As Michael and Estelle shared a Thai dinner last night – thanks to a very gracious offer received by post – things continued to heat up between the odd couple. Michael caressed her hair, complimented her on her legs and gave her a head massage.
And all through their hands-on courtship, a bewildered Zoe perched like an awkward third-wheel was eventually forced to pry herself away from the pair. Complaining that her hair was greasy and that she was breaking out, Zoe crumpled like a sad panda into her redhead’s armpit, “You’re stunning Estelle,” she sighed.
Earlier in the afternoon, the country girl had made some head-way with the object of her affection by helping him make a pair of dashing nautical board shorts from the remnants of the Captain Quarter’s duffle bags. But, by the end of the evening, even Zoe could tell she was completely out of fashion.
Always on-trend, Benjamin finally emerged from the fog of Nomination fallout to weigh in on what had suddenly – and disturbingly – announced itself en vogue. “[Michael] said to me, ‘oh I don’t like her’,” House gossip Benjamin whispered conspiratorially to Stacey after-dark. “He said to me he doesn’t like her as a person. And now he’s like …” Benjamin dramatically rolled his eyes, mouth agape.
“Weird.com,” Stacey chimed.
“Oh I don’t mind,” Benjamin minded. “It’s not that I don’t like Estelle, it’s that he says ‘I hate her’ and ‘She’s annoying!’ and all this sort of stuff and then he’s like rubbing her and stuff. That’s something I just don’t like. ‘Cause Estelle’s gonna get outta here and she’s gonna watch everything and she’ll be like …” Again, he trailed off. Again, he pulled one of his trademark faces.
Stacey crinkled her nose in response. “I’d hate to be Estelle,” the funny gal decided.
“I think Estelle and Michael are playing with fire by doing this,” Benjamin set off again. “She just wants to be with everyone. And I don’t have a problem with it, I’m friends with people like Estelle and they feed off men. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But when you’re living with it twenty-four hours a day.”
“She’s like that with men,” Stacey said drolly. “She’s really full-on with Sam.” “Those people who have left haven’t liked her very much,” Benjamin pointed out. “Charne didn’t like her. Sarah hated her. Ray and George didn’t mind her but that they thought she was a bit weird.”
In the middle of the flamingos musings, Michael entered the Bedroom. “Did you have a nice date tonight?” Stacey cheekily probed.
“Disgust.” Benjamin ruled with finality to the genius’ face. “Michael I was sitting there and you were rubbing her hair!”
“I always make a point to rub people’s heads who are next to me,” Michael offered as a way of explanation. “Benjamin’s jealous!” Stacey joked.
“I just think it’s bad,” Doctor Benjamin diagnosed. But Michael wasn’t interested in his prescription, letting the comment roll off his back as he undressed for bed. But try as he might to will himself to sleep, it was no use. What was keeping him awake? Well, that’s anyone’s guess …