On call nearly all of his waking hours, Jeffrey is the humble servant of a one of the richest families in Bel Air, California. Over the years he has developed a rather saucy attitude toward his job. Although he is dedicated to this family, he often lets loose with some of the best one liners in history. However, one could say this is how he maintains his sanity, putting up with the family's needs and antics. As an African American employee of a family of the same persuasion, he does not necessarily give an air of distinction, other than the generous salary he receives. He is adamant about going off duty at 9 PM and having his one day off each week because he knows that his good service to this family entitles him to it. He walks away into his own modest indulgences when the bell rings, so to speak. However, it is Friday and this weekend the family has plans, all except for Hilary of course. She is still in mourning over the loss of her fiancé. She will be remaining at home. He will get the weekend off anyway, starting late this afternoon, and all the way until Monday morning. He is thrilled at the opportunity to perhaps take in a show, or even just sleep in. Because of this, he has that extra spring in his step this afternoon.
"I don't care Will...Carlton, be on your best behavior up there," Philip warns.
"Well Dad, the ski slopes are open late for night skiing, however if we get up there early enough we'll be snug in bed on time and rested for the next day, right Will?" Carlton says.
Will looks around knowing he is going to cause his uncle's blood to boil but he can't help his mannerisms. He has never held back and doesn't see any reason to start.
"Early to bed maybe. But I dunno 'bout early to sleep...Know what I'm sayin?" He says to Carlton, "Yeah you know...well maybe not."
"Well I like to read before I sleep," Carlton says, obviously not catching on, "Sometimes if I stop in a particularly good part it's hard for me to doze off."
"That's cool," Will says as he put his hands on Carlton's shoulder, "Yep...all the more honeys for me."
"Just be careful Will," Philip adds.
"And don't bring anything back with you that would require washing all the linens in the house," Jeffrey sasses.
"Yo G," Will grins, "Come with us. You've been around. Could probably teach Carlton a few moves."
"Well I would like him to teach me the Ruy Lopez opening Chess move so I can use it in Chess club. That would really shock them," Carlton says.
"Somehow I don't think that's the move he had in mind, Master Carlton," Jeffrey adds.
"Well anything you can teach me would be great," Carlton says with enthusiasm.
"He's a blank slate man," Will chuckles, "You sure you won't come along?"
"I thank you Will, but I plan to catch up on some reading, and take in a show," Jeffrey answers.
"Ok man," Will shrugs.
"Philip, I'm ready," Vivian announces as she enters the kitchen.
"Woah Aunt Viv!" Will remarks about her obvious taste in outfits.
"Thank you Will," she smiles.
"Ready," Philip says as he stands up from the table.
"Yo, Uncle Phil, you not gonna finish that?" Will grins looking down at a half finished meal, "Feeling alright?"
"Feeling good enough to tell you to stay here for the weekend," Philip counters.
"Well I, you..." Will stutters, "Hey, good choice...save room for all the good foods on...the airplane...yeah."
"Sir, do you want me to save this for you," Jeffrey asks, "I know it's your favorite."
"No Jeffrey," Philip answers, then thinks for a moment, "Well yes...save it."
"Heaven forbid any food gets wasted in this house," Jeffrey sasses.
"Come on Philip," Vivian coaxes as she walks toward the front door, "Jeffrey please look in on Hilary once in a while."
"Ok ok," Philip says as he hurries along.
"Yes madam," Jeffrey answers.
The kids and Jeffrey say their goodbyes as the parents leave the house. As soon as the Taxi begins to drive away, Will begs Carlton to hurry along too. In his impatience, it only takes him a moment to drag him by the ear to the garage. The family Mercedes soon speeds out of the driveway. Jeffrey breathes a sigh of relief. He knows he will probably have to fix a meal for Hilary at least once this weekend but he had been told to take the weekend off. He has every intention to do so.
The high paid butler hums a happy tune as he does a quick cleanup of the kitchen and heads up the stairs to put on some casual attire in order to enjoy a few hours out at the pool. He intends to enjoy every minute of his weekend. First though climbing the stairs to Hilary's room, he knocks lightly on the door.
"Miss Hilary," he says softly, "Might I prepare something for you?"
"No Jeffrey," was all she says, but as he was walks away she speaks again, "Thank you though."
"If you need anything Miss Hilary I will be resting near the pool, but can stop anytime if you get hungry," Jeffrey adds.
"Thanks," she says quietly.
Jeffrey sighs as he walks toward his room. He feels bad for her, but Mrs. Banks thinks she needs to be left alone until she is ready to move on or at least talk about it. He understands this, but after being this family's right hand for so long, it's difficult to sit back and wait.
Upon returning to his room, Jeffrey carefully puts away his uniform in order to change into some swimming shorts. Leaving his room he grabs a towel and a T-shirt that Will got him last Christmas that says, 'Home butler' on it, and heads outside. Grabbing the Wall Street Journal sitting on the breakfast table he exits the back kitchen door. Upon reaching the pool, he finds the most comfortable lounge chair, sits down and opens the newspaper. A big relaxed smile forms on his face.
Jeffrey thumbs through the newspaper aimlessly. Realizing that he is off duty, it doesn't seem to hold his interest. Tossing the paper beside him on the cement surrounding this fine in-ground pool, he closes his eyes a moment and sighs, enjoying the time off. But suddenly he remembers an indulgence he does not get often. Looking over at the pool, he smiles knowing it seems so inviting, mainly because he sees it as unavailable to him when the house is full of people. He has been told to use it any time he is off duty, but it has always seemed most inappropriate.
Standing up, he stretches, then slowly lowers himself into the pool. Under water in an instant, he comes back up closing his eyes as he paddles backward. Thinking lazily, he remarks inwardly that he might have to take this indulgence more often during his off time. But just as he begins to enjoy his time, things begin to change.
"Miss Hilary!" he exclaims as he submerges himself up to his neck.
His reaction is as much of a surprise at her presence as it is with what she is wearing. Rarely paying any attention to the pool while he is working, he doesn't notice what his employers wear out here. Instinctively and without thinking, he looks her over. Standing before him casting a shadow in what he thinks is a very nice red two piece bathing suit, she speaks to him.
"Oh Jeffrey, you're going to give yourself a heart attack or something," She snaps.
"My apologies Miss Hilary," He says politely and reaches for his towel, "I shall retire to my room, as you are now here to enjoy the pool."
"Oh Jeffrey I don't care if you're here," She says and walks over to another lounge chair, "Even you need a day off."
