Read Online Eat Me by Linda Jaivin - Free Book Online Page B

outsize chandelier illuminating the galley where busy chefs tossed colourful dishes in flaming woks, and squirmed to get comfortable in the aesthetically impeccable but ergonomically impossible metal seat. Julia bounced in about five minutes after Helen, swung her bag onto the floor beside the table and apologised for being late.
    The waiters were the creme de la creme of the Thai gym queen crowd. One sashayed over to their table. He presented them with a menu with a gestural flourish that would not have been out of place in the court of Louis XIV.
    â€˜No wonder Chantal likes this place,’ Julia giggled after the waiter had taken their drink orders. ‘Gay boy heaven.’
    Over the entrees, fat parcels of banana leaves wrapped around microscopic chunks of chicken, Julia told Helen that she had decided to do a series of photographs on the theme of PMT as a way of creatively processing the outburst of the other day. They talked about the kind of images that she might try to capture, of female rage and despair, that would convey the full weirdness of being in thrall to one’s hormones, and yet not demean women in any way or imply that they were, well, in thrall to their hormones.
    As their dishes arrived—chicken with cashews, stir-fried beef with coconut milk and green vegetable curry—Helen silently debated whether or not to tell Julia about her own encounter of a different hormonal kind. Before she had a chance to say anything, Julia confided that the boy she’d been out with the other night was really turning out to be something special. They had seen each other twice since then, she said, and the sex was fantastic.
    â€˜Sounds like a relationship to me,’ Helen marvelled.
    â€˜Oh, I wouldn’t go that far,’ countered Julia. ‘Or rather, I’d go that far, but I’m not so sure he would. He’s young and doesn’t like the idea of being tied down. Once, I brought up the subject of commitment. He yawned and said, “Isn’t that a movie about an Irish rock band?” I didn’t feel like pursuing it after that. He doesn’t even like to make plans more than three days ahead of time. Never mind. He’s a major babe. And it’s the nineties after all. I feel lucky to have found a man who actually wants to have sex. You know, sperm counts are falling all around the globe. It’s a real worry.’
    â€˜It’s often said that another reason people aren’t having sex is for fear of catching AIDS,’ Helen said. ‘Personally I think it’s also for fear of catching a relationship. I think a lot of people, men in particular, look on relationships as potentially fatal conditions as well. But back to your spunkrat. He sounds great. And he’s not bothered by the age difference?’
    â€˜Doesn’t seem to be,’ Julia answered. She had neglected to mention the Sunset Boulevarde episode. After all, when she read him the riot act over his ongoing Norma Desmond jokes, he’d finally dropped the subject.
    â€˜Super,’ Helen approved. Julia asked if there was any romance on her horizon, and how things were going with Sam.
    â€˜Oh, things aren’t really “going” at all. I don’t know.’
    â€˜I reckon you should make a move, Hellie. Jump his bones.’
    â€˜I don’t think so, Jules. Not Sam. If it works out at all, it’s going to be one of those relationships like risotto, that needs a long cooking time and just a trickle of emotional stock poured in at a time.’
    â€˜I suppose I’ve always been a fast-food girl myself,’ chuckled Julia. ‘But you must give me your risotto recipe someday.’
    A young executive type with an Armani suit and a gold earring entered the restaurant. He stood just inside the door surveying the scene. When he was satisfied that he had been noticed by everyone, he sat down at the table next to Julia and Helen. He pulled his mobile phone out