AUTHOR NOTE: Before you begin, for reference, I was listening, typing... and okay, dancing along with the songs:
Blame it on the Boogie - Jackson 5
Love Train - The O'Jays
Gypsy Woman - Brian Hyland
The arrival line was informal and guest optional; most just offered a wave before hastily entering to check out the evening's festivities, having already passed Silas' strenuous check-in process.
Lizzy was bubbling with excitement, trying hard to contain the need to squeal with delight, Red secretly believed at first.
As the hour wore on though, Red could sense the tension and stress leaving her body as the guests she met made her feel more at ease.
Red surrounded himself with genuine, up-front people, mostly... at least, the ones he would invite into his home.
The eclectic group ranged from high-end escorts to the elite of society... any society.
The diversity of languages and races mingling under one roof tonight amazed Liz.
Most showed up in their best for the gala but some were cause for a moment's hesitation as they passed by Red and Liz's station at the end of the massive foyer.
"...Eh," Liz's smile stayed in place as she leaned slightly to share her concern at a group of particularly suspect individuals.
"Are those bikers invited?" a thought occurred. "Oh, is Mad Dog here?" she peered over the head of the guests surrounding them.
Red glanced to her meaning, his face breaking into a wide grin at the people who just nodded a 'hello' from across the way. He waved the obvious head of the clan over, much to Liz's dismay.
"Leon!" he greeted the enormous, burly man with a hearty bear hug. A gesture raucously returned in kind.
Literally lifted off the shining marble floor, Red's feet dangled precariously.
Liz moved back hastily to avoid being hit by the rag-doll effect of a human body being bandied about so effortlessly.
Red, none the worse for wear, chuckled his delight, pounding the biker on the back.
Just as abruptly, Leon released Red from the affectionate captivity. He stumbled slightly as his leg gave way, but the large behemoth of a man easily put him to rights.
"Antonio shoot you again... or was it Francis this time around?"
"Hazards of the trade," Red dismissed the question as he felt Lizzy bristle at his side. "Leon, I'd like to introduce you to someone..."
As Red made introductions, Liz pasted a bright smile on her pretty face when summoned.
"Ma'am," Leon was the very epitome of grace under pressure, but he was clearly out of his depth.
"Red has told me so much about you," Liz lied to put the guy at ease, taking his hand in hers. "You are one of his favorite people in all the world."
Leon's smile softened to the genuine article, "Well... we go back, Ma'am."
"Liz," she insisted, "I really, really insist."
Leon nodded, gesturing, "This is my old lady... Liz." the man tried out the name for size.
Liz barely controlled the urge to look up in awe as a striking, Xenaesque, buxom female lumbered forth.
The woman's distinct Native American features were at once sharp, yet stunning.
Her upward curved angular cheekbones and tapered nose gave the woman an almost feline- like appearance.
The woman's piercing almond shaped hazel eyes and bow-shaped lips softened the startling profile.
Long, dark hair flowed like molasses down the woman's statuesque frame, tickling her waist as she moved her sinewy frame.
She was quite beautiful, but somewhat imposing.
In all honesty, she appeared as if able to overpower any man in the room. Not only was her height impressive, the woman was toned within an inch of her life. Liz couldn't find one ounce of fat anywhere in sight.
The unique woman immediately latched onto Leon's waist, "Hi, honey... nice digs." she gave Liz a conspiratorial wink, woman to woman. "You got your man to set you up right." she gave Liz's dress a passing glance, whistling, "Girl, you look good! How you keeping the girls contained there... damn!"
"You don't say that to a lady, Eula." Leon sighed his consternation.
Upset over her small faux pas, Eula hissed, "Well, what the hell am I supposed to say?"
Coughing under his breath, Red covered his amusement. He loved how down-to-earth Leon and Eula were... it was so incredibly refreshing.
"I already done told you forty times, woman!" Leon offered under his breath. "This is high class shit! We gotta act accordingly!"
"No, no...no," Red hastily intervened when Lizzy... desperate to salvage the situation, faltered at his side. "This isn't high class shit, this is just regular, run-of-the-mill shit. You two... you be yourselves." he patted their arms with open acceptance. "Just have a good time."
Eula smiled readily, put at ease by Red's chivalry.
"Is that pretty guard of yours around here?" Eula looked over the crowd, hunting for their wayward guard.
"You just never mind about his guard." Leon took exception.
"Silas? He was asking about you earlier." Red more than willfully sacrificed his guard's soul.
