Davey split open the pomegranate, the tear-shaped seeds spilling out, red and glistening in the light. It promised a sharp, sweet flavor. He could taste it in his mouth, could feel the way each seed would explode, releasing its burst of flavor.
It wasn't his to eat, though, and Davey bit his lower lip to keep from licking it as he painstakingly removed the seeds from their web of thin, white flesh. When that one was done, there were fifty or so others in the cooler, waiting their turn.
There was a statue of Persephone carved in ice that was to be the centerpiece, the pomegranate seeds were meant to spill out around her feet. They'd be delicious so cold from sitting on the ice. It was the centerpiece for the buffet; the only things meant to outshine it were the grooms and the wedding cake, which carried through the pomegranate theme as well. Of course when he'd designed the Persephone piece, he hadn't pictured himself being stuck loosening all the seeds.
Darren and Peter had better appreciate it. Especially given he was throwing this particular wedding reception for free--his gift for his friends. Davey wasn't sure if they knew just how big a gift this was. He usually charged people a whole lot of money to plan their weddings, and that was before you added in the actual cost of the food and accessories.
But Darren and Peter had been good to him, taking him in when coming out to his family had proved disastrous. Sixteen, scared, and all alone, Peter had found him trying to turn tricks on the street and had taken him under one wing, bringing him home to Darren who'd stripped him, shoved him in the shower, and then tucked him into bed. He probably owed them his life and what was a little thing like a reception compared to that?
Pomegranates finally done, he fluttered around the rest of the place, making sure his instructions had been followed to the letter by the reception hall and catering staff. The hall itself looked lovely: deep red roses in pale pink vases sat in the middle of every table, red ribbons draped over the backs of each chair, wine glasses with Darren and Peter's names and the date on them, also in red, waited patiently to be filled with wine, and a disposable camera sat at every place setting.
The buffet tables weren't anywhere near ready, but as the ceremony wasn't for another couple of hours, that didn't stress him. Yet. He did head to the kitchen to check on the chef and see how the delicious meal he'd planned was coming along, though. Just because it was too early to start stressing the matter, didn't mean he couldn't make sure things were running smoothly.
The aromas that hit him as he entered the long kitchen were glorious and he stood for a moment in the doorway, happily breathing it all in.
Luc laughed from halfway down the room, wiping his hands on a dishcloth and heading for him. "Look at you, standing in the doorway like a bumpkin."
He stuck his tongue out at Luc. The chef had been with him since he'd opened his wedding planner business several years ago. Brilliant in the kitchen, Luc had been unable to make a name for himself on his own. Now he was in high demand thanks to his amazing skills in the kitchen and Davey's now booming business.
"No drooling on my food," Luc warned, going back to the stove and stirring a huge pot. Luc took a little spoon from his pocket and gathered up a bit of the sauce, moaning and smacking his lips at what he tasted.
"I won't drool on it if you won't tease me so." He went over to Luc, opening his mouth expectantly. Anything that merited that kind of moan had to taste good.
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