While not quite up to the standards of a themed caterer like Fantasy Feasts who, after all, charged a far higher price for essentially the same service as SB Catering with the promise of impeccable theming with theatrical quality costumes and props, Mollie knew they still had a fairy respectable collection of costumes, having worn several herself. The grass skirts, lays and necklaces, made from real bones, that they used to give a “tribal” vibe could be worn either over underwear or swimwear or nothing at all. Especially after recent developments, she was perfectly prepared to go topless for the party with nothing underneath but would leave make sure that any female co-workers who joined her would feel free to choose for themselves and she was fine with the idea of wearing bikini bottoms or a thong under the grass skirt if it would make them feel more comfortable doing the same. She was sure that Cole, Doug or any other boys she roped in as “eye-candy” for this feisty and fun-sounding granny and her friends would be happy to work shirtless but would probably insist on trunks under their raffia grass skirts.

There were even costume options for the meat too. She was sure that the little girls would look adorable in the pot wearing explorer hats and she wondered if Carl could be persuaded to don a set of stick-on mutton-chops and a mustache, or whether he might be able to grow the same in the two and a half weeks available to him. She dashed him off another quick message asking him not to shave his face at all before the big day. If the growth was sufficient, she could have it into the desired formation, if not then she could shave it all off and use the fake ones held on with spirit gum. She was sure that hats could be arranged for him and Lydia as well and she made a mental note to check whether there was a monocle in the costume stash to complete his look.

In Inspection Room 3, Cole was taking a short break to get his breath back while Jessica stood with her arms folded, tapping her foot impatiently. She was just about to remind him that she was never going to be ready for the spit at this rate, despite his most valiant efforts over the previous ninety minutes or so, when there was a knock at the door.

“Do you think they need the room?” Jessica asked, sounding rather irritated. “It can’t be time to get me on the spit already! I doubt Marcia’s even done roasting yet, let alone cooling!”

“Give me a second,” Cole stood up, a little unsteady on his feet, and pulled on his underwear, the only article of clothing that Mollie had permitted him to take along, “I’ll see what’s going on.” He went to the door and unlocked it then opened it just a crack while Jessica made no effort to cover herself other than her arms crossed across her chest which indicated impatience rather than modesty.

“Oh hey!” Lydia smiled from the corridor. “Hope I’m not interrupting. Thought you guys could maybe use some refreshment?” Cole stepped back, opening the door for her while hiding himself behind it then closing and locking it once more once she was inside. “Here!” she handed out the ice-cold soda cans she was carrying along with one for herself then cracked hers open. “So how’s it going in here?” she asked, patting her lap to invite Jessica to sit, an invitation she readily accepted. “Cole living up to expectations?”

“More or less, I guess!” Jessica shrugged with a teasing smile. “But I can still walk. That means he still has some work to do, right?”

“Well the good thing about Cole,” Lydia explained, winking at the young girl on her lap, “is that he makes up in enthusiasm what he lacks in technique!” Cole looked a little put out by this observation but didn’t say anything, grateful for the refreshing cold drink.


To be continued...