Across The Table

All Rupert Payton was certain about was that every eye was on him except hers'. Guests were everywhere, moving around and through him, judging him but not seeing him. He surveyed the collective who had gathered for this congratulatory little soiree. Opposite was his sister, Lydia, who shared his striking red hair and was working her way up through the junior publishing ranks. Next to her was her boss, who had a dubious marital record and wanted to work his way up her leg. His moustache was twitching intently above his tremendous pile of trembling chins.