"Harvey Jacobs - Blood is not Enough - L'Chaim" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jacobs Harvey)

L'Chaim
HARVEY JACOBS




A short, deft tale that came about as a result of a lunch I had with
Harvey. I mentioned the anthology and he was inspired тАж he says it's
about yuppies.


~~oOo~~



Delmore Grobit, who looked like a sponge with his cratered face and
yellow suntan, came early to the Tentacle Club. He settled into his favorite
chair, a leather throne near the window, found a National Geographic,
examined photographs of round Polynesian women, and waited for James
Guard. He looked up from time to time, observing other members of the
club who congregated around the fireplace under the hanging gold symbol
of the fraternity, a huge octopus. The same octopus symbol appeared on
drinking glasses, match book covers, napkins and on the blazers of more
dedicated souls. Delmore Grobit thought the octopus icon pretentious,
ugly, and bizarre.

Today was his birthday. The Tentacles would expect him to host a
dinner party later in the evening. The tradition bothered Delmore, not
because of the expense, which would come back to him in useless gifts, but
because the idea of marking the day one came wriggling and screaming
into the world made no sense. It was an occasion to forget, not sanctify.

Delmore looked forward to seeing James Guard. He didn't know if
James really liked him or if his young friend's affection over the years was
feigned. It could be merely gratitude. James had much to be grateful for.
Still, he did send thoughtful presents at Christmas and he surely would
bring some token tonight. He never forgot his benefactor's birthday.

The Tentacles' reading room seemed claustrophobic, a sure sign of
impending spring. It was a winter room without question, ideal sanctuary
on nights when the wind was a scream from a toothless mouth. In warmer
months that room became oppressive.

As always, James Guard arrived on time and brought his own special
energy. He radiated health and optimism. His assurance stopped just
short of arrogance. Delmore appreciated his entrances. He saw a lot of
himself in the young man.

"Happy birthday, Delmore," James said. "I brought you this small
token."