We make small talk on the ride to her house. She mentions that she grew up in West Texas near Amarillo and went to the University of Texas in Austin. Met her now ex-husband there and was married for close to twenty some years. Raised two children, worked for the Texas State Police Department as a 911 operator, then as a secretary to the Captain for six years until he retired last year. The Barbeque is for the Captain's campaign for Secretary of State.

Just a small gathering of thirty guests to kick off the campaign.

I begin thinking about the type of guests that will be attending and become somewhat anxious. I'm not one for mingling with law Enforcement, and will be sure to be long gone before having to provide identification to the Texas Rangers Security detail for the Secretary of State candidate. I briefly considered mentioning my history with Law Enforcement but decided against it thinking it may spook her and she may reconsider me helping out.

"Are you feeling okay Santiago? You look a bit pekid."

"Just dandy, guess I might be coming down with a cold. No big deal."

"So what about you? What's your story?"

"My story is a novel that would take up more time than it is worth to explain. Let me give you the condensed version. The choices I've made during my tumultuous lifetime have been less than fortuitous."

She turns the Pickup into a long driveway lined with Eucalyptus trees on both sides. It takes a couple of minutes before we arrive at a large Spanish style Villa.

"This is some kind of beautiful home, Allison."

"It's Spanish Colonial. We bought it when we first moved here after my husband won his election for United States Senator. I got this house in the divorce along with the furniture.

Now that my children have grown and moved out, it's much more than I need. I'm thinking of putting it on the market."

"It certainly possesses a regal ambience. Well let's get these groceries put away and take a look at what we need to set up this barbeque."

Allison smiles but I could tell it was forced. Talking about her past I think may have made her somewhat melancholy.

"So your ex is a U.S. Senator huh? I guess he has lost your vote." I comment while hugging two bags of groceries.

We stop at the front doors and she enters what seems like the entire phone book as the code into the alarm. I'm attempting not to appear as though the weight of the bags are getting too much to bear. But she sees the distress in my face and quickly reacts.

"I'm so sorry Santiago, I should have disabled the alarm first. The code is lengthy and I have to wait for a response from the Security Company."

Just then a loud buzzing sings over the speaker and the ornate doors unlock.

"Come on, follow me, the kitchen is right through here. Are you going to make it?" She giggles.

" I don't think so. I've suffered a severe Hernia." I groan while setting down the bags on the marble countertop.

"Oh don't put them there! Put them in the basement refrigerator." She begins laughing.

" No, I'm just screwing around.

Here is fine."

"Very funny. I'll get the rest out of the truck. Ha ha"

It took four trips back and forth to unload the groceries. She's packed the fridge, set up the liquor bottles on a mobile bar cart and was searching for somewhere to put a large bowl of what I assume is potato salad.

" Hey Allison, what time is the Barbeque? When are you expecting guests to arrive?"

" The invitations said 6:00 but I'm sure some will probably show up earlier."

"It's only 12:45 now. So we've got 5 hours to pull this together.

Don't go freaking out, it will all get done. How about showing me the back yard area and tell me what you have in mind."

She slides open the Arcadia glass doors and I step into a spacious, well groomed yard with a veranda, barbeque grill and floor made up of Terracotta Mexican Tile. The swimming pool was decorated with a stone waterfall.

"This is absolutely luxurious." I walk over to inspect the enormous aluminum grill.

"Hey Allison, this is a gas grill you don't need charcoal. My dear you could cook an entire cow on this grill,it's massive. Do you have chairs and tables?"

She informed me there were plenty of both in the garage. I went in search of the lawn furniture inside the four car garage discovering what I believe to be every man's wet dream. There in front of me was a 1958 maybe 59 356 Porsche Speedster convertible in a pastel blue. I was totally overwhelmed by its contour, sleek definition and passive elegance.

Allison came running in, appearing to be in a frenzy.

“What's wrong? Are you okay? What happened?"

"I'm just dandy. Why did you think otherwise?"

"I heard you scream and thought maybe something fell on you and you were hurt."

I must have let out a scream from my excitement that I hadn't realized.

"I'm so sorry to have scared you. It was my reaction to finding the Porsche. I didn't know I had actually screamed. I wás so excited by the discovery."

"Oh that old thing. My son didn't even want it and took the MG instead. These were my father's. He ran a car dealership in Amarillo and left me the automobiles in his Will."

"What an incredible gift." I say. "Okay let me get out the chairs and tables."

"Santiago, if you don't object, there's some strings of little white lights in a box that I'd like you to hang in the veranda. Would that be okay with you?"

I agree to her request, still eyeing the Porsche.

"Tell you what Mr. Santiago, if you can decorate the veranda. And then, are you a good cook?"

"One of my many exceptional talents."

"Wonderful, if you are available to Barbeque this evening I'll pay you extremely well and as an extra bonus, you can take me on a ride tonight in the Antique Automobile. How does that sound?"

