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Chapter
3
"The Dinner"
A butler answered the door and said. "Ah, you must be Mr. Carraway. I believe Mr. Gatsby has been expecting you. If you'll kindly follow me to the patio." nick followed the butler through the foyer. By now the house was tidy and put to order. He could see more details of the room now than he could before. He stepped through the patio doors to find an elegant tables cape set up for dinner. Gatsby stood at the far end of the patio looking out over the water. Nick could see a faint glowing green light in the distance. The butler loudly cleared his throat. Gatsby turned around and nodded. "Thank you Archie." he said to the butler which then turned and left through the doors. Gatsby strode over to Nick and shook his hand. "Glad you could join me." He said stiffly. Nick could see that Gatsby was upset with himself. Nick understood that Gatsby meant no harm by the whole hydroplane business. In fact, Nick didn't mind that Gatsby had kissed him but, judging by the way Gatsby was acting, perhaps the subject could wait.
They sat down at the little table similar to the one at the restaurant. This table however, was much more elaborate. The gold tablecloth swayed in the breeze. Everything was in its own place. They sat in silence for a moment. Then, Nick spoke. "I'd like to thank you for the hydroplane ride today Gatsby." Gatsby looked at him and smiled. "I'm glad old sport, I'm glad." he looked around as if searching for the next words to say. The he did find his words. "I feel that I am at a disadvantage here, old sport. You see I'm upset with myself as you may have heard. I feel terrible about the whole plane business. You must think I am insane for what I did." Gatsby looked like a little child that had just been scolded. Nick in his mind knew Gatsby had done no wrong. "Gatsby I'm alright with what you did today in the plane and at lunch. I actually was flattered." Nick blushed as Gatsby's eyes widened. He looked as if he were looking at the gates of heaven. "Oh, thank goodness for that. I've been so distraught since we dropped you off." Gatsby had regained his uplifting and upbeat attitude.
Dinner was served soon after their conversation had concluded. Gatsby spared no expenses. He truly was a million dollar man. The dinner was so delicious that Nick believed that he'd never eaten before in his life. Gatsby was happy to see that Nick was enjoying himself. "So, old sport. Did you enjoy the meal?" Gatsby asked as he lit Nick and himself a cigarette. Nick nodded as he took a puff. They watched the smoke plume the air. Gatsby smiled making Nick blush slightly. They went inside to the library to enjoy an after dinner cocktail. Gatsby handed Nick a brandy, while Gatsby simply had water. "How come I've never seen you drink alcohol?" Gatsby walked over to a very comfortable winged-back chair and sat down. He gestured to the portrait hanging above the fireplace. "He is the reason. That's Dan Cody. You see he became my mentor when I turned seventeen. I was on the shore of Lake Superior one late summer day. He was out on his yacht when a storm rolled in. he didn't move and was going to get caught in that storm. So I went out to him in my little row boat. I climbed aboard to find him passed out drunk on the deck. He looked at me dazed then fell asleep. I saved him and his yacht. In return he taught me how to pilot the yacht. I spent five years with him. I was like his son, but one day he died, and his mistress took his entire fortune leaving me nothing. Not that I wanted his money, old sport. But she was a terrible woman. I felt like I could have handled his money better. As far as I know she is flat broke in Cincinnati." Gatsby looked down at the ornate Parisian rug at his feet. He looked like he could cry, but then he stiffened up. "Don't worry old sport. I am perfectly fine. He was prone to drinking heavily at his yacht parties. I of course, was forced to attend. Women would pour champagne on my head and rub it into my hair." Gatsby said. Nick looked shocked. How could Gatsby throw parties with alcohol if he never touched the stuff? Gatsby stood up and checked his watch. "Christ it's already eleven, Old Sport! Sorry to have kept you so long." Gatsby said after his eyes widened. Nick stretched and walked over to Gatsby. "Gatsby… I've been wondering." Nick searched for his words while Gatsby waited. Then without warning, Nick grabbed Gatsby's face and slowly brought his lips to his own. This time they both embraced each other in the kiss. Gatsby melted as Nick held him. Gatsby pressed himself as close as he could to Nick, as if he would float away if Nick let go. This went on for a few more minutes then Gatsby pulled away gasping. "Well old sport. I see that you do in fact like me. They blushed awhile. Then Gatsby spoke "Why don't I walk you home?" they walked out the back door since Gatsby had access to Nick's backyard from his own gardens. They walked to the tree line and Gatsby grabbed Nick's hand. The held hands along way to the back door of Nick's cottage. They stood on the porch looking into each others eyes not speaking. There was a faint green light blinking in the distance, but Gatsby seemed not to notice it. They were alone with each other in the world. In their eyes only the one in front of them mattered. Gatsby kissed Nick goodnight and walked back to his house. Nick smiled and watched him disappear through the trees then he walked into his own house.
That night Gatsby dreamed his usual dream, only this time it was someone new that lay beside him. It wasn't Daisy, but Nick who lay by his side. When he awoke in the morning he found his bed empty, as usual. He rose from his bed and got dressed in one of his naturally cool shirts. Today he only wore suspends deciding to forego the vest and jacket. He planned to call up Nick to spend the day with him at the house. Perhaps a tour of the property? Maybe he'd show him the cars? There were so many thing he and Nick could do. These all raced through his head when suddenly his private telephone rang. He walked to the table his phone sat on and picked it up. "Hello?" he said into the receiver. "Hello Gatsby! Its Nick. I was wondering what your plans were for the day?" Gatsby paused to think the spoke he reply. "I was hoping to show you my house today." Gatsby sounded excited hoping Nick would agree. "I'd love to! Ill be over as soon as I finish breakfast." Nick said the hung up. Gatsby smiled the looked around, his house was still a mess from the party. There was confetti everywhere in the front hall. Broken glass was strewn up and down the hallway. He called his entire force of maids, butlers, cooks, gardeners, and mechanics to order. "I want this house absolutely spotless when Mr. Carraway arrives this morning. Do I make myself clear?" they nodded and headed to work. Gatsby could tell today was going to be a good one for the both of them.