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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2883341" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Birthdays</span></p><p></p><p>Late in the evening Jake and Ruby come into the cantina. They stand in the doorway a moment scanning the room until the spot the Indian and the Spanish Priestess. Immediately they stride to their table.</p><p></p><p>"Welcome back you two! We just heard you were back in town. We just finished up at the saloon and wanted to make sure you knew about tomorrow night." Minerva and Nanuet look to each other and before they can ask Jake says, "The party at the Lucky Lady for those of us who are having a birthday in the last few days." Jake grins rather widely. "Yes, I know we really do not need a reason, but why not. We will start later in the evening, after most of the poker and singing is done, but feel free to come earlier. We have already invited Chester and Clarisse, Katherine and Conrad, and now you two. While we are here we will invite our El Parador friends, if they care to join us."</p><p> </p><p>"OH! a fiesta! I would love to come, and I have been working on your gift for weeks!" Minerva says excitedly. "Gracias, Senor Jake," she says jumping up and hugging him. "I have never been invited to another's celebration before and I am sure it will be a regular fandango... but... I do not think it is a good idea to celebrate my birthday at the same time. Ruby was quite clear that she did not want you to share your special day."</p><p> </p><p>Ruby cuts in, "That is true I said that and I especially don't like it when people invite themselves to other people's parties," she teases. "But Jake and I already celebrated privately and now I think it will be best to have one huge party for both of you, especially since your birthday past already. Happy birthday, by the way," Ruby chirps, then hugs Minerva. "So anyway the party is already for you tomorrow night. And we or at least I invited more that just the people Jake mentioned. So it will be a biiiggggg party."</p><p> </p><p>"Ah, yes, I had quite an enjoyable birthday. Just an old fashioned quiet little evening," Jake says cryptically but looks pleased. "So it is settled then, we will expect you tomorrow night."</p><p> </p><p>Minerva smiles broadly, "I have never had a party before! Gracias Ruby! You are a dear friend." she says hugging Ruby tightly. "I must go home soon and put the finishing touches on your gift, Senor Jake, but first let us sit and relax for a while. It has been a long week and it is good to be home among friends!"</p><p> </p><p>Ruby glances sideways at Jake. "We will be happy to join you for a drink; we want to hear all about your trip. But we can't stay too long, we have a previous engagement," she smiles mischievously. "So how was it?"</p><p></p><p>"It was very educational. Besides spending some intense time in study we ran into some people from my tribe at the train station. We can discuss details at another time, we don't want to hold you up," Nanuet says, eyeing his food that is still sitting at the table.</p><p></p><p>Ruby notices Nanuet eyeballing his plate. "Oh don't let us keep you from eating." Jake and Ruby's whiskeys arrive and they waste no time working on them. "From your tribe, huh? Hasn't it been a very long time since you've seen them?"</p><p> </p><p>"Yes, it has been quite some time. Also some of them didn't remember me because of a spell Kajika used some time ago. My cousin was there though and he had a vague recollection of who I was." Nanuet leads Minerva over to the table inviting Ruby and Jake to follow them, "at least while you enjoy your drinks."</p><p> </p><p>"Ah you know...” Ruby hesitates, "Maybe you two want to be alone, that's ok. You can tell us the story tomorrow." Ruby drinks her whiskey down while scrunching her nose and gives Jake a look to do the same.</p><p> </p><p>At first, Jake wonders why Ruby wants him to scrunch his nose and then says, "Ah," and downs his whiskey. "Story telling last time we had a party was fun. Tell me a good one and I am sure I will have one to share back. Good night you two!"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, perhaps tomorrow. Although I am not sure it is the kind of lighthearted story you save for parties. If you need any help getting things ready for tomorrow night just let me know." Nanuet turns to Minerva before continuing. "Well, we had better get some good rest tonight if we are going to be good company tomorrow" and winks lightheartedly.</p><p></p><p>Ruby grabs Jake’s hand. "Night!" she calls out over her shoulder before looking back to Jake. "Darling, I plan on being too drunk at your party to tell stories," she giggles. "I hope you won't be too disappointed."</p><p> </p><p>Jake just laughs in response and they head back home.