Formal Dinner !

Jody had been over the moon with the success of the Pink Pussycat evening. Her choreography had succeeded in ensuring that Debbi was explicitly exposed for extended periods during the rap and there had been the added bonus of the crowd surfing initiated by that Jackie woman. But now she was disgruntled again. They were attending a big celebration dinner in the community centre following the laying of the foundation stone for the new extension and Debbi was on the stage at the top table surrounded by Oscar, Solomon and the other governors. Jody was jealous to see her being feted in this fashion.

"Oh stop moaning" Lynn admonished her friend as Jody voiced this complaint. "Think of all the embarrassing stuff out there from her performances. We can't control everything. So what if she's getting a little bit of praise now ?" Jody just scowled. "I'd still like to get back at her again though" she insisted. "Well, we can't use Miz No-E any more" Lynn reasoned. Jody conceded the point but she would still be on the look out for any opportunity.

Debbi was beginning to relax into her evening. She was conservatively dressed in a tasteful gown she had bought for official company functions. Some of the initial introductions that evening had been difficult because she sensed the disapproval emanating from the matriarchs of the community over the precise means used to obtain the funding for the extension. But the reality of seeing the foundation stone laid had helped diffuse the situation. Some of the younger elements had wanted to call it the Miz No-E Cube but saner minds had prevailed and it was to be known as the Dorothea Ambrose Memorial Hall, in honour of Oscar's late wife. Debbi had not known that he was a widower and was grateful to have avoided any faux pas by asking after his wife.

The time came for Oscar to make a speech. He proposed a toast to Debbi and then continued. "I know that some of you did not fully approve of the methods employed to raise the money for the extension but we old fuddy duddies have to move with the times." Oscar stopped and took off his immaculate dinner jacket. Then he began to unbutton his shirt ! What on earth is he doing, thought Debbi ? She stared in astonishment at the distinguished silver haired black man. Oscar pulled open his shirt to reveal that he was wearing one of the Miz No-E t-shirts ! "I'm proud to be a member of the Miz No-E posse" he shouted to loud applause. Debbi blushed to see again the photo of herself in stockings and knickers that decorated the t-shirt.

"This brave young woman has done a truly wonderful thing for our community" Oscar continued. Jody put a finger down her throat to mimic vomiting. "She has also provided a showcase for the remarkable musical and literary talents of our youth such as Deacon, Clinton and Jody. And it must not be forgotten that she mentored them in their business and entrepreneurial skills that have helped to bring this extension about. We are deeply in her debt !"

The hyperbole notwithstanding, Debbi could only be thankful. She determined to enjoy the remainder of the evening and push to the back of her mind the activities that had produced the charitable funds that made it possible. She did have to get up herself and make a short speech, during which she announced an endowment from the company to fund a deserving young member of the community through college on a scholarship.

At the end of the evening, Debbi went to call a taxi, since she had wanted to enjoy wine with her meal and had not driven. Oscar would not hear of it and insisted on giving her a lift home in his luxury SUV. He had long since restored his customary elegant appearance. "If you're sure it's no trouble" said Debbi. Oscar was again fulsome in his thanks and praise for Debbi during the drive. "Do you want to come in for coffee ?" she offered as they drew up at her house !