Free Dudes Down Under by Suzannah Burke

really mean that, don’t you?”
    “ Why so surprised?”
    “ I don’t know. It’s just ... well, yeah, I suppose you’re right. Why not? Anyone else would have to go. I guess fame is just not as important here, is it? You know something, Lucy, that is so damned refreshing.”
    “ Refreshing? I don’t know about that. It’s just the way we are.”
    “ So, enough already. Let’s go eat.”
    “ I’m with you, Lana. Lead the way.”
    The two women walked off together, still chatting and laughing. They were being closely observed.
    Kylie Andrews was not happy. She was not happy at all.
     
     

Chapter 9
     
    Skeet wandered out to the Bar-B-Q area, closely followed by Cyril. They both attracted a lot of attention, for different reasons.
    Skeet was almost too good looking for his own good but he had no idea what he was doing to the female pulse rates in the room.
    Cyril, on the other hand, was making pulses race for very different reasons. Even in his tux t-shirt, there was no disguising the fact that he was a very large crocodile. Cyril wasn’t at all concerned. He’d been fed and was looking forward to his beer and some good music.
    Look at these women - hubba-hubba. Man, they breed ‘em beautiful over there. What I wouldn’t give for a cuddle or three with Izzy Jones, or any of these other ladies. Mmm … except maybe that Vanessa Dayton. She looked like she could freeze hell over without workin’ up a sweat. Talk about ice-maiden. I wonder what that means. How could ya have a maiden made of ice, unless the place is called Ice and then ‘made in ice’ would make sense. Whoa, that’s deep. I’ll have another beer and ponder that one.
    Skeet headed for the microphone. “Hey, this is a great turnout.   Looks like most of you Yanks decided to have a go at the food. Who tried the croc steaks? Don’t be bashful. Cyril is cool. He knows it isn’t his family, doncha, Cyril?”
    Cyril belched good and loud, ensuring everyone thought he agreed with Skeet. Just hurry up with my beer. Enough of this play-the-crowd bullshit!
    “ All right, that’s great, most of you have tried them. Was anyone game enough to eat the witchity grub stew?” No hands were raised to that question. Skeet laughed. “Smart people. I’ve never even tried that one. Enjoy the remainder of your evening, folks. The band will be on shortly. They play requests, so if you've got a favorite, don’t hesitate to ask. Not you, Cyril!” Cyril was thumping his tail and grunting. “I know what you wanna hear, mate. Later, okay? C’mon, I’ll get ya a beer or ten. Oh folks, one more thing. If ya wanna buy my mate Cyril here a drink, please go ahead. But only beer, okay.   That Jack Daniels stuff gave him the mother of all hangovers. Trust me, he was one unhappy croc!”
     
    *  *  *
     
    Sidney Sheridan sat sulking at one end of the bar. God, these people were boring. Even those on the A list that she had been hanging to meet didn’t seem terribly exciting.
    I guess that’s the problem. They’re all as jaded as I am, except most of them are game enough to do something about it. Why bother? It’s easier to just sit back and allow others to entertain me. She glanced around her. Let me see now, whom can I have some fun with? Hmm, that silly receptionist … what was her name again? Yes, she could provide some entertainment for a short while.
    “ Lucy, I said casual dress for the dance. I did, didn’t I?” Didi asked as she sat herself down.
    Lucy laughed delightedly at Didi’s facial expression. “Yes you did, Didi. To these people this is casual. They are wearing designer label casual, that’s the only difference.”
    “ Yeah, the only difference. Right, gotcha, Luce. When did you last have an eye test, mate?”
    Lucy laughed again. She was enjoying the spectacle of watching some of the most famous faces and bodies in the world enjoying themselves on her dance floor. She sighed contentedly. Most of these people appeared to be having