</p><p></p><p>Nanuet and Minerva exit from the El Parador and head down to the street to the Church and little house beside it. They see lantern light in the house is on and the Priest Demitrius Theopopulos is sitting in a chair and reading."</p><p> </p><p>Nanuet stops when he notices the light through the window and gives Minerva's hand a squeeze. "Oh, I forgot all about the visiting priest. Perhaps I should go my own way now? Wouldn't want to get you in trouble."</p><p> </p><p>Minerva smiles as her little yellow house with the picket fence comes into view. "It is so good to be home!" She turns to Nanuet. "I told you that I spoke to the Bishop about us. I will not hide my love for you any longer. Come with me," she says taking his hand. She pulls him up the steps with her and knocks on the door.</p><p> </p><p>"Very well, I do much rather prefer this way." he says and follows her to the door.</p><p> </p><p>The Priest opens the door, "Oh, you're back. I wasn't expecting you until some time tomorrow. Please come in, this is after all your home. I've had an interesting week. I trust that you have as well."</p><p> </p><p>"Si, Very interesting and very productive. I trust that all is well here?" she says stepping into the room.</p><p> </p><p>Nanuet stretches out his hand for the man to shake. "A most inspiring and fulfilling week if I may say so. I feel enriched and enlightened after our visit. What events occurred here that made it so interesting?"</p><p></p><p>The Priest says, "Well, I had a pair of very interesting conversations. One on Tuesday with Mrs. Rebecca King and another this morning with a Mr. Icabod Shackleton. It is safe to say that neither of them are your biggest supporters, really more the opposite."</p><p></p><p>"Well, we're on your side as far as those two go. I hope they weren't too much trouble for you."</p><p></p><p>"Senora King has never hidden her feelings and Senor Shackeleton has also made his beliefs known to me," she shrugs as though it is of no consequence. "What did they say to you?"</p><p></p><p>"Actually, Mrs. King spoke mostly of trying to our friend and my superior Costas fired for appointing you. She hoped to enlist my support, trying to point out how I would be promoted if he were removed. What an odd woman, to think I would go along with such things.</p><p></p><p>Shackelton seems obsessed over the notion of human superiority and sees your relationship with Mr. Nanuet to be an abomination. He wanted me to reprimand you. Thankfully that man only teaches two families in this county instead of all of the children given his warped way of looking at things."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, Senora King believes that she can rule the world, but even she and all her money are no match for the gods. It is lucky for Costas and me that you answer to a higher power," she chuckles.</p><p></p><p>There are those who are guided by their fear. Senora King and Senor Shackleton are not the only ones. We shall pray that the gods will intervene and show us the key that will release their fear and open their hearts. If it is the gods, we will find it, but in the meantime we certainly have our work cut out for us. I am grateful that you have given me warning," she says ands hugs him. "Is their anything else that I should be aware of?"</p><p></p><p>"No, I think that is about it. I provided advice and council to two more of your parishioners as well. One was a shy young woman named Petunia Webb. She's having some problems with her new boyfriend. She told her father they were eloping but once they got here he's hesitated to marry her. The other parishioner is an Italian named Joseppi Franjoluppi. He's been hesitant to speak to you, as all of the Priests back in Italy were male. I think I've convinced him that it is safe to speak to you." </p><p></p><p>He stands and heads over to his opened suitcase saying, "I'll pack up and be out of here in a few minutes. You should have your place back now that you're here."</p><p></p><p>"Gracias, I appreciate you watching over my flock while I was away." She says hugging him one last time and walking him to the door.</p><p></p><p>The next day Ruby spends most of her time preparing for the party. She makes sure Maria has enough help in the kitchen for all the food and also double checks that Estaban and his boys would play at the Lucky Lady later in the evening.</p><p></p><p>When it gets close to dinner time Ruby chooses to wear Jake's favorite green dress, seeing as it didn't get much wearing time on his actual birthday. Jake is lazing around while she starts getting dressed.</p><p></p><p>"Are you excited about your party baby?" she asks, holding up her black corset in front of her chest and turning her back to Jake, waiting for him to do up her laces.</p><p> </p><p>He obliges her with the laces. "Sure I am. One cannot have too much music, dancing and drinking."</p><p></p><p>"That's good," she comments, holding the corset tighter against her skin. "Make it tighter Jake," she says in a bossy tone. "I didn't think you would get excited about a party, so that is great."