what now

Oliver knew what he'd seen. That girl came back to Jules' room. He knew of her. She seemed sweet on Derrick. Not a day didn't go by when she'd come to buy something at the shop just to see Derrick. But what was Jules doing with her?

Oliver's eyes lit. He could only think of one thing. This was not part of the deal, being, Jules' blasted baby sitter. But they went through the regular process of the early morning. Getting the goods ready for those who came in for their daily dose of what he had to give them, ranging from scones, short breads and even a cheese cake or two he might put together the day before.

Finally, Oliver had to know. He hated to ask, but he felt it was his duty.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Oliver brought him tea as they took a break near the kitchen.

"No." Jules went to his tea as if he could have swam in it. He looked so sleepily and tired. For all Oliver knew..maybe that girl was still there.

"Did you..God, is she still up your room?" Oliver braced for the worst.

"Oh, you saw her?" Jules looked a tad pissed that Oliver knew. "No." Jules cracked a laugh. "She's in school."

"Precisely." Oliver looked at Jules wide-eyed as if he better come clean.

"Well..she's.." He gritted then. "She is fuckable."

"But did you?" Oliver didn't want to make this an issue. This girl was 16. Derrick's age.

"No." Jules winced a scowl as if he knew better.

"She's too young for you." Oliver informed him. There could be consequences.

"All right." Jules looked at him as if he were a bit disgusted. Perhaps with himself. He sipped his tea.

"What did you do with her? Read her poetry?" Oliver questioned.

Suddenly, Jules sprayed his hot tea across the table, barely missing Oliver. He coughed as if Oliver had set him up for the truth.

"We ..we just touched..all right." Now Jules eyes were bigger and wider. It was as if he wanted Oliver to tell him that was OK, but Oliver didn't.