Christmas At Leo's - Memoirs Of A Houseboy Read Online Free PDF

handsome in black trousers and a fitted open-necked white shirt. The office would be empty apart from him, so there was no need to dress to impress in his usual suit and tie attire. Not that he didn’t look impressive, he did. It’s hard not to look impressive when you stand as tall as he does.
    “Morning, Gilli.” He sat down at the table before raising a domestic matter. “There are red wine stains all along the hall floor, did you see them?”
    “Yes. I bet it was overflow from Angela. She was pouring Shiraz down her pipe as if it were tap water. She must have a stomach with the capacity of a sherry barrel. I’ll clean them off later.” I poured a cup of black coffee and placed it in front of him.
    “Thank you.” He glanced at me as he sprinkled sugar on his porridge. “What’s wrong with your face this morning?”
    “Acne!” I snapped. “I’m sorry if it offends you.”
    “You snippy little beggar.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m not talking about your skin. I’m talking about the dour look you’re modelling. You’re just out of bed and already you’re scowling.”
    The toaster saved me from replying by popping its load. I retrieved the slices and cut them into triangles, racking them and putting them on the table with his boiled eggs.
    “Have you had your meds?”
    “Yes. It’s why I have acne.”
    “Why aren’t you eating with me this morning?”
    “I’m not hungry yet. I’ve had a cup of tea.”
    “A cup of tea is no substitute for food. Make sure you eat breakfast with Dick when he gets up.”
    “I will.”
    “Good boy.”
    I was on the tip of my tongue to say ‘whatever’ but I decided I wasn’t ready to greet death. Silence fell. He ate his breakfast. I unloaded the dishwasher and put the pots away before loading it up again with party glassware from the night before. He asked for another cup of coffee. I obliged.
    “I’ll probably be home by five tonight. I’ll let you know if I’m going to be any later.” He picked up his cup and took a sip of coffee. “Keep dinner plain and light, soup and a salad will do. No wine. We’ll be indulging enough over the next few days.”
    “Some more than others.” I muttered under my breath.
    “Pardon?” His voice sharpened.
    “Nothing.”
    He set his cup back on the saucer. “Go back to bed for a couple of hours, cub. Have a cuddle with Dick. He’ll welcome you with open arms.”
    “Yeah, and his third leg as well. I haven’t got time. The house won’t clean itself. I’ve got presents to drop off and I’m visiting my mum.”
    “I’m sure you can spare half an hour.” He took a few more sips of coffee and then stood up. “I’d better get going.” He gave me a critical look. “Work on sweetening your attitude. I want to see a smile decorating your face when I get home tonight.”
    “Instead of spots you mean.”
    His patience snapped with an almost audible twang. I sucked air as he sat down again, pulling me with him so hard that my arse contacted his lap with the force of a slap. He presented a finger to my face.
    “That’s enough shit stirring provocation from you, little boy. I know what mire this frame of mind is rooted in. I’m not discussing it with you. You live by our rules regardless of whether you think they’re fair or unfair, right or wrong.” He applied a harsh slap to the top of my right thigh. “If you’re still sour faced and snarling when I get home tonight I will punish you. Is that clear?”
    I nodded, rubbing at the portion of thigh he had slapped.
    “Good.” Grasping my chin, he placed a firm kiss on my lips, pushed me off his lap and stood up. “I’ll see you this evening. Have a nice day. Give my best regards to your mother. I’ve left some money on the chest of drawers in the bedroom. Buy her some flowers from us all, a special Christmas arrangement.”
    “Thank you, Daddy.” I managed a smile.
    “That’s better. Smiles suit you better than scowls.”
    He kissed me again and I