I Burped

"Billy," he said, addressing me in a condescending tone, as was his usual persona around me in the clubhouse, "You burped."

Despite stating the obvious, I held back my witty retort concerning one of fiction's greatest detectives, I simply replied in earnest, "So I did." And left it at that.

Brandon was always one for confrontation, whether it be trivial or not. He became somewhat of a nuisance after I established my reputation in the Gentlemen's Club, but Envy always plays her hand when another shines above her. In this somewhat awkward moment, I felt even more annoyed at his silence, so I felt compelled to pile on the comeback.
"An apt observation, Watson."

It appears I could not hold back from using characters from literature, but I held true to refusing to mention Holmes. At least I would hold out a little bit longer. That was the plan, anyways.

"You insolent fool," Brandon said, becoming more annoyed, "Your reputation won't last. You can be Mr. Grajeda's pet for only so long. Mark my words, Billy. Mark. My. Words."

And with that, he stormed off out of the lounge, obviously a miff about our conversation. He'll be back. He always came back, and that is what made HIM the fool.

At that moment, a fellow club member approached me. He was the messenger for Mr. Grajeda, which meant only one thing...

"Mr. Parker," Phillip said, "Mr. Grajeda has requested your presence in his office."
"Thank you, Phillip. I'll be on my way, then." I responded.

I got up, and made my way to the second floor. I'm not sure why he wants to see me so suddenly, but I don't want to get on his bad side so soon. I want to maintain my status as long as  I can, but maybe fate will have me fall already.

I made it to the door of Mr. Grajeda's office. I knocked and announced my arrival.
"Mr. Grajeda," I announced, attempting to sound as suave as possible, "You requested me?"
A hearty call came from inside, "Yes, my boy! Do come in, the door is unlocked!"

"Very well, sir." I opened the door to find Mr. Grajeda getting up from his grand leather armchair behind the desk. He had a beaming smile on his face, and held out his hand for a friendly handshake.

"Billy Parker, I apologize for calling on you so suddenly," He said, shaking my extended hand, "but something came up and needed our attention. Please, have a seat!"

He motioned to a chair opposite his armchair and desk. I assumed my seat and asked the only inquiry I had, "Sir, what is this about?"

"Well, my boy," Mr. Grajeda said almostly solemnly, "It appears that someone has burped in the lounge."

I blinked.

"You called me up here for that?" I said, feeling annoyed, but hid with curiosity.
"It does seem trivial, doesn't it? But I wanted to ask if you know who did it?"

I didn't want to lie to Mr. Grajeda. But I was also nervous as to why he would ask about something so unimportant. I told the truth, just to be safe.

"I did, sir. I'm the man that burped in the lounge."

"So you are!" Mr. Grajeda boomed, a hearty laugh following.

"How did you even know about this?" I inquired.

"Word travels fast, and I must say, my boy, I am impressed!"

I didn't know what to say. Mr. Grajeda was a strange man, but a brilliant one. And it was also in this moment that I realized that Mr. Grajeda was also an idiot.