Eula narrowed her pretty eyes, "You said we could invite him to join us–"
"We'll talk about that... later." Leon stressed, jerking a discrete nod to their hosts.
Picking up on the gist of the matter, Red grinned maliciously.
"What?" Eula looked at the attractive couple beside them.
Eula leaned, lowering her voice so only those in the immediate vicinity could hear.
"They ain't into," she seemed utterly confused, "...swinging?"
Red shook his head slightly as those in their entourage stopped what they were doing, suddenly intent on he and Lizzy.
Glancing at the woman beside him, he was hard pressed to hold his smile when he found Lizzy, not understanding the reference, canted her head questioningly to the side, a quizzical frown on her beautiful features.
"Eula!" Leon exasperated. "You ain't supposed to mention that but in private like places." he looked apologetically at Red.
Liz inched closer to Red, murmuring, "Swinging?"
"How are we supposed to get to their private like places," Eula tsked, "if we don't ask–"
"You'll find Silas out there in the midst of things," Red interrupted, waving a careless hand to the already amassing throng inside the crowded room. "There's good cheer and food aplenty... mingle...please!" he encouraged. "Have a beer on me!"
"Food?" Eula was there. "Say, you ain't talking 'bout those little finger sandwiches and faux grass shit are you? I need something that'll stick to my ribs."
The large woman patted her ample figure delicately.
"Oh, no!" Liz was quick to offer hospitality, finally understanding the woman meant foie gras. "We have real food... our friend, Nora, she's the best cook in the entire universe. I think you'll find her selections pleasing."
"Well," Eula appeared skeptical, "good. We stopped at this diner on the way here but people seemed a little uneasy if you know what I mean."
Eula laughed boisterously, hitting Red in the chest... boisterously. "So Leon here said we better just get back on the road seeing as he didn't want no trouble until we got here."
"Oh..." Liz cast a worried glance at Red.
"She means," Leon was astute enough to pick up on Liz's apprehension although the woman tried to hide it well, "we didn't want Red to have come bail us out what with him having this big wingding for Tony and Maria."
"Yeah," Eula laughed her delight, "Antonio would slit our throats ear to ear if we wrecked Maria's big night all right."
"Well, we wouldn't want that." Beaming a smile, Liz motioned accordingly. "Please, make yourselves at home. Thank you so much for attending our little get-together. We are so happy you did."
"Now that," Leon was impressed, "is class, Eula. Pure... unadulterated class."
"What the hell are you saying," the woman took umbrage, "I ain't high class?"
"Well, you ain't her." Leon knew for certain.
"Leon!" Liz scolded without a moment's hesitation, genuinely upset for the recipient of such an ungallant remark. "That was a very rude thing to say!"
Taken aback by the stout reproach, Leon's brows lifted with surprise, but then... he laughed heartily.
To Liz's amazement, Eula joined in the merriment.
"Red, you got a real corker here." Eula leaned close to Leon's side, both individuals eyeing Liz fondly. "She makes me laugh."
"Yeah, she's all right in our books," Leon turned a suddenly snarky look to his gathered entourage, "ain't she boys!"
All quickly agreed with the general consensus.
"Uhm," Liz smiled at each individual readily, "... thank you."
"Drinks are on the house." Red motioned the reception line, which had been backed up now for sometime, should move along. "Eula, food tables to the right."
The line moved forward to Liz's relief and somewhat amazement.
"Swinging?" Liz again murmured.
"Google it." Red suggested sotto voce, holding his hand out in greeting.
Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, for Red never suggested she Google anything, she hastily plastered on a smile for the next couple.
Liz was the epitome of welcoming grace to all the varied people Red introduced for the next half-hour.
At a break in the line, she took a moment to regroup, relaxing a tad while late stragglers arrived in stages.
"Red, that man looked so familiar," she put on her best scolding face as the man in question blended in with other guests, "is he a major criminal?"
"I think so," Red craned his neck to check on the loud, milling crowd inside the cram-packed rooms beyond them, "he's the Governor."
Liz snapped her head about, searching for the man, but lost the man and his wife in the massive crowd.
"Y-You introduced him as, Robert."
"Well... that's his name, Lizzy." Red's eyes lit with amusement.
"Oh my God," she gaped, "the Governor of the state is here?"
"And very enamored of Francis' disco ball if I'm not mistaken." Red spotted the guy directly beneath the garish light.
