The Peacock 1409

"Have you and Francois thought any more of working with us." "We only need to know when we should start." "Are you okay with waiting another couple of weeks? We are going to be in a lot of meetings with Stella." "Stella?" "Our visitor from Amsterdam. She is at our table right now. "that's her over there?", and rather weakly I am gesturing vaguely in her direction. "That's right. She used to do sex work in Amsterdam, yers ago, and she has some rather refreshing perspectives on integrating harm reduction and support with rehab, education and rescue. We are very excited about her being on board with us." Chuck must have caught the panicked, frightened look that must surely be all over my face right now. "Chris, are you alright?" "Oh yes. I'm fine." "Cynthia", calls Chuck. "A stroke of luck. Christoher is here right now and he can drive you back to his place for lunch today." "Hello Christopher", she calls back. "Do come and join us if you'd like. " Stella doesn't appear to notice or care to notice that I am here. Which is really a relief...