Chapter 6

      “Miss Alice, I know you mean well, but—”

      “No, no ifs, ands or buts, Charlene. I promised your grandfather that I’d watch over you, make sure you don’t get swallowed up by that ranch. You’re going to the dance.”

      Charli jumped up from the comfy rocker in the living room and began to pace the hardwood floors. “Let’s do something else,” she suggested, switching the phone to her other ear. “Go into the city for shopping or lunch.”

      “I’ve suggested that, remember? Two or three times. Hasn’t happened.”

      “Next week, promise.”

      “The dance. Tonight.” Amid Charli’s continued sulking, Alice continued, “How can you even think about not attending the Days of Paradise Ball? This is the one time of year that all of the residents get together, the one time that we celebrate the founding of our town.”

      “I entered cattle in the farm animal contest.”

      “All well and good, but the dance is the main event. You’ve got to come.”

      “I don’t have anything to wear!” It was Charli’s long shot, banking on a short memory.

      “Nonsense, you have that beautiful dress I ordered for you last month.” So much for that hope. Alice’s memory was fine. “You tried it on at my house, remember? It fit you perfectly.”

      “Miss Alice, you know how I feel about these types of events, and the people who will be attending.”

      “Yes, and it’s high time you change those feelings. You can try and deny it as much as you want to but this is where you belong. Your mother—”

      “Is she the one behind all this?” Charli stopped in her tracks. “Will she be there?”

      “Charlene, I know you and your mother have had your share of differences.” Charli let out an unladylike snort. “But she really does love you.”

      “Oh, really? Is that why she abandoned me for her lover? Is that why I spent so much time with Grandpa Charles growing up?”

      “Did you not like spending time with Charles?”

      “You know I loved Gramps. That’s not the point.”

      “I hope you can resolve these feelings of ill will, child. Pierre is now your stepfather.”

      “That man will never be anything to me.”

      “Your mother will not be there, Charlene.”

      “I wish you’d call me Charli.”

      “Charlene is a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. It’s that feminine side of you that gets far too little attention. I want you to let her out tonight. With me. At the dance.”

      Charli sighed. “You’re just not going to quit bugging me, are you?”

      “Sure I will. Just as soon as you get here. Say, around seven?”

      “What time does the party start?”

      “Nine. But you need time to get ready.”

      “How long does it take to put on a dress?”

      “We need our girl time. I have someone coming over for our hair and makeup. See you in about two hours?”

      “If you insist.”

      “I do.”

      * * *

      Warren stood in the middle of his walk-in closet, staring at what he called his monkey suits and wishing for the umpteenth time that he hadn’t picked up the phone. He recalled the conversation.

      “I had other plans for tonight, Mother.”

      That those plans were a delivered pizza and early bedtime need not be shared.

      “I reminded you about the table for ten we purchased two weeks ago,” his mother had countered. You promised you’d come.”

      “I don’t remember.”

      “You were on your way out the door. But you agreed.”

      “Great.”

      “The money made from the sale of tables is for a good cause. We’re going to build a combination food bank and donation center somewhere in town. Everyone goes to the Days of Paradise gala, Warren. Besides, you’ve been working too hard lately. And there’s a surprise.”

      Oh, here we go. “Who is she?”

      He grimaced at his mother’s tinkling chuckle, grating because of what was sure to come next.

      “Rachel’s home.”

      “So now we get to the real reason for all this prodding.”

      “Surprised you need it for such a beautiful girl, or rather, young woman. She’s even more stunning than when she left to finish her senior year. You’re almost thirty years old, Warren. Time to think about settling down.”

      “Junior’s thirty-two. Go and bug him.”

      “Oh, trust me, Ike Jr. gets his share of...encouragement. But right now I’m not talking to him. I’m talking to you.” Silence. “Rachel graduated with dual degrees in psychology and music theory.”

      “She’s still playing the piano?”

      “Beautifully, even participated in a concert at Carnegie Hall. Any man would be blessed to have her. She’s gorgeous, talented, comes from a great family with morals like ours.”

      “And it doesn’t hurt that her father works for the leader of the free world.”

      “I’d never want to be considered a social climber, but yes, her father’s prestigious position at the White House is a definite plus.”

      “Which tux should I wear, black, navy or gray?”

      “The black one, definitely. And it would be a nice touch, sweetheart, if you brought Rachel a little welcome-home gift. Nothing too frilly. A single rose, perhaps? Or a nice box of chocolates?”

      “I’d rather not, Mother. I know how women think and to give her anything like that would be giving her the wrong idea.”

      “You’re a kind, thoughtful man, no? What’s wrong about that?”

      “Absolutely nothing. Which is why I’ll welcome Rachel home with a greeting and a smile.”

      “Now, Warren—”

      “Goodbye, Mother. See you at the dance.”

      He finished dressing, splashed on cologne and headed for the door. A smile spread across his face as a thought occurred. He’d told his mother that he was coming to the dance. But he hadn’t told her how long he planned to stay. Not long. He felt better already.