</p><p> </p><p>He pulls harder on the laces, "How is that? You will have to let me know when I get it right, all my practice was in removing them."</p><p> </p><p>Ruby giggles. "It's right when I can't breathe." She spins around, her breasts swelling over the corset. "Perfect."</p><p></p><p>She continues to don her dress and fix her hair. "What are you going to wear? Have you thought about it?"</p><p></p><p>"Heh, no. What ever is clean I suppose."</p><p></p><p>"Jacob Alistair Cook," she says sternly, shaking her head as she walks towards the closet, "You need to look nice for your party, like you care that all these people showed up for you." She pulls out one of his newer outfits and looks it over. She throws it on the bed, "What would you DO without me?"</p><p></p><p>"I imagine I would be forced to walk to the closet on my own, bemoaning every inch of the way." He gives her a smirk, "I can dress myself you know. It is all the other wonders you bring to my life, Ruby dear, that I hold in esteem."</p><p></p><p>He goes about donning his outfit that featured the vest with the dusty colored woven roses and the reddish brown tie over the white linen shirt. Once he is altogether he adds his dagger and derringer, and pats them in a comforting way. "Ready to escort you downstairs, my beauty."</p><p></p><p>"Don't you look handsome, birthday boy," she says, pushing some hair off his face. "Don't forget your lucky hat." She takes his arm and they head downstairs.</p><p></p><p>They both begin their work night, Ruby singing and Jake running a poker table. As the night goes by more and more of their friends show up for the party. There is a light and festive atmosphere in the air and Ruby's singing seems even more inspired this evening. Maria has a special menu of food which all enjoy.</p><p></p><p>Ruby starts her drinking early but takes it easy at first so she can make it though three sets.</p><p></p><p>Jake plays jovially, though he does not lose money, he does not go for the throat either. Among the players there are big winners and losers earlier than usual, and the game breaks early for lack of players. The winners do no seem troubled by that. Soon Jake is free from the game and goes about enjoying the evening.</p><p></p><p>Jake pushes his way to the piano for one song, playing along with Ruby before heading to the bar for a bourbon. After that he engages in as many dances as he can find partners, dancing with Ruby when she is not singing.</p><p></p><p>Ruby dedicates her last song of the evening to Mr. Jacob Cook and she sings "his song" something she hadn't done in a very long time. She skips off the stage with a silly grin and heads to Jake. "How did I do?" she says, leaning up against him.</p><p></p><p>"Superb. Exquisite." He hands her a drink. "Time to continue the fun."</p><p></p><p>"Excellent." She holds up her glass, "Happy birthday baby!" and clinks their glasses together, keeping her eyes locked on his as she drinks whatever Jake handed her.</p><p></p><p>The night of the party, Kate dressed in the red gown she'd brought from Mrs. Kelley. The square neckline sat lower than she was used to, low enough that the pendant that hung just above her breasts was clearly visible. It was Saturday night in the Lucky Lady so it was busy, but it was a cheerful kind of busy and the regular crowd had learned to keep their hands to themselves. Or perhaps they had just gotten to know her as someone other than a barmaid and didn't think it proper anymore. Either way, her backside was thankful for it.</p><p></p><p>Kate played for Ruby's sets and a few songs in between, still staying away from classical pieces. She was looking forward to when the crowd would clear out and they could all relax and be themselves. Conrad would be coming once he was done with his table at the Long Branch, probably after most of the others would already be here. Ruby said she'd invited people outside their usual circle, and Kate was curious to find out who they were.</p><p></p><p>Once the saloon started to clear out and Kate wasn't kept so busy she joined Ruby and Jake at the bar. "So who else is coming tonight?" she asked.</p><p></p><p>Ruby smiles. "Look around Kate, lots of people are here. Besides for us and our respective and unrespectable others," Ruby stumbles over the words, "Laurie Gilson is here," she says waving to the woman, "And uh," Ruby looks at the table full of Jake's business associates, "Those guys from the mine, Seawell is it? I forget the rest of them. And Flint... and a bunch of people from the El Parador are coming when they are done for the night. And look! There is Mr. Austin," Ruby beams proudly. Then she whispers in a giggle, "Although he may be here more for Minerva than Jake." She takes another sip of her drink, "And Dorita and Pedro will come if they can make it. And Al and Pierre when they are done at the Comique. It's a big party Kate!" she giggles again. "I don't even remember who else I invited."