I sat in a
circle of other men, most of whom had their needs tended to by statuesque women in
tight, revealing clothing. One man sat at the “head” of the table with a
gold-bound gavel. I was dressed in the expensive suit I had bought just for
coming into the Fairhaven Club, which I only did when absolutely necessary.
My
membership had first been bought by Max Auron to conduct business, but had been
perpetuated by Nikki, which was why I was here, today.
Two
ceremonial raps of the gavel by the chairman. “Let us come to the last order of
business.” He added an unhealthy cough, reminding me of the age of everyone
here.
The
white-haired and balding men grumbled among their ranks, while the younger
crowd looked determined.
“Once
again, the issue has been raised whether to open membership to women. Having
heard all discussions, I call the vote. Is there a second?”
Several men
quickly chimed in with their “Second.”
“Point of
order, Mr. Chairman.” The young man three down from me stood for emphasis. “I
object to this vote being held in the absence of our sole female member, Ms.
Alexander.”
Grumbles
from the old guard started to rise and the younger started speaking loudly, but
the gavel cut off the uprising before it become a full-on shouting match.
“Your
objection is overruled Mr. Hansen. Mr. Allen, there,” he pointed at me with the
gavel, “carries Ms. Alexander’s proxy.”
That caught
Hansen completely off-guard as he slapped the table for dramatic effect, then
opened his mouth and stared at me, dumbfounded.
“I withdraw
my objection,” he finally got out.
Beside me,
one of the men nodded in my direction.
“All in
favor,” the chairman said.
Hands went
up on the side of the younger men, but not mine.
The
friendly nod before turned into a scowl.
“All
against?”
I raised my
hand.
“Ayes 9,
nays 10. The issue is denied,” the chairman announced, tapping the gavel. “You
and your allies may bring the issue again according to the bylaws, Mr. Hansen.”
Hansen and
his allies stormed out as the older crowd passed congratulations among
themselves.
I shook my
head and walked out, wanting to be away from the idiocy of the Fairhaven Club.