“Why is that so horrible? Go and see what it’s like. You might love it.”
“That’s exactly why I can’t go.” Mattie took the cloth from Clara’s hand and wiped a grease spot she’d missed. “Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of owning land in Charris County? — Of reclaiming what my father lost? The Flint Hills are my heritage. I thought I could convince Gil that California was a mistake — that he belonged here. Instead, I find myself being drawn deeper and deeper into his world.”
“You’re falling for the guy.”
Mattie’s gaze locked on Clara’s. “I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. I know the symptoms. When you’re with him, your dreams seem less important.”
“That’s exactly why I didn’t go with him.”
Clara laid her hand on Mattie’s. “Did you stop to consider how much that might have hurt him? Think about it. He has no one to share this moment with.”
Mattie’s resolve weakened.
“The Lord tells us he won’t put more on us than we can bear,” Clara said — as though Mattie needed to be reminded.
“It’s too late. Even if I did change my mind, his retirement party is tomorrow night. I have no plane ticket and nothing to wear.”
Clara smiled and Mattie cringed. She’d seen that look before.
Her friend took three steps behind the counter and returned with a thick, metropolitan phonebook. “The number for the airport ought to be in there.” She handed it to Mattie. “And hanging in my closet happens to be a fabulous dress that’s never been worn. I bought it on sale last year, hoping to lose enough weight to fit into it. That didn’t happen, but I bet it’d fit you like a glove.”
THIRTY-FOUR
GIL PAID THE VALET, THEN GAZED UP AT THE MARK HOPKINS HOTEL on Nob Hill. The team had rented the Top of the Mark for this party, a swanky lounge on the nineteenth floor with a near 360-degree view of the San Francisco skyline.
Too bad he wasn’t in a mood to celebrate.
He checked his tie and ascended the steps. His black suit confined his shoulders, and his shirt collar threatened to strangle him. As he stepped through the revolving doors, Charlie met him in the hotel lobby.
“Hey, guy.” His friend affectionately cuffed him on the neck. “I hardly recognized you in those duds.”
“Yeah, you either. I bet your wife likes the shiny shoes.” Gil pointed to the designer lace-ups and relaxed a bit.
“You here alone?”
“Is there a better way to be?” He didn’t need Mattie’s company to enjoy the night. This was his party, held in his honor. No way was he going to let a woman spoil the moment. He’d have fun if it killed him.
“Don’t let Linda hear that. She’ll be all over you with a list of women a mile long.” Charlie laughed mischievously. “There are some real lookers upstairs, but I doubt they’d be on Linda’s list — if you know what I mean.”
Gil tapped the button to the elevator. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
They reached the top in seconds. Gil stepped out into a swarm of mingling guests clothed in more black suits and sequined gowns. Makeup adorned the women’s faces, their lips bold and shiny, hair sleek and long or arranged on top of their heads with curls streaming down. He noticed one lady with long red spirals, and his heart thumped against his chest at the reminder of the doc.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our guest of honor has arrived,” Johnson said and handed him a glass of champaign. At this, several of his teammates whistled from the bar and the guests applauded. From that moment on, Gil couldn’t take a step without a lady clinging to his arm or someone trying to monopolize his time with conversation. Despite his determination to enjoy the party, his resolve started to crumble under the onslaught.
Right on cue, Charlie latched onto his elbow and pulled him through the crowd.
“I don’t know how much of this I’ll be able to take.” Gil deposited his drink on an empty tray as he passed by. “I might have to duck out early.”
Charlie glanced back with his ever-present grin firmly in place. “The night’s young. It’ll get better.” He led Gil to a table where several of the boys and their wives and girlfriends sat. Charlie’s wife gave a slight wave and indicated for Gil to sit beside her.
“You look very debonair this evening,” Linda teased.
Gil squeezed her hand. “You clean up pretty swell yourself.” He noted her