"Oh, look... he's doing his John Travolta imitation." he smiled contentedly.
"He loves to do that at parties. Everyone gets such a kick out of it, although personally," Red leaned close the arresting scent of his cologne, which she absolutely loved, enveloped her senses. "I think his Saturday Night Fever days are long over."
Liz stifled a chuckle as she watched the stately political figure dancing merrily... and badly about...making an utter fool of himself.
"Okay, my job here is done." Red made an executive decision. "Most guests have arrived so now... we mingle?" he sought Lizzy's input.
"But..." disappointment showed on the pretty face, "...Antonio and Maria?"
"Will arrive fashionably late. Antonio likes to make an entrance with Maria on his arm," he patted her hand comfortingly. "He wants to show her off."
"But they're coming?" she needed reassurance.
"He would never disappoint his bella." Red touched her face, his eyes soft and laughter-filled at her expense. "God forbid."
Liz sighed heavily, "There's more than I thought," she bit her lip nervously. "I hope the food holds out."
"What?" the noise was getting out of hand.
"We need more food!" she practically had to scream the fact.
"I'll make some calls." Red was on the problem. He guided the woman into the darkened recesses, leaning close to be heard. "I have to find a quiet spot... will you be okay for a few minutes?"
"A few..." she pointed a warning finger. "Don't you leave me out here to flounder."
"Never..." he kissed her rosebud mouth. Turning, he pulled up short as a song he hadn't heard in ages piped through the DJ's speakers.
Turning his attention to the dance floor, Red chuckled as Francis came strutting over to Lia in tempo with the syncopated beat.
"I should have known," Red muttered. "He used that excuse once," he pointed to the music, "after he'd been arrested."
"What?" Liz laughed.
"When asked who was at fault," Red explained, "Francis said... 'Blame it on the Boogie'."
Giggling her delight, Liz stepped in beside Red just as Francis, moving fluidly with the deep bass rhythm rumbling overhead, fell in step beside their friends, who danced to the beat of the Jackson Five tune.
Red searched the crowd, waiting. "Ah, there he is." he grinned as Dembe and Hannah joined the bunch. "I knew he couldn't resist."
Liz clapped happily as Dembe, Mark and Ben moved with the funky groove beside Francis.
Determined to blow off some stress and enjoy themselves, none exhibited one ounce of self-consciousness or restraint.
"They put the Jackson 5 to shame," Red had to admit, watching the four boisterous men get lost in the joy inspiring music.
All bumped and popped their bodies with ease, each challenging their partners to mirror their mildly sexual gyrations.
Red laughed at Lizzy's stunned features as Dembe danced more than suggestively right along with the others.
It felt good for Red to see his normally stoic friend let his hair down, so to speak.
Each immersed themselves in a rhythmic bump and grind reminiscent of what Red remembered from early discos he frequented in his youth.
The ladies were doing a phenomenal job provoking, if not upstaging, their respective partners.
But in Red's humble opinion... no one captured the contagious zest for life better than Francis.
Red huffed his amusement as he took note the young man was without shoes, dancing in his stocking feet, giving Dembe a run for his money.
Both were spectacular dancers, that was a given. Each providing a wonderful view of their strengths.
Dembe was suave and stealthy, moving with catlike grace. The man's suit coat flared as he turned and fell into a smooth slide across the floor. Stopping abruptly, his hips thrust in time with the energetic beat.
Francis' feet instantly fell back one behind the other in a tight stationary walk before spinning in a tight circle on his heels so rapid, he nearly blurred, before repeating his previous steps.
Not once did Francis miss a step, bouncing with graceful agility and unfailing energy.
"I didn't know they could dance!" Liz clapped her excitement as she watched her friends impromptu show.
Red wondered if Lizzy was aware, as she watched, her eyes lit with barely contained elation that she too... was dancing. Not as exuberantly as her friends, but enough, Red noticed.
All day, he had reservations about how this evening would turn out... until this very moment.
After witnessing Lizzy's vivacity, nothing more mattered. Whatever happened... happened.
At the end of the day, only Lizzy's happiness mattered.
"Oh!" Liz tittered as a deep red flush covered her plump cheeks. Covering her eyes, she peeked through the cracks in her fingers, laughing.
Returning his attention to the dance floor, Red felt his smile grow as he watched Lia shadow Francis, matching him thrust for thrust, their pelvises rolling and pivoting in concert.
