Masters & Lovers Box Set One

I pass through the guests, offering champagne. I've never been a waiter in my life before today, but find I'm rather enjoying myself.

Not that I'd want to do it every day....

I pass out my first tray of drinks, then head back for a refill. A fresh supply on my tray, I return to the guests to find a general drift out of the lounge and towards the gym. Some display Michael's arranged perhaps...?

In the gym, groups of the glitterati mill and chatter. Then I see....

It's Richard and Beth, both intent on some sight out of my view, leaning into each other and murmuring something I can't hear.

Trying hard to keep my face straight, I move to come up from slightly behind them, offering the tray. "Champagne, sir? Madam?"

Richard reaches for two glasses, passing one to Beth, then double-takes as he sees my face at the top of the waiter's uniform, and almost spills his drink.

"James!" His voice is startled and Beth's jaw drops. Richard lowers his voice. "James? What the hell is my technical director doing serving drinks?"

"Standing in," I explain. "A couple of staff didn't make it in. We want it to go well for them, don't we." I nod towards where Michael and Charlotte have just appeared at the door....

"You'll do anything won't you, James," says Richard, chortling. Beth has a hand to her mouth, eyes darting to see if anyone has recognised me.

Who looks at a waiter?

"I like to think I can turn my hand to most things," I reply, but my attention is elsewhere. I expected Michael and Charlotte to be in formal wear; a suit, a cocktail dress. Instead, they're both wearing casual sports' gear. One way of approaching it I suppose....

Not what I expected for the Grand Opening though....

"Ah," says Beth. "We are going to get our demonstration after all."

"Demonstration?"

"Yes, a lot of my friends wanted to know about the self-defence training. They asked to see Charlotte in action...." Her eyes are dancing with mischief. "So did Richard."

Richard swivels to face the pair. "I've seen Charlotte, um, in action, but I've never actually seen her fight."

This should be interesting....

.... Wonder how hard Michael is going to try....

My tray is empty again, so I make a swift exit for a refill and return to find that Charlotte has Michael down on the mat and the crowd are beginning to take sides.

I edge close to Richard again. "Is he really trying?"

"I'd say so," he murmurs. "They're both pulling their punches, but I'll say that my respect for you James, grows by the moment."

"How do you mean?"

"You deflowered this woman?"

We both wince as Michael takes a crack on the chin that would floor many a lesser man. As it is, his head jerks back and his eyes narrow. Beth slaps a fist into her palm, "Yes!" "That thought did flit across my own mind the first time I saw her swing a punch," I reply.

Richard nods, fighting a smile. "I can imagine."

Looking around, most of the women gathered, even some of the more straight-and-narrow types, are visibly rooting for Charlotte. So are some of the men. I even see Ben there, pumping his fist as Charlotte scores a hit. "Wasn't this supposed to be about self-defence?" says Richard. "She doesn't look to me as though she's defending herself. Enjoying herself, yes, but defence?" He chuckles. "What's funny?" I ask.

"I was contemplating the probable fate of any man who really tried to put Charlotte in an arm-lock."

I snort but keep my voice low. "I imagine the next we'd see of him was when she was wearing his balls for earrings."

My voice isn't low enough. A woman next to me, wearing a cocktail dress and enough bling for a Christmas tree fairy gives a startled glance.

Painting on my most winning smile, I offer her the tray. "Champagne, madam?"