</p><p></p><p>"But Jake is having a good time, aren't you honey?" Ruby throws one arm around Jake and one around Kate's shoulders. "As long as we are here, that is all that matters."</p><p></p><p>Jake practically beams. "It just does not seem right to be advocating carousing, gambling and staying up to indecent hours of the night dancing to boisterous music. However, it always works wonders for me."</p><p></p><p>'It seems to do wonders for both of you. And you even forgot drinking, Jake, which makes it a night I can enjoy too," she teased.</p><p></p><p>He chuckles and mumbles something about "... not likely..."</p><p></p><p>Kate adds, "We may even get to dance tonight, Jake. Usually one of us is at the piano. Is there anything I can do for either of you before I change from staff to guest?"</p><p></p><p>"You can have a dance Kate, but you can't monopolize my baby's time, he needs to dance with meee," Ruby laughs. "He has to spend his time lavishing me with praise and adoration, among other things." Another giggle escapes her lips, "Ok, so I may have drunk a little more than I thought I did."</p><p></p><p>"As for you," she faces her friend, "Drinking is bad for you. But you can get me another one and then you'll be done for the night. Done working I mean. When is Conrad going to be here?"</p><p></p><p>"When he's done running his table at the Long Branch. After our trip to Boston I don't think he wanted to run out early." Kate reached over the bar and poured Ruby a whiskey, this one night keeping to herself her thoughts on just how much she consumed. </p><p></p><p>"It'll be nice to have all our friends around us. Mrs. King would be horrified if she looked in here. She'd probably start praying for a fire to get all us heathens at once."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you Kate!" Ruby chirps, taking her whiskey.</p><p></p><p>Ruby furrows her brows, or gets as close to furrowing her brows as she can. "Stupid Mrs. King, she'd better leave us all alone. If she doesn't I'll have to lock her in a room and make her listen to naughty songs." Ruby ponders for a moment before cracking up. "That would be funny."</p><p></p><p>"Nope, no one allowed here tonight who would cause us any trouble." Suddenly Ruby waves towards the door and yells out, "Hi Al and Pierre! Come and get a drink!"</p><p></p><p>Ruby twists her face back towards Jake and Kate, her hair swinging over her shoulder, "Oh, isn't this fun?"</p><p> </p><p>Kate laughed lightly. "You never know who may be causing trouble, at least of the fun kind. I hope someone stays sober to see all these people home."</p><p></p><p>"Katherine, you worry entirely too much," Jake says and seizes her arms dragging her to the open floor where he engages her in a rambunctious dance.</p><p></p><p>Ruby is suddenly left standing alone at the bar. "Hhhhhheeeeeeeeeyyy," she whines, "I didn't mean have that dance now!" she calls out. She shrugs, then finds the next closest partner willing to dance with her, which is not an issue. Dancing gracefully, even when tipsy, is not a problem for Ruby as she has many many hours of practice.</p><p></p><p>She swirls and twirls extravagantly around the floor, momentarily losing herself in the merriment.</p><p></p><p>Surprisingly, Kate has little trouble keeping up, although she's not always sure quite where Jake is going. Her laughter is clear and light as Jake spins her until she's almost dizzy. "Slow down, slow down," she finally managed through her laughter. "How old are you now, Jake?"</p><p></p><p>Jake does slow down as requested but keeps her moving along as the music plays. "I have managed to attain the ripe old age of twenty-one years. Who would have thought, eh?"</p><p></p><p>"I would have. You have extraordinarily good luck. I would have guessed your age near correct if I only had your face to go by, but you act a good deal older. Or maybe now that I won't see you in dangerous situations every day that will change."</p><p> </p><p>"You make me laugh. Now that I am not in danger I can go back to being a derelict youngster?" He does laugh, though it seems a good natured one. "A good deal older, hmmm, I would prefer someday to be a good old dealer. I will not deny luck, but I find the more diligent you are, the more your luck improves." </p><p></p><p>The song ends and Jake steers her back to where they were standing. "Regardless, I will drink to that. And since you are not drinking tonight I will have yours too. What toast comes true that is not consumed all around?" He grabs another glass and puts some bourbon in it. "To being younger and to luck. May there be enough for all those here we care about." He takes her hand and makes her hold a glass, taps it with a clink and drinks the first glass. Then, before she can protest, he hands her the empty and takes the other from her and drinks that too.