It's now six weeks into the semester and my routine has by now become almost second nature: classes...Tim...friends...Tim...and my Friday "appointment".
By now I've accumulated over $600.00 from the weekly event and was getting nervous about keeping so much cash in my desk drawer. I decided to go to the local bank and open a checking account. The actual checks would be mailed to me in a few days. If I needed money I could make a withdrawal at the bank.
I was keeping up with the class load and doing well grade wise. I had developed a circle of friends...some I shared classes with, some were Pinochle players, others were classmates that enjoyed each other's company. Every Tuesday there would be the usual note in my mailbox with the usual instructions.
It's funny how sometimes when you think you know how things will go...they don't.
The driver that would pick me up every Friday was always the same person. He never spoke...until this Friday. He always came around to the passenger side and opened the back door without saying a word...until this Friday. As he held the door open for me he said "Good evening Jason". Okay...this is different.
On the drive to the house he turned on the radio to a music station. He never did that before either. He asked how my classes were progressing...did I have any favorites...any dislikes.
Arriving at my host's house I was met at the door by the butler. He too welcomed me by name and as we walked to the kitchen he too asked some of the same questions the driver asked. He told me that I should call him Alex. (Aww Darn...I kind of enjoyed referring to him as Didit the Butler...but not to his face)
The general tone of our preparations was decidedly lighter and less "formal".
Alex said I should go to my usual room and change into my outfit for the evening.
What I had changed into the pajama bottom and light pajama shirt I was met at the door by my host.
He explained that the guests this evening would be different from the two groups I serviced over the previous weeks. He said that these "guests" would be less "reserved" and that I could expect more interaction with them.
I went to the kitchen to help Alex finish preparing the evenings refreshments. I was even offered a sandwich and a soft drink. That never happened before.