"Only if you have a 'Kiss The Cook' apron for me to wear."

"No I don't have one but I can take care of kissing the cook " She cooed.

I had the veranda and patio decorated in no time flat but of course the damn lights weren't operating because of one tiny little burnt out bulb that took me half an hour to track down. I found a small stereo system in the den and hooked it up in the kitchen dining area, placing the speakers outside. I tuned into a classical music station and filled the afternoon air with Brahms, Mozart and Bach. I took a moment to admire my work, feeling good about myself.

It was just 3:00 and I decided to find out what type of meat was on the menu for this evening.

I didn't think we'd be serving any pig for the obvious reason.

I called out for Allison but there was no response and I wasn't about to go searching through the hundred rooms for her whereabouts. I discovered TBone Steaks, Filet Mignon, Ribeye and Sirloin Steaks along with a couple of bags of Short Ribs. I found a couple of large cookie sheets and laid out the beef cuts to marinate.

"I'm sorry I had to make a phone call. I didn't mean to abandon you Santiago. It looks absolutely enchanting and there's music with the lights working as well. You are an absolute angel. I knew the moment we met that you were a multitasker and resourceful."

"It's not any of my business but how were you planning on setting up, cooking and entertaining on your own?"

"Actually there's sort of this boyfriend guy that offered to lend a hand but he has a tendency to be somewhat bossy. After getting to know you a bit, I decided you were much better company. So I called him and told him I hired a service to assist me. He was a little angry pointing out he won't be attending since he wasn't needed. Just fine with me. Okay here's what's next on the list?"

She gave me the rundown on what time to serve hors d'oeuvres plus make cocktails and what time she wanted dinner to be served. I was feeling overwhelmed by how many tasks she expected me to perform. When I voiced my concern she informed me her daughter and a friend would be helping out as servers. I wasn't expected to do anything except cook Barbecue.

"Allison l'm concerned with explaining how we know each other, if anyone asks. I am sure the Texas Rangers Security Detail will inquire about my background."

"I thought about that as well and have an explanation if anyone asks. You're my cousin from Austin visiting for the week. I Shanghaied you to help out with the event. My daughter won't ask or even care so don't worry about her. Besides hon, I know all the Law Enforcement that will be here and they trust my judgement."

The steaks were marinating. I made a large Spinach Salad and started heating up the beans under a low heat.

"Well we did it! With an hour to spare before the guests begin to arrive. Join me in a glass of wine, it's a Sonoma Valley Merlot that is absolutely fabulous."

"I haven't had a drink in three years, it seems that alcohol and I have a complicated relationship. I'll take an orange soda."

"Okay I understand. But can you tell me if you don't mind, how you ended up where you are? You're intelligent, well mannered, good looking and humorous. Not the typical homeless person you run into every day. Why are you subjecting yourself to that type of life? I don't understand?"

"Allison I'd rather not get into the circumstances surrounding my current living conditions. If you're still interested, I'll tell you after the party."

"Okay fair enough. I'm going to take a shower and get dressed for the event. I'm not sure why but I trust you. My assumption is correct, you'll be a proper guest?"

"Absolutely."

The party was a success and everyone enjoyed the professionally barbequed steak cooked to their specifications. Rare, Medium Rare,Well Done, I performed like a Four Star Chef. Allison would occasionally flash an approving smile at me. She was quite the hostess laughing at jokes, not commenting on political issues and acting interested or sincere when others spoke. It was a little after 11:00 when the last guest left, along with her daughter and friend.

" I'll start cleaning up, sit down and relax. Would you like a glass of wine? I saved you the last of your Merlot."

"You doll. Yes I'd love a glass but only if you sit down and relax a short moment before we start cleaning up."

"Okay patrona (boss). But it's getting kinda late and I should be going soon." I mentioned while pouring a glass of wine.

"And I think our excursion in the Antique Automobile as you call it, will have to wait until some other time."

"I've got what I believe to be a magnificent idea hoping you agree of course." She slides closer to me on the sofa, biting her lower lip.

"How about if you stay…"

There's a faint knock at the front door accompanied by the sound of bells chiming and ringing. The doorbell sounds as though we're in the Vatican.

"Who in the Hell could that be?" She asks while heading to the hutch in the kitchen. She opens the door revealing six small televisions of a security surveillance system.

"What is he doing here?" She asks.

"Hey Carter, what's going on? It's sort of late." She speaks to the intercom.

"Can I please come in so we can talk for a minute?" A male voice replies.

"Okay, wait a second."

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

"Yes, this is the so-called boyfriend. Let me find out what he wants. I'll be right back."

I get up to take a look at the surveillance set up. I see her boyfriend standing outside the front entry on one of the T.V sets. For some reason I push the button on the intercom and I'm able to hear their conversation. I feel seemy but get over it quickly.

