“What’s funny?” Maddie asked, taking the seat across from me and exploring the gadgets that controlled the built in massagers.
“Nothing,” I laughed, as Red took the seat next to me and passed me a glass of something that I was sure would ease my nerves.
“Look, this shit is exciting to us. We are poor. Remember?” Maddie said, not bothering to look at me as she closed her eyes, and relaxed further into the seat. I chose to ignore her comment, and instead began mentally preparing myself for my re-acquaintance with the devil.
We landed at a private airstrip just north of Gonzalez, Texas; the same town Charlie and I had spent our time together. It came as no surprise to me that the car took us to the bed and breakfast we had stayed at before. The driver informed us that dinner would be in an hour and he would be back in 45 minutes to take us to the restaurant. We settled into our rooms and freshened up, unknowingly all presenting ourselves in similar attire. We all were dressed in little black dresses with killer heels, and looked as if we were going out for a night on the town, instead of a business meeting with a man that had brought turmoil to all of our lives. The same goal was in mind for each of us; we refused to be intimidated by Charlie. Few words were spoken as our nerves overtook us and we were ushered into the car. My heart beat rapidly in my chest as we pulled up outside a small Italian restaurant that was beautifully decorated with white lights and gas lanterns. We were led to the back of the restaurant to a round table that was set for five. We took our seats and ordered wine, the waiter informing us that our host would be here soon.
“You nervous?” Maddie whispered to me, her own nervousness evident by the way she clasped her hands firmly in her lap to prevent them from shaking.
“Nah. Everything is fine. You?” I asked, knowing she was aware I was lying through my teeth.
“I’m good,” she said, fidgeting with the napkin in her lap.
“You two can lie all the hell you want to. I’m so scared, I might shit my pants,” Red said, gnawing at her long nails, the consistent bouncing of her knee causing the tops of her breast to jiggle without her knowledge. I was just about to tell her when Charlie’s booming voice caused all of our heads to turn. He looked stunning in a black tuxedo and neck tie. His fingers were littered with diamond rings and his hair was combed neatly, without a strand out of place. You could feel the power radiating from around him as he strode confidently to our table.
“What a lovely surprise. I will never know what I have done to cause the gods to shine down on me and bless me with three beautiful angels,” he said, smiling brightly, and revealing two perfect rows of white teeth, that, at his age, had to be implants.
“They were probably scared of you,” I heard Maddie mutter, as a way of explanation for the gods’ behavior. I kicked her under the table and smiled brightly at Charlie; it came so naturally.
“Dallas, it is so good to see you again. You look as radiant as ever,” Charlie said, taking my offered hand, and bending to kiss it. I smiled sweetly at him in my show of gratitude. “And this must be the beautiful, vibrant Red,” he said, stepping past me to kiss the hand of a very star-struck Red. I watched as she batted her eyelashes, flattered by Charlie’s compliment. Maddie looked at me, and rolled her eyes as Red flirted with Charlie.
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlie. I have heard so much about you, but Dallas and Maddie failed to tell me how charmingly handsome you were.” If there had been any food in me, I would have vomited all over the white linen table cloth. Red was laying it on thick. She was under Charlie’s spell, and had forgotten who he really was. I had been put under that same spell, so I was more lenient on Red; Maddie-not so much.
“Cut the shit, Red. We don’t need his head swelling any bigger. Charlie, we came here for a reason. There is no need to wine and dine us. Dallas, tell him what you want, so we can get the fuck out of here.” Red and I both looked to Charlie, awaiting his reaction on pins and needles. He was not at all affected my Maddie’s outburst.
“Maddie, it is always a pleasure to see you, too. Would you ladies like to order?” Maddie’s death glare had me re-thinking the veal cutlet I was craving. There would be no dinner with Charlie.