Shifting his attention, Red scowled as a woman crept into their sphere, running her hand suggestively against Francis' hip, earning her a darkening scowl from Lia.
"Uh oh," Red muttered to himself, sensing trouble on the horizon there. Just then, the song thankfully shifted to another.
Sliding his fingers between his lips, Red let out a piercing whistle, garnering the boys' attention.
But also ending the quarrel before it could begin... for now.
As all three jerked their heads his way, Red pointed specifically at Francis, gesturing for him.
Mark and Ben stepped, relinquishing Amanda and Katie to rush for Lia, all laughing and fanning themselves before heading for a refreshing drink.
Francis arrived, sweat trickling along his temple. "Yeah?"
"What the hell was that?" Red gestured to what he just witnessed.
"See the chick with the feather boa?" Francis yelled, pointing.
"The one accosting you on the dance floor." Red dropped his chin, exasperated. "Yes, Francis... I saw her."
Liz nodded that she did. "She's difficult to miss, yeah."
"Isn't she the one on that reality show that we sit around and say rude things about?" Red peered more closely at the rather oddly attired female.
"You're getting her mixed up with the chick with the big ass." Francis vetoed the comparison.
"She doesn't have a big ass," Liz huffed her indignation, "she has–"
"Lizzy," Francis sighed, "that girl has a bubble butt, face it."
Red rubbed weary eyes, having heard this argument... way more times than he wanted to calculate at present.
"This one," Francis hooked a curt thumb, "just put out her latest album... 'Psycho Bitch', which I dutifully have purchased."
"What about her?" Liz's surly tone brought things back on track.
"Well, she wants to 'date me'." Francis air-quoted.
Red glanced at the woman in question, watching her stalking her prey, Francis, from across the way.
"That's not all she wants." Red knew the look well, as he often found himself staring at Lizzy much the same way.
"Yeah, well," Francis shrugged, not unaccustomed to the attention, "Lia is getting pissed because all my gentlemanly refusals are being summarily dismissed by the 'Psycho Bitch'!"
"We all know how irresistible the female persuasion finds you." Red rolled his hand in the universal motion of, 'get on with the tale'.
"I need someone to run interference for me until I can tactfully shed her feathery ass!" Francis waved his arms about as if a chicken.
"You're up, sweetheart." Red motioned.
"Me?!" Liz was momentarily flustered.
"You are the hostess... so host." Red encouraged. "I have the food issue to contend with, remember?"
Drawing in a deep breath, Liz motioned, "Oh... all right." she urged Francis. "Let's go, Romeo. I'll see what I can do."
"I'll be a moment," Red called out to the retreating pair, just then noticing David shadowing the two.
Content Lizzy was in capable hands should she require assistance, Red quickly located and conferred with Dembe and Nora, assessing the situation at hand.
Weaving around clusters of people, Liz and Francis moved with agile ease through the spacious expanse.
"Where the hell did she go?" Liz looked about for the 'threat'.
"She's close," Francis muttered in Liz's ear, "I can feel her eyes on my ass."
Reacting without thought, Liz glanced to Francis' rear... miraculously finding the woman in question directly behind them, just where Francis indicated she would be.
"Let's get this over with." Liz sighed her woe.
"Oh, wait!" Francis grinned happily. "They're playing my request!"
Clasping her hand, Francis yanked Lizzy behind him, dragging her to the dance floor.
"Francis!" Liz pulled at his hold anxiously.
"Oh, come on, Lizzy!" he turned her about as Mark and Ben appeared at their side, followed by Lia and Amanda. "Live a little!"
"Francis, I don't, uhm," Liz stuttered, her nerves shot. "I'm not sure–"
Catching her chin, Francis lifted her attention. "Just watch me, all right..." he seemed to have picked up on her rattled nerves. "It's just us... just having fun."
As Francis stepped in behind Lia, he pulled Liz close, closing her fingers about his belt loop. Liz startled, looking about for an escape but Mark stepped in behind her, curving his fingers to her waist.
Pressing the phone to his ear and covering the other with his hand, Red strained to hear Enzo. The master Chef assured Red he was more than up to the task required of him.
"It would be a great honor," Enzo replied graciously, "without your assistance, I would not be here, after all."
"No, Enzo," Red stressed, "you are doing me a tremendous favor and will accept full price, I insist." he shook his head adamantly.
While Eula and Leon were expected, the group of twenty with them… were not. Antonio's associate, Stefano, as was his custom, came with a squad of ten men.
