Ravenous

Chapter 4

Close to midnight, with all five tiers of chocolate cake baked and cooled, Michael finally looked composed. He stood over his kitchen’s expansive quartz island and admitted, “I can decorate it in the morning. Although it will take four or five hours, I feel comfortable in getting it finished and ready for the wedding on Sunday. Thanks for all your help, Hatch. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Of course, you could.”

He shook his head. “I couldn’t. You have magnum skills in the cheerleading department. And thanks again for going to get me cigarettes.” I was just getting ready to leave when he said, “Stay for a nightcap. Something very strong. What do you say?”

Why not? I didn’t have to drive. A shot of whiskey, tequila, or Grey Goose was well-deserved after assisting him in his almost-tragic moment of bakery need; something strong to hit my soul and cause it to burn a little with some pleasure was maybe needed.

“One shot and then I have to go. I have four to six recipes to test tomorrow for Ravenous. I’m already behind regarding this book of recipes, and the deadline is sneaking up on me.”

“No problem. I understand.” He found two shot glasses, filled them with whiskey, and handed me one. “Down the hatch.”

“Funny.” I rolled my eyes. “Your toast never gets old.”

Unintentionally, over two more shots of the Kentucky whiskey, we talked about Richard being away in Europe on business for almost two weeks. At forty-five, ten years older than Michael, Richard worked in international banking for a company called Triton Incorporated. In essence, he handled billions of invested dollars for super-rich clients who lived in such places like Monte Carlo, Brussels, Dubai, and the French Riviera. Because of his career, most of his time was spent away from Channing and Michael, creating a barrier of sorts in their relationship that some might have called rocky and dispassionate.

To my surprise, Michael Risk wasn’t anything like his last name. Never had he made eye contact with another man behind Richard’s back, always faithful, which made him sexy and attractive. Not once had he strayed from his marriage in the last dozen years, even though he was left behind by Richard and living a single-like life, basically fending for himself and eating meals alone when his friends—like me—weren’t available. Kudos to Michael for staying faithful and devoted to his hubby, claiming the man his one and only partner in life and loving him more than any other man on the planet.

Would I ever fall in love with a man just as Michael had? I doubted it. Singlehood seemed to work just fine for me. Rarely, if ever, did I feel loneliness. Other important things occupied my life: work, reading, thrift shopping, Michael, and Jay. Plus, there was my family (three sisters, mom, and dad) in Hawaii, who I regularly used Facetime to visit. Who needed a lover, boyfriend, or a husband when I already had enough going on to keep me busy?

Five shots down and a sixth one being poured by Michael, somehow, someway, the homeless man, Kevin, was brought up. Perhaps it was the alcohol inside my system, a breakdown of my organized thoughts and sloppy behavior.

“I have this strange urge to take Kevin home and let him shower, eat, and spend the night in a cozy bed. What do you think about that?”

He guffawed, waving a hand at me. “It’s one of the most foolish thoughts you’ve ever had. He could be a murderer, a rapist, or a professional thief. I think that would be trouble to the nth degree, Hatch. Don’t do it. Because if you do, you’re just asking for trouble, and the guy will probably never leave. Trust me, you don’t want your story on the evening news when he hurts you.”

“Better safe than sorry is what you’re saying.”

“I am. The last thing you need is a damaged man. Save yourself from the chaos and don’t get involved with him, even if he needs a place to sleep and food to eat. There are nonprofit centers in Channing that can help him. You’re a nice guy, Hatch, but don’t be too nice.”

I understood what he was saying, downed the sixth shot, and told him goodnight, stumbling home.