GIGOLO

by Jack Duncan

Just as soon as we had checked out our cabin, I headed down to the restaurant to get a table assignment. I didn't want to be stuck again with a dull couple at a table for four as we had been on our first cruise and was lucky to get the final two seats at an early dinner table for ten. Next time, if there is a next time, we'll have to get to the ship earlier.

However, Jeannie was happy with the arrangement. "Ten is a nice number." She commented, "And the early seating leaves time to repair to one of the bars if we meet any interesting people. - Or an excuse to escape if they're all bores."

"Well, we still have plenty of time to check out the ship and take a turn around the deck before we sail. Shall we?"

Jeannie nodded an OK. "Just make sure you get me back here in time for a shower before dinner. I feel grimy from that long flight and the stopover in Atlanta."

There was only one couple at the table when we arrived so I drew out a chair for Jeannie and sat down next to the young pair. They introduced themselves as the Browns from Talahassee and promptly dampened any hope I may have had for attentive companionship.

"We just got married yesterday." The pretty young thing gushed and immediately turned full adoring attention back to her new husband.

Two more couples came in together and a plastic brunette laid claim to the seat beside the handsome new bridegroom. That left only the two seats on the other side of Jeannie open and my heart sank when, ten minutes later, the fifth couple arrived. The woman was over fifty but how much over would be anyone's guess. Expert surgery and a very expensive hairdresser had produced that wrinkle free porcelain-doll look that only money can buy. No less than six rings adorned the fingers, each one the equivalent of a substantial down payment on a house in the suburbs.

"I am Mrs. Francis Montgomery from Memphis." She announced to all as she sat down in the chair her escort drew back for her. "And this is Percy." She gestured with her thumb over her right shoulder like a hitchhiker.

Percy smiled apologetically and took the remaining seat next to Jeannie. A good twenty years younger than Francis, he had a not unpleasant air of quiet reserve, a smooth complexion and a very expensive suit.

Mrs. Francis Montgomery from Memphis did most of the talking during the meal but she did it well. Her earthy good humor and bawdy, almost vulgar anecdotes held everyone's attention and by the time desert was served, ours was the merriest table in the salon.

"We all meet in the ballroom at ten." She commanded as she stood up. "Party time."

The newlyweds didn't show up at ten but the rest of us did. Percy invited Jeannie to dance so I felt obligated to ask Francis. Like many large women, she was amazingly light on her feet and had no trouble with my incoherent style. Jeannie is the one with the Arthur Murray training and we

seldom dance together but in Percy she had found a perfect partner. At times, other dancer on the floor would stand back and clear an area for the two to show the world how it's done. I had one dance with each of the other ladies but was pretty well stuck with Francis; not that I minded, she's good company.

At midnight she stood up. "Come Percy, you had a long drive today and you need some rest."

Percy bowed to Jeannie and then to the other ladies and followed quietly.

Jeannie picked up her bag from the small table. "We've had a long day too, dear."

In the stateroom, she hung up her dress and slip and collapsed on the bunk in nothing but panties and bra'. Stretching her arms out, she yawned and smiled up at me. "Darling, when you make your first million, will you buy me a Percy?"

"Second million maybe, one million isn't enough. But judging from the attention you were getting tonight there's one Percy you can have for free this trip."

She stopped with her arms in mid stretch and looked at me out of the corners of her eyes. "You'd allow me that?"

I gave her an opening to continue the thought. "Well this is your vacation, this is the love boat, fantasy land -"

"True." She mused. "And how will I ever know you're the best if I skip this chance to experience a professional?"

"True, but how would you plan to separate him from Mrs. Francis Montgomery from Memphis?"

"That could be a problem; I'll work on it. Come to bed dear. It's getting late."

Sleeping late, we missed the breakfast seating, settled for a Danish and coffee at one of the many food bars and didn't run into any of our companions until mid afternoon at the pool. Now I'm rather proud of my swimming but when I saw Percy slicing smoothly down the pool I decided I was outclassed and joined Francis at a pool-side table. Jeannie dived right in and soon she and Percy were doing laps side by side. Jeannie seemed to have no trouble keeping up. I suppose she's a better swimmer than I am after all.