</p><p></p><p>"Ruby's been talking to you about not letting me have anything to drink, hasn't she?" Kate laughed. "She never believed me when I said it wasn't good for me before, but I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.</p><p></p><p>I think you will live to a ripe old age, sitting on a front porch wherever you happen to have landed, shuffling a deck of cards and telling inappropriate stories to the neighbor children."</p><p></p><p>"Now, who is to say they are inappropriate. Even if they are, how are they going to know the difference if someone does not enlighten them?" Followed by another smirk.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2883341, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]Birthdays[/SIZE] Late in the evening Jake and Ruby come into the cantina. They stand in the doorway a moment scanning the room until the spot the Indian and the Spanish Priestess. Immediately they stride to their table. "Welcome back you two! We just heard you were back in town. We just finished up at the saloon and wanted to make sure you knew about tomorrow night." Minerva and Nanuet look to each other and before they can ask Jake says, "The party at the Lucky Lady for those of us who are having a birthday in the last few days." Jake grins rather widely. "Yes, I know we really do not need a reason, but why not. We will start later in the evening, after most of the poker and singing is done, but feel free to come earlier. We have already invited Chester and Clarisse, Katherine and Conrad, and now you two. While we are here we will invite our El Parador friends, if they care to join us." "OH! a fiesta! I would love to come, and I have been working on your gift for weeks!" Minerva says excitedly. "Gracias, Senor Jake," she says jumping up and hugging him. "I have never been invited to another's celebration before and I am sure it will be a regular fandango... but... I do not think it is a good idea to celebrate my birthday at the same time. Ruby was quite clear that she did not want you to share your special day." Ruby cuts in, "That is true I said that and I especially don't like it when people invite themselves to other people's parties," she teases. "But Jake and I already celebrated privately and now I think it will be best to have one huge party for both of you, especially since your birthday past already. Happy birthday, by the way," Ruby chirps, then hugs Minerva. "So anyway the party is already for you tomorrow night. And we or at least I invited more that just the people Jake mentioned. So it will be a biiiggggg party." "Ah, yes, I had quite an enjoyable birthday. Just an old fashioned quiet little evening," Jake says cryptically but looks pleased. "So it is settled then, we will expect you tomorrow night." Minerva smiles broadly, "I have never had a party before! Gracias Ruby! You are a dear friend." she says hugging Ruby tightly. "I must go home soon and put the finishing touches on your gift, Senor Jake, but first let us sit and relax for a while. It has been a long week and it is good to be home among friends!" Ruby glances sideways at Jake. "We will be happy to join you for a drink; we want to hear all about your trip. But we can't stay too long, we have a previous engagement," she smiles mischievously. "So how was it?" "It was very educational. Besides spending some intense time in study we ran into some people from my tribe at the train station. We can discuss details at another time, we don't want to hold you up," Nanuet says, eyeing his food that is still sitting at the table. Ruby notices Nanuet eyeballing his plate. "Oh don't let us keep you from eating." Jake and Ruby's whiskeys arrive and they waste no time working on them. "From your tribe, huh? Hasn't it been a very long time since you've seen them?" "Yes, it has been quite some time. Also some of them didn't remember me because of a spell Kajika used some time ago. My cousin was there though and he had a vague recollection of who I was." Nanuet leads Minerva over to the table inviting Ruby and Jake to follow them, "at least while you enjoy your drinks." "Ah you know...” Ruby hesitates, "Maybe you two want to be alone, that's ok. You can tell us the story tomorrow." Ruby drinks her whiskey down while scrunching her nose and gives Jake a look to do the same. At first, Jake wonders why Ruby wants him to scrunch his nose and then says, "Ah," and downs his whiskey. "Story telling last time we had a party was fun. Tell me a good one and I am sure I will have one to share back. Good night you two!" "Yes, perhaps tomorrow. Although I am not sure it is the kind of lighthearted story you save for parties. If you need any help getting things ready for tomorrow night just let me know." Nanuet turns to Minerva before continuing. "Well, we had better get some good rest tonight if we are going to be good company tomorrow" and winks lightheartedly. Ruby grabs Jake’s hand. "Night!" she calls out over her shoulder before looking back to Jake. "Darling, I plan