While Nora assured him all was well in hand and her team was doing an amazing job, as promised... they needed help handling the overflow of guests. It was unfair to expect them to handle this volume.
"Nora, you deserve to enjoy the evening as well..." Red soothed her worry.
"Let's be honest with ourselves here," he cut the woman a knowing look, "this little get together has gotten out of hand."
"The Fire Marshall may just yet shut you down." Nora teased.
Red might agree, were the Fire Marshall not on his payroll.
"Yes, I'm here!" Red said over the line. "Oh, yes, that's fantastic!" he nodded. "He's coming with reinforcements." he alerted the woman beside him.
Nora pointed to the kitchen, alerting him she would update the staff before disappearing into the crowds.
"I will inform Silas." Dembe said before he too melded into the masses.
"Thank you, Dembe." Red patted his friend's arm. "Go back to your fun." he went in search of Elizabeth.
As the strains of another disco tune unsettled the air, Red shook his head, shrugging. Whatever entertained, he supposed.
Offering a double take, Red stepped gaining better access to the dance floor... his face lighting with enjoyment.
Francis dragged Lizzy behind him, pulling her into the fray of others lining up for the makeshift train type line.
The young man spoke to her, holding her gaze before situating her behind him.
Red knew that face. Lizzy was panicked and looking to run just as Mark impeded that escape... stepping in close behind her, followed by Amanda and Ben.
She quickly looked down at Francis' feet, haltingly mimicking the man's movement.
Red's eyes softened as her body became more fluid in time.
Though unsure in her footing, the soft tendrils about her face danced merrily as did her long heavy skirt. The rippling current swished hypnotically along the hardwood floor and her feet as she became more comfortable with the steps.
The long line of her thigh peeked into view as she stepped and swiveled her hips saucily as they shuffled across the makeshift dance floor.
Finally, lifting her eyes to Francis' profile, she laughed gaily at whatever the man said, staying in line with the other dancers without thought.
Leaning against a convenient door frame, Red sensed Lizzy's radiating joy even from his position.
Francis added in his own special rhythm, inspiring Lizzy to follow along with wild abandon.
Tilting his head, Red fixated on the sensual roll and shimmy of Lizzy's bottom until the 'train' turned the captivating sight from view.
Really, her soundtrack at the moment, in Red's humble opinion, should have been something along the lines of 'Gypsy Woman'.
Without even trying... Lizzy was a hypnotizing, seductress.
All others faded away into an inky blackness, Red's focus entirely on his bewitching, provocative lover.
Slowly lifting his gaze from her little feet, he blew out a controlled breath as Lizzy's breasts pulled dangerously at her top.
The alluring sight of the full orbs shifting and bouncing gently was erotic as hell as was the free expression lighting her features.
Elizabeth's pink cheeks glowed under the dancing lights, her skin flush with her exertion and jubilation.
The desire to kiss her parted mouth as he lost himself in her light blue eyes twinkling with open rapture was a gnawing need.
Visions of Elizabeth's dark hair splayed sensually against the stark white of sheets and her flushed features flashed into view.
The fantasy shifted, allowing him an unfettered view of him moving in a sensual rhythm between her open thighs.
His warm body brushed erotically against her nude form as he visualized himself drowning in the ecstasy reflecting back from those deep blue pools.
Blinking, Red found his breathing and heart beating in rhythm with the heavy beat surrounding them. His sack hung heavy between his thighs, pulsing with want.
Never had he experienced such a passionate hunger as he did for this woman.
What made her more captivating... she didn't realize how damned desirable or enchanting a woman she was to men around her.
Nor how deeply those men yearned to learn what made Elizabeth Keen cry out in sexual release.
But he did... he knew all of it.
He also knew for certain Elizabeth would wind up with her thighs spread before evening's end.
"I don't know why you were so nervous," Francis bolstered Liz's ego, "you did really well."
"It wasn't often I went dancing," Liz confessed. "Well, really... never. Not before Red."
"Well, you can now," Francis pushed his way through the throng, "and should. I wasn't shitting you... you dance really good."
Liz smiled her pleasure, appreciating the man's compliment.
"Make a hole dammit!" he yelled, moving bodies aside easily until he came upon an immovable one.
"Oh... hi, Silas." Francis beamed a hello.
Silas was clearly in no mood for frivolity, not even bothering with a reply.
