"He's awful excited, the Judge," Morton said slapping his hands together. "You want me to get you two something? Maybe a lemonade or coffee or--"
"No, nothing, Morton. I want to make this quick," Kenneth said. Morton nodded.
"Well, I'll be around if you need something."
"You always were," Kenneth said. "It's good to see you, Morton," Kenneth added, warming slightly. Morton's eyes watered.
"And good to see you. He talks about you all the time, Mr. Kenneth. There isn't a day that goes by."
"Okay," Kenneth said, turning to me. "Let's do this." 1 followed and we crossed the lawn toward the caterers and Judge Childs.
"Hello," the Judge said, his eyes on Kenneth. Kenneth barely acknowledged him with a small nod.
"I haven't got much time for this," he said quickly. "Oh. Well, let's get right to it, then. James will tell us the menu and how he wants to set up the serving tables. He suggests we have tables inside and outside the tent, but all the food inside. Is that right, James?"
The short, neatly groomed man smiled.
"Yes, Judge Childs. I think that would work. I will have three tables for the entrees: lobster, shrimp, prime roast and duckling, flounder and bass. We will have two long tables for the salads and vegetables and of course, three Viennese desert tables. I suggest we keep the bar outside the tent. It always makes it less complicated when the liquid refreshment is away from the food," he added. "We will, however, have staff bringing glasses of champagne to everyone."
"How's that menu sound?" the Judge asked. Kenneth was staring at the dock, a distracted expression on his face.
"Fine with me," he muttered.
"Now to the decorations," James resumed. "I thought a bouquet of our emperor tulips, jonquils and some daffodils on every table. I would like to suggest a doorway of roses as an entrance to the tent and--"
"This isn't a wedding," Kenneth snapped. He glanced at me for confirmation.
"I think just some flowers on the tables is enough," said. James nodded with disappointment.
"I didn't know what to do about music," the Judge said. "James here suggested a trio. I thought we could set up a small stage for them over there," he pointed just to the right of the tent. "I'll get one of those portable dance floors and--"
"We don't need people dancing," Kenneth said.
"No? Okay. We'll just have some music. I just thought . . . but if you think that's a bit much."
"The whole thing's a bit much," Kenneth said and walked toward the dock.
Everyone watched him in silence.
"He's just a little nervous about the showing,"
I explained.
"Of course," the Judge said. "Well then, James can show us the colors he chose for the tablecloths and napkins."
"They're right in here," he said, gesturing just inside the tent. I followed and looked over his suggestions for interior decorations with crepe paper, balloons and tinsel. I thought it was all spectacular. The Judge was pleased.
"I'll have valet parking, of course. Let's just hope for good weather. Well now, what's left to do?" he questioned, his eyes gazing after Kenneth.
The caterer rattled off a half dozen things, but the Judge had lost interest.
"It might not be a bad idea for you two to talk before all this," I suggested softly. He glanced at me and nodded.
"Yes, I suppose you are right."
He looked tired, old and unsure of himself. Kenneth stood on the dock looking out at the ocean.
"Let me speak with him first," I said. The Judge looked relieved. I hurried over the lawn and joined Kenneth.