on being too drunk at your party to tell stories," she giggles. "I hope you won't be too disappointed." Jake just laughs in response and they head back home. Nanuet and Minerva exit from the El Parador and head down to the street to the Church and little house beside it. They see lantern light in the house is on and the Priest Demitrius Theopopulos is sitting in a chair and reading." Nanuet stops when he notices the light through the window and gives Minerva's hand a squeeze. "Oh, I forgot all about the visiting priest. Perhaps I should go my own way now? Wouldn't want to get you in trouble." Minerva smiles as her little yellow house with the picket fence comes into view. "It is so good to be home!" She turns to Nanuet. "I told you that I spoke to the Bishop about us. I will not hide my love for you any longer. Come with me," she says taking his hand. She pulls him up the steps with her and knocks on the door. "Very well, I do much rather prefer this way." he says and follows her to the door. The Priest opens the door, "Oh, you're back. I wasn't expecting you until some time tomorrow. Please come in, this is after all your home. I've had an interesting week. I trust that you have as well." "Si, Very interesting and very productive. I trust that all is well here?" she says stepping into the room. Nanuet stretches out his hand for the man to shake. "A most inspiring and fulfilling week if I may say so. I feel enriched and enlightened after our visit. What events occurred here that made it so interesting?" The Priest says, "Well, I had a pair of very interesting conversations. One on Tuesday with Mrs. Rebecca King and another this morning with a Mr. Icabod Shackleton. It is safe to say that neither of them are your biggest supporters, really more the opposite." "Well, we're on your side as far as those two go. I hope they weren't too much trouble for you." "Senora King has never hidden her feelings and Senor Shackeleton has also made his beliefs known to me," she shrugs as though it is of no consequence. "What did they say to you?" "Actually, Mrs. King spoke mostly of trying to our friend and my superior Costas fired for appointing you. She hoped to enlist my support, trying to point out how I would be promoted if he were removed. What an odd woman, to think I would go along with such things. Shackelton seems obsessed over the notion of human superiority and sees your relationship with Mr. Nanuet to be an abomination. He wanted me to reprimand you. Thankfully that man only teaches two families in this county instead of all of the children given his warped way of looking at things." "Yes, Senora King believes that she can rule the world, but even she and all her money are no match for the gods. It is lucky for Costas and me that you answer to a higher power," she chuckles. There are those who are guided by their fear. Senora King and Senor Shackleton are not the only ones. We shall pray that the gods will intervene and show us the key that will release their fear and open their hearts. If it is the gods, we will find it, but in the meantime we certainly have our work cut out for us. I am grateful that you have given me warning," she says ands hugs him. "Is their anything else that I should be aware of?" "No, I think that is about it. I provided advice and council to two more of your parishioners as well. One was a shy young woman named Petunia Webb. She's having some problems with her new boyfriend. She told her father they were eloping but once they got here he's hesitated to marry her. The other parishioner is an Italian named Joseppi Franjoluppi. He's been hesitant to speak to you, as all of the Priests back in Italy were male. I think I've convinced him that it is safe to speak to you." He stands and heads over to his opened suitcase saying, "I'll pack up and be out of here in a few minutes. You should have your place back now that you're here." "Gracias, I appreciate you watching over my flock while I was away." She says hugging him one last time and walking him to the door. The next day Ruby spends most of her time preparing for the party. She makes sure Maria has enough help in the kitchen for all the food and also double checks that Estaban and his boys would play at the Lucky Lady later in the evening. When it gets close to dinner time Ruby chooses to wear Jake's favorite green dress, seeing as it didn't get much wearing time on his actual birthday. Jake is lazing around while she starts getting dressed. "Are you excited about your party baby?" she asks, holding up her black corset in front of her chest and turning her back to Jake, waiting for him to do up her laces. He obliges her with the laces. "Sure I am. One cannot have too much music, dancing and drinking." "That's good," she comments, holding the corset tighter against her skin. "Make it tighter Jake," she says in a bossy tone. "I didn't think you would get excited about a party, so that is great." He pulls harder