"Now, you listen to me, Eula," Silas growled his belief, "you're only doing this to piss Leon off and you know it!"
Liz came alongside the agitated man, interested to see what the delay was.
"You make me put his ass out of this party," Silas continued full steam, "I'll put you out on your ass as well! I mean that now!"
"That's why I'm so damned hot for you, Silas," Eula sighed dreamily, "you're the only one who could put both our asses down. Tell the truth, aren't you just a little interested in my ass? If only for old time's sake? I know I'm interested in yours."
"Eula!" Silas gritted his outrage.
Liz smiled at the woman, "I hope you're having a good time."
Francis pulled her onward determinedly, not allowing Eula a chance to respond. Though, Liz did see the woman stroke a probing finger against the plains of Silas' chest.
Silas gave Liz a dirty look as she passed. She smiled sweetly back at him before stifling a giggle.
It was easy enough for Liz to misdirect the 'Psycho Bitch' to other prey by introducing her to a set of men who preened proudly, happily comfortable being the center of attention.
Which, in turn, allowed Francis to make a discrete, yet hasty exit.
Minutes later, Francis was in an animated discussion with a very put-out date across the way. Liz could see Lia was not a happy camper.
She wondered if they required her interference in the matter, but the decision was taken from her hands. Thankfully...
"The lady in the green dress," Red motioned, artfully balancing a couple drinks.
"Oh, thank God you're back!" Liz breathed a sigh of relief, accepting the watered down liquor. She pulled a forlorn face. "Red, this is awful!"
He grinned, "I believe it would be wise to keep a rational head tonight." he grimaced at his own drinks ineffectual taste. "I promise, after Maria and Antonio arrive... I'll give you the good stuff."
"The guests though," she was understandably concerned, "they have the good stuff, right?"
"Of course... the woman in the green dress," Red brought her back on track.
Liz sipped her drink delicately, giving the female a cursory look-over.
"That's Kaplan's new protégé."
"She's a cleaner?" Liz was enthralled. "Red... she's gorgeous!"
"No, you're gorgeous, but yes, she's very lovely and capable." he granted. "I think you'll like this one better than you did the last."
Ben strolled by, arm wrapped about Katie's waist line as he steered her to an open bar, "I don't tell most people this... but I work for the CIA."
Red cut the man a 'look'. Ben grinned back at him.
"The CIA?" Liz scoffed her disbelief. "What woman falls for that nowadays?"
Red shook his head when Katie giggled her delight in reply to the man's bald-faced lie.
"You'd be surprised." Red chuckled upon noticing Lizzy's stunned expression.
Liz cut him an up and under look, "Have you used the line?"
"In my younger days," he laughed, "... in my younger days. CIA sounded so much better than Seaman." he shivered.
"Depends on your delivery, I guess," Liz shrugged.
Red's brows lifted questioningly as he steered her to the West wall of the Great room, out of the way of the merrymakers.
"Perhaps had you used a play on words...spun Seaman to your advantage..." she hinted, glancing pointedly at the man's crotch.
"Well, now," Red rumbled his interest, "aren't you a dirty minded little imp."
"That's why you love me," she murmured the words with confidence.
Dipping his nose into her neckline, Red kissed her soft flesh, "Yes... among a dozen other reasons."
Leaning against Red's solid frame, Liz looked out over their guests.
The noise was deafening and the dancers under the swirling lights already appeared ramped up and out-of-control.
There had been no incidents as yet, Liz thanked God for the presence of Silas' men.
She wondered, however, how she would have a quiet conversation with Antonio and Maria... if they arrived.
The woman looked instinctively to check the time, but the stately grandfather clock which usually adorned the foyer was absent, tucked safely back into an alcove out of sight.
Scanning the party goers absently, Liz was relieved they all seemed in excellent spirits, having a wonderful time.
Though, considering it was an anniversary party for an older couple... Liz wasn't sure how Antonio would react to the festive free-for-all or loud music.
She didn't have to worry.
Red leaned suddenly, bringing the radio he constantly sported in his left hand closer to his ear.
Liz watched the man's face because there was no way she could hear what was being said, let alone know how the hell the man had heard the tinny voices to begin with.
Not over the din.
Red quickly lifted his hand in the air, radio gripped and stoutly held high.
Someone, Liz assumed was a guard, flipped the lights several times.
The DJ, understanding his cue, halted the pounding beat of the music.
All eyes turned expectantly, waiting for an explanation.
"The guests of honor have arrived..."