He's demanding that she let him in so he can explain his actions. She gives in and I can hear them coming my way.

They enter the living room where I'm sitting on the sofa. The boyfriend stops abruptly upon seeing me.

"Santiago, this is Carter. Carter, Santiago." Allison quick with the introduction.

I put out my hand to shake but he ignores my gesture and walks around me to sit next to Allison on the love seat.

"So I see it didn't take you long to go slumming. Where'd you find this character? I never took you for a slut but thanks for enlightening me." He expresses in a jealous tone.

"What did you call me?" Allison screams.

Now I know it was none of my concern. Why would I want to get involved in the affairs of a woman I had just met? Although I had become somewhat enamored with her. I knew it was a bad idea so of course I decided to take part in the discussion.

I interrupted Allison and addressed Carter directly in a calm yet threatening manner.

"Carter I don't know who raised you but I can't believe you weren't taught better manners. Now let me enlighten you sir, Allison and I are cousins. She invited me to come visit for a week because I just went through a horrible divorce. She felt it would be better for me to not be alone. I think you owe her an apology and then after that you should vamoose. I will not tolerate your disrespect any longer."

"Are you going to let this guy treat me like this?" He hollers at Allison.

"Don't raise your voice to her. It's time you leave. Unless you want this to turn into a physical confrontation. In that case you're not going to like the results. Now get Sir, now!"

I wasn’t at all threatened by Carter. He was partially bald sporting a more than a six pack a day beer belly. I felt confident this verbal confrontation wouldn't evolve into something physical. I saw fear in his eyes the moment I stood up to address his demeanor. He didn't appear to want to start a fight and he quickly turned toward Allison, ignoring me.

"I apologize for my rude behavior and would like a chance to make it up to you. Would you and your cousin like to go to the Cowboys game tomorrow? I have extra tickets and I've been invited by the Owner to sit in his private Skybox. What do you say?"

I'm shaking my head yes at Allison behind Carter's back

"I'll let you know in the morning. I'm totally exhausted right now and want to go to bed. Would that be okay?"

"Sure, it's the late game but let me know early please."

He bends over to give her a kiss. She quickly turns her head offering just her cheek.

He turns to me and puts out his hand to shake.

"I owe you an apology as well. I'm terribly sorry for the way I acted. You're right, I was raised much better than that."

" It's forgotten. Let me walk you out. Hope to be at the game with you tomorrow. Have a good night. Be careful." I close and lock the doors after he leaves.

"Well that was certainly entertaining." I say walking into the living room. " What do you have planned next?"

"Santiago, thank you for defending my honor. You're such a gentleman,I'm impressed and somewhat turned on. Come here next to me."

I sit down close to her and she puts her head to my ear.

"Before we were so rudely interrupted, I was going to propose that you spend the night." She whispered.

" I accept but only if I get the top bunk. I don't have any pajamas with me. So you know what that means? "

" You'll have to sleep in the nude?" She says while giggling.

"Yes and if I'm naked, you'll have to be naked too. Okay? It's a rule in the Sleepover Handbook."

"I don't want to break any rules. So okay. We can clean up tomorrow, I'm all worked up and anxious to get you into bed."

" Let me at least throw away all the leftover food outside. It'll draw all kinds of critters. It won't take but a couple of minutes. Sit down and relax. Finish drinking your wine and then we'll take a shower when I finish. Okay?"

"Hurry up. I got more than just groceries when shopping at the Winn Dixie today." Allison says in a sultry voice.

I had an incredibly wonderful time with Allison that evening. I didn't get to go to the game, which didn't bother me. I'm not a Cowboys fan anyway.

There was one thing that was somewhat bothering the entire evening. I couldn't figure out how I was going to give Jingles twenty five percent of my night with Allison. I drove the Porsche to my place in the Park and bid my farewell. We made a date for Wednesday night to play Bingo at the Moose Lodge.

"So you got my cut?" I hear Jingle's voice. Then see him waiting near my camp.

" Damn it. I left all my change in the flower vase in the Den. I'll call Allison and see if she can bring it by. Wait, ya know what? She did pay me fifty bucks. I can give you your twenty five percent of that. It comes to twelve fifty. Here's a Hamilton and a Lincoln, just take that and I'll give you the rest later."

" That's okay Romeo, don't worry about it. We'll call it even . It's Sunday and I'm headed over Saint Patrick's to work the Church crowd. Wanna tag along?"

"No, but thanks anyways. Catch you later this afternoon. Thanks Jingles."

I walk over the train tracks to my camp, hoping to catch up on some sleep.I become totally surprised at what I see

"Well look who we have here. What happened, did you bite the hand that was feeding you? Good to see you Boondocks. You look absolutely marvelous. And you can stay as long as you'd like. Did you miss me?"

He came running up with his tail wagging and then dropped a tennis ball at my feet.

"Just like old times huh Boondocks."

By Judge Santiago Burdon