on the laces, "How is that? You will have to let me know when I get it right, all my practice was in removing them." Ruby giggles. "It's right when I can't breathe." She spins around, her breasts swelling over the corset. "Perfect." She continues to don her dress and fix her hair. "What are you going to wear? Have you thought about it?" "Heh, no. What ever is clean I suppose." "Jacob Alistair Cook," she says sternly, shaking her head as she walks towards the closet, "You need to look nice for your party, like you care that all these people showed up for you." She pulls out one of his newer outfits and looks it over. She throws it on the bed, "What would you DO without me?" "I imagine I would be forced to walk to the closet on my own, bemoaning every inch of the way." He gives her a smirk, "I can dress myself you know. It is all the other wonders you bring to my life, Ruby dear, that I hold in esteem." He goes about donning his outfit that featured the vest with the dusty colored woven roses and the reddish brown tie over the white linen shirt. Once he is altogether he adds his dagger and derringer, and pats them in a comforting way. "Ready to escort you downstairs, my beauty." "Don't you look handsome, birthday boy," she says, pushing some hair off his face. "Don't forget your lucky hat." She takes his arm and they head downstairs. They both begin their work night, Ruby singing and Jake running a poker table. As the night goes by more and more of their friends show up for the party. There is a light and festive atmosphere in the air and Ruby's singing seems even more inspired this evening. Maria has a special menu of food which all enjoy. Ruby starts her drinking early but takes it easy at first so she can make it though three sets. Jake plays jovially, though he does not lose money, he does not go for the throat either. Among the players there are big winners and losers earlier than usual, and the game breaks early for lack of players. The winners do no seem troubled by that. Soon Jake is free from the game and goes about enjoying the evening. Jake pushes his way to the piano for one song, playing along with Ruby before heading to the bar for a bourbon. After that he engages in as many dances as he can find partners, dancing with Ruby when she is not singing. Ruby dedicates her last song of the evening to Mr. Jacob Cook and she sings "his song" something she hadn't done in a very long time. She skips off the stage with a silly grin and heads to Jake. "How did I do?" she says, leaning up against him. "Superb. Exquisite." He hands her a drink. "Time to continue the fun." "Excellent." She holds up her glass, "Happy birthday baby!" and clinks their glasses together, keeping her eyes locked on his as she drinks whatever Jake handed her. The night of the party, Kate dressed in the red gown she'd brought from Mrs. Kelley. The square neckline sat lower than she was used to, low enough that the pendant that hung just above her breasts was clearly visible. It was Saturday night in the Lucky Lady so it was busy, but it was a cheerful kind of busy and the regular crowd had learned to keep their hands to themselves. Or perhaps they had just gotten to know her as someone other than a barmaid and didn't think it proper anymore. Either way, her backside was thankful for it. Kate played for Ruby's sets and a few songs in between, still staying away from classical pieces. She was looking forward to when the crowd would clear out and they could all relax and be themselves. Conrad would be coming once he was done with his table at the Long Branch, probably after most of the others would already be here. Ruby said she'd invited people outside their usual circle, and Kate was curious to find out who they were. Once the saloon started to clear out and Kate wasn't kept so busy she joined Ruby and Jake at the bar. "So who else is coming tonight?" she asked. Ruby smiles. "Look around Kate, lots of people are here. Besides for us and our respective and unrespectable others," Ruby stumbles over the words, "Laurie Gilson is here," she says waving to the woman, "And uh," Ruby looks at the table full of Jake's business associates, "Those guys from the mine, Seawell is it? I forget the rest of them. And Flint... and a bunch of people from the El Parador are coming when they are done for the night. And look! There is Mr. Austin," Ruby beams proudly. Then she whispers in a giggle, "Although he may be here more for Minerva than Jake." She takes another sip of her drink, "And Dorita and Pedro will come if they can make it. And Al and Pierre when they are done at the Comique. It's a big party Kate!" she giggles again. "I don't even remember who else I invited." "But Jake is having a good time, aren't you honey?" Ruby throws one arm around Jake and one around Kate's shoulders. "As long as we are here, that is all that matters." Jake practically beams. "It just does not seem right to be advocating carousing, gambling and staying up to indecent hours of the night dancing to boisterous music. However, it always works wonders for me." 