Henri - 5

 

 

 

"There's a million people here," Henri murmured as he, Miranda and John joined Allyn and Ransom outside the pavilion.

 

Ransom laughed. "Not quite that many…maybe a hundred."

 

"How can someone know so many people?"

 

"If you're rich, famous and charming," Allyn said, "it's not hard. Taegan is all that and more."

 

"Allyn and Miranda are no slouches in the friends department themselves," Ransom said, getting a nod of agreement from John.

 

"More like acquaintances," Allyn protested. "It's one thing to hang with the social elite. It's another to really call most of them friends. We know them from the events we go to. To most of them, we're just those rich kids with too much time on our hands."

 

"Too true," Miranda agreed. "Or we were until we got married. I don't think we've gone to a fancy ball or charity event more than what?" she looked at John "once a month since then?"

 

"We missed February, I think," he replied with a grin.

 

"You're right. And Allyn's really been slacking off."

 

Allyn nodded. "I'd rather spend my time with him." He hugged Ransom. "Much more…entertaining."

 

Ransom snorted. "You just like getting involved with some of the cases I'm on."

 

"Well, that too."

 

Henri listened to their bantering, then sniffed, and his mouth began watering. "I didn't realize I was hungry until just now."

 

"If you'd eaten breakfast…" Miranda said.

 

"I was too nervous."

 

"I know. So we'll make up for it. Let's go see what on the menu."

 

"Ribs, steaks, brisket, chicken, corn on the cob—that's just for starters."

 

Henri turned to see who was talking and couldn't resist staring at the man that he knew instantly, from the hair, had to be their host. Damn and double damn. No one has a right to be that good looking.

 

"Taegan," Miranda exclaimed, when the man hugged her—before he greeted John and Allyn.

 

"You must be—" Taegan looked at Ransom. "—Allyn's husband?"

 

"I am," Ransom replied, chuckling. "Ransom Carlyle."

 

Taegan turned his gaze to Henri, asking with a brilliant smile, "And you are?"

 

"Henri Bosier, a friend of theirs."

 

"Welcome to my party. I overheard that you're hadn't eaten this morning. Saving your appetite for what I have to offer here?"

 

"Perhaps?" Henri tried to smile back at him, though he had the feeling he'd failed miserably.

 

"There's no need to be so nervous," Taegan said. "I'm perfectly harmless—most of the time. Ask Miranda."

 

Miranda laughed. "He is."

 

"Come on then, Henri. Let's get you fed." Taegan grinned at the others. "You might as well join us, since you're with him."

 

"Is he doing what it looks like?" Ransom whispered to Allyn, as they followed Henri and Taegan.

 

Allyn nodded. "Probably. Taegan likes to flirt."

 

"Isn't he being a bit presumptive? There's no way he could know Henri's bi."

 

"I don't think that would stop him. If Henri shoots him down, he'll just move on to the next man who catches his attention." Allyn glanced around. "There are a few here who might."

 

"A player. I'm not sure I like that idea," Ransom said, eyeing Henri worriedly.

 

"Henri's an adult, and he has been around for a long time. He can take care of himself."

 

"He's also very vulnerable right now, because he's worried about Xavier."

 

Allyn slipped his arm around Ransom's waist. "Then having Taegan flirt with him is perfect. It'll take his mind off Xavier, at least for a little while."

 

"True, I guess."