you kept track of me during my college days."

"I'm sorry to bring all that up.

I know it must be painful for you.

It is a pity they weren't kept in the loop so to speak.

They missed out on quite a lot of things.

It's also not fair that they weren't honest with you.

Infact none of this is fair for you.

Anyhow on a cheerier note you do look rather nice... tonight".

"Thank you...oh speaking of open and honest...you didn't follow me here by any chance?"

"Follow you?

Oh now that's a funny thought especially since I was here before you.

I couldn't very well follow you here if I'm here already".

"I suppose you have a point.

That wouldn't really make sense.

I didn't mean to be so suspicious".

"Well it's quite alright, everyone suspects the Butler.

It's only natural. Speaking of suspicions, how did you get into a place like this?

I thought you had to be at least over 21.

How old are you, 17?"

"Oh I'm old enough...old enough to get in.

How did you get in through the back door with the rest of the staff?"

"No I took the side door actually Since it has wheel chair ramp incase I don't make it on my own."

"Oh Grandpa did you forget to bring your walker today?"

"No on the contrary I wanted you to carry me out when I fall down and can't get up.

Oh wouldn't you know it I forgot my red cross necklace.

Be a dear and remind me next time".

"Perhaps you should bring your scooter with you next time that way you can at least pick up a few girls and take them home on your new set of wheels.

Remember to plug it in beforehand, that way you don't get stuck in the middle of a Green light like you did last time".

"Oh no I'd take you along, that way you could push me back home."

"You or your hot date?"

"You push I'll handle the girl".

"Just out of curiosity do all your dates end up being young girls because you just happen to be that old or does it is it just because it takes so long for you to get out of the house?"

"Yes it took me a year just to crank my classic ford packerd back to life.

Thankfully I had a upgrade".

"Oh did my uncle give you a tractor this time or an actual gas powered lawnmower?"

"The tractor was too conspicuous, darling

Plus I got too many parking tickets so I stuck with the lawnmower."

"You know you don't look half bad for someone that's supposed to be over 85".

"Oh now I'm insulted.

I'm at least 72.

Seriously though I'm only a few years older than your uncle".

"Well seriously you really don't look much older from that last time I saw you."

"What 5 minutes ago?"

"No more like 5 years ago.

You've aged rather well to be honest.

No honestly you look pretty smashing for being someone that's over 70".

Noel fiddled with Algee's cuff link stud which was not unusual for her to do.

She used to as a small girl hold onto his cuffs, she'd tug on them to get his attention, she'd touch the cheap rhine stone that was in the middle of his cuff.

This time though she did this more than out of sentimentality, she did this out of a rush of affection that she had for him.

It was a new kind of affection, a kind of affection that she had never before experienced.

Noel had ordered a hard cider.

She was feeling slightly fuzzy and a tiny bit dizzy but she knew that little buzz would soon pass.

Noel could feel the warmth of the alcohol reach her cheeks and with the sudden growth of affection it made her feel like she was in a sauna.

"So just out of curiosity what brings you here?

Surely it's not the ambience and the atmosphere."

Algee sipped the his questionable Cognac, which he tried to hide his discomfort by the sharp metallic flavor.

He nearly gagged but instead he coughed a few times.

"I'd like to ask you the same question.

What brings you here?"

"Mere curiousity.

I mean the only club I've attended was one for Gentlemen.

You know where men smoke cigars, wear Armani suits, drink cognac and read their newspapers.

It's very boring to be honest but Your Uncle seems to enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

I just went for the cognac.

The rest was a drag."

"A men only club.

I've heard about those.

Aren't they full of stuffy old men that wear girdles and talk about the stock market in Brussels."

"Yes just the place.

Your uncle and I were the only ones that were under 70 and didn't reek of Cuban imitation cigars.

Your uncle rarely smokes and you know I wouldn't be caught dead with a girdle on."

"I doubt if you need one.

You seem fit enough".

She tried to stifle her laughter.

"Oh I have to.

I nearly had a heart attack one time.

Well it's rather embarrassing but I went to the doctors and he told me I needed to lay off the brie, the goose pate and the chocolate mousse.

He said I might end up killing myself with cheese and chocolate.

What can I say, I stress eat.

Food is my weakness".

"Oh there's no need to be embarrassed.

Food is a weakness for a lot of people.

What matters is that you're taking care of yourself now and you're making healthy decisions."

"Taking care of myself yes, making healthy decisions sometimes.

Occasionally I have a cheesecake or a pudding.

I cheat sometimes."

"Oh who doesn't?

Have you seen my Aunt when she's stressed? She has ice cream in one hand and chocolate cake in other.

She practically invented the term stress eat".

"Well how about you?

Do you have any weaknesses?

Any guilty pleasure?"

"I'm not invincible so course I have few.

Hard Cider, horror movies and romance novels.

Not those cheap thrills novels but the fantasy kind.

You know the ones with werewolves and vampires.

I'm rather partial to the Sookie Stack house series and I like to curl up with a nice a Anne Rice book."

Algee nearly gagged on his drink but not because of it bitterness but because of the shock of hearing her interest in Anne Rice.

"Anne Rice. Really?

Anne Rice was one of the first romance novels that I've ever read.

I suppose you could say Interview with a Vampire was what started it all.

Now I've moved on to Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon.

It's actually kind of sad if you think about it.

I'm over 50 and still single and the only excitement I get out of life is watching your Uncle's Soaps and Reading the Notebook for umpteenth time.

Oh well it's nothing for you to worry about.

My life isn't all that bad.

It's just a little dull and uneventful not to mention predicable and slightly repetitive.

I'll switch the subject.

Are you doing anything after this?

Excuse my forwardness what I meant is are you planning on going anywhere else by any chance?"

"You're know you were wondering why I came here and well one of the reasons is to escape.

I mean don't get me wrong I love The Knightdale Mansion, I love my aunt and my uncle very much and that place has always been like a second home to me but there's some things I can't escape like my grief.

I come here because it's something that's not part of anything I know, it's not a part of anything I love or care about.

It's not me, it's not my life, it's not my sadness, my anger and my depression.

I'm sorry I suppose I'm not over their deaths.

The wounds are still fresh.

Obviously this place isn't helping.

Maybe I better leave".

"No...I mean yes you should leave.

It's rather a dreadful place if you ask me.

You know what, I'll leave with you.

I'll drive.

Unless of course you'd prefer to go someplace else.

You see the only reason I was so informal before was because I was wondering if you wanted to...I don't know, go out to eat somewhere?."

"You want to eat out with me?

Where to Denny's?

Do you get a senior discount there?"

"No usually I get a family discount especially when you father brings the rest of

the children with him.

I was actually thinking of going someplace nicer if you don't mind. If you want to go to Denny's you can go ask your aunt.

She's wild about old time restaurants.

I on the other hand prefer to go somewhere with actual class."

"No I don't mind.

So what's a classy joint for you Arby's?"

"No I don't get a butler's discount at Arby's.

What do you want to do give me a heart attack?

Arby's is like death row for overeaters anonymous.

I might as well have a triple bypass right now. I could get my stomach stapled while I'm at it."

"Don't forget to sign up on the heart transplant list while you're there".

"I'll drive by the hospital.

I'm holding you full responsible if anything happens in-between now and then".

"I thought you headed there first".

"Heavens no I can't wait that long for my next meal.

I'd rather eat now then get the procedure done.

You know how long you have to wait to be seen.

Live now die later, that's my motto".

"You're not going to die on my watch don't worry.

Most deaths happen at home anyway."

So they left that dreadful place arm in arm, both of them beaming from ear to ear.

It was to be the first of many outings they had together.