As dinner ended that evening, Francis dawdled over coffee until the others had left and then announced, "You two must come up to our suite for drinks. Percy makes an absolutely adorable martini."

Jeannie stood up immediately. "Sounds delightful."

Now I'd seen pictures of the top deck suite in the travel brochure but with no intention of paying the ridiculous price it goes for, had never expected to visit one. It would displace about six of our cramped cabins. A sitting room, spa, two bedrooms, each with bathroom - wow.

Percy did indeed make a smooth martini. Francis had seated herself on the sofa and as she lifted her drink from his tray, commanded me with her eyes to take the seat beside her. Percy went back to the small bar and Jeannie followed to engage him in low conversation.

After a second round had been served, Jeannie came over and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I think we should have a turn around the deck before the dance but I didn't bring a jacket. Would you - -?"

"Nonsense." Francis interrupted. "Percy, would you kindly go to Jeannie's stateroom and fetch her jacket."

"Thank you." Jeannie interrupted, "But it's in one of my suitcases. He wouldn't know --"

"Alright then, Percy would you kindly escort Jeannie to her stateroom to fetch her jacket? And Percy, would you kindly replenish my glass before you leave?"

As the door closed behind them, Francis tossed back half her martini and looked at me sideways. "Percy is quite taken with your Jeannie."

"And Jeannie is quite infatuated with your Percy." I put in.

"Then if they're not back in fifteen minutes, we may assume they will not be back tonight." She checked her watch and reached for the martini shaker. She then told me a very funny story about her cousin in Kentucky. I can't remember how it ended.

When the third check of her watch said a quarter of an hour had elapsed, she sat forward and turned her back to me. I meekly pulled the zipper of her dress all the way down revealing no rolls of flab, no folds of skin, practically no wrinkles; just slightly muscular healthy woman.

I'm not complaining. I spent a decidedly pleasant and very educational night. Francis introduced me to a few exercises I am still reticent about suggesting to Jeannie and in the morning I slept until noon. Jeannie and Percy joined us at the pool later.

When Jeannie and I retired to our cabin to dress for dinner she kissed me and hugged me happily but neither of us mentioned the previous evening.

The newlyweds made an appearance at the ten o'clock dance and an enjoyable time was had by all. Percy danced with Francis and they put on a show almost as good as Percy and Jeannie had. I had a dance with the newlywed Mrs. Brown and both the other ladies but mostly I held hands with Jeannie.

"Darling," she murmured later in the dark of our room, "You don't seem to mind making love to a fallen woman."

"Let's call her a woman of experience."

"Yes, I have learned a couple of exercises I intend to teach you but this woman of experience still says you're the best."

"Darling," She broke a long silence, "We have one more full night to this cruise, and while we're still in fantasy land - -"

"Well, if you think you can pry him loose from Mrs. Francis Montgomery from Memphis -"

"Oh, she said some very flattering things about you this afternoon. I'm sure you could distract her long enough."

"About twelve hours?"

"That should do it. You're a dear."

__________

That was last summer and today whom should I see talking to Millie, the accounts manager, but Percy. I backed into the vault and when he left, wandered by Millie's desk.

"That gentleman who was just here?" I enquired casually. "I've seen him somewhere."

"Mr. Milliken? That's the Percival J. Milliken, boy wonder of the furniture world - started with home made cypress tables and built that up to ten million dollars a year before branching out. Has headquarters in Tennessee and is out here looking into movies."

"When I saw him, he was with an older woman."

"Oh, that would be his mother. He brought her out of the backwoods five years ago when she lost her third husband. Dirt poor she was while bringing him up but now she's teaching him how to spend his money. He takes her everywhere - calls her his rabbit's foot - claims she brings him luck wherever they go."

**********