'It seems to do wonders for both of you. And you even forgot drinking, Jake, which makes it a night I can enjoy too," she teased. He chuckles and mumbles something about "... not likely..." Kate adds, "We may even get to dance tonight, Jake. Usually one of us is at the piano. Is there anything I can do for either of you before I change from staff to guest?" "You can have a dance Kate, but you can't monopolize my baby's time, he needs to dance with meee," Ruby laughs. "He has to spend his time lavishing me with praise and adoration, among other things." Another giggle escapes her lips, "Ok, so I may have drunk a little more than I thought I did." "As for you," she faces her friend, "Drinking is bad for you. But you can get me another one and then you'll be done for the night. Done working I mean. When is Conrad going to be here?" "When he's done running his table at the Long Branch. After our trip to Boston I don't think he wanted to run out early." Kate reached over the bar and poured Ruby a whiskey, this one night keeping to herself her thoughts on just how much she consumed. "It'll be nice to have all our friends around us. Mrs. King would be horrified if she looked in here. She'd probably start praying for a fire to get all us heathens at once." "Thank you Kate!" Ruby chirps, taking her whiskey. Ruby furrows her brows, or gets as close to furrowing her brows as she can. "Stupid Mrs. King, she'd better leave us all alone. If she doesn't I'll have to lock her in a room and make her listen to naughty songs." Ruby ponders for a moment before cracking up. "That would be funny." "Nope, no one allowed here tonight who would cause us any trouble." Suddenly Ruby waves towards the door and yells out, "Hi Al and Pierre! Come and get a drink!" Ruby twists her face back towards Jake and Kate, her hair swinging over her shoulder, "Oh, isn't this fun?" Kate laughed lightly. "You never know who may be causing trouble, at least of the fun kind. I hope someone stays sober to see all these people home." "Katherine, you worry entirely too much," Jake says and seizes her arms dragging her to the open floor where he engages her in a rambunctious dance. Ruby is suddenly left standing alone at the bar. "Hhhhhheeeeeeeeeyyy," she whines, "I didn't mean have that dance now!" she calls out. She shrugs, then finds the next closest partner willing to dance with her, which is not an issue. Dancing gracefully, even when tipsy, is not a problem for Ruby as she has many many hours of practice. She swirls and twirls extravagantly around the floor, momentarily losing herself in the merriment. Surprisingly, Kate has little trouble keeping up, although she's not always sure quite where Jake is going. Her laughter is clear and light as Jake spins her until she's almost dizzy. "Slow down, slow down," she finally managed through her laughter. "How old are you now, Jake?" Jake does slow down as requested but keeps her moving along as the music plays. "I have managed to attain the ripe old age of twenty-one years. Who would have thought, eh?" "I would have. You have extraordinarily good luck. I would have guessed your age near correct if I only had your face to go by, but you act a good deal older. Or maybe now that I won't see you in dangerous situations every day that will change." "You make me laugh. Now that I am not in danger I can go back to being a derelict youngster?" He does laugh, though it seems a good natured one. "A good deal older, hmmm, I would prefer someday to be a good old dealer. I will not deny luck, but I find the more diligent you are, the more your luck improves." The song ends and Jake steers her back to where they were standing. "Regardless, I will drink to that. And since you are not drinking tonight I will have yours too. What toast comes true that is not consumed all around?" He grabs another glass and puts some bourbon in it. "To being younger and to luck. May there be enough for all those here we care about." He takes her hand and makes her hold a glass, taps it with a clink and drinks the first glass. Then, before she can protest, he hands her the empty and takes the other from her and drinks that too. "Ruby's been talking to you about not letting me have anything to drink, hasn't she?" Kate laughed. "She never believed me when I said it wasn't good for me before, but I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I think you will live to a ripe old age, sitting on a front porch wherever you happen to have landed, shuffling a deck of cards and telling inappropriate stories to the neighbor children." "Now, who is to say they are inappropriate. Even if they are, how are they going to know the difference if someone does not enlighten them?" Followed by another smirk. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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