"Oh, yes, I have."
"Randy called and said they were weathered in. That there was weather all over this area and nobody could fly."
"Except courageous seagulls and Pete Kowalski. He holds that coveted green special instrument card which permits him to decide for himself whether it's safe to take off. He told me that it would be educational, and it was."
"Where were you?"
"The last leg was Fulton County to here. Can you amuse yourself while I take a shower? We're going flying again in the morning, and I'd rather not have pneumonia when I do that."
"Go ahead," she said.
Beth was sitting on the couch with her legs curled up under her skirt when he came into the living room, She was wearing another transparent blouse through which he could see her brassiere.
I know she didn't do that on purpose.
"I am now going to have a drink," Castillo announced. "Not, I hasten to add, a martini. We have learned our lesson about martinis, haven't we?"
"I really wish you wouldn't."
"I've told you about Ed McMahon. And, oh boy, did I earn it today."
"Do whatever you want."
"I don't think you really mean that," he said.
"I meant about taking a drink."
"Oh."
"And you knew it," she said. "Goddamn you, Charley. You never quit."
He made himself a stiff scotch on the rocks and carried it to the couch.
"You will notice I didn't offer you one," he said, raising the glass.
"I noticed. Thank you."
"So what have you decided to do about Righteous?"
"I wish you wouldn't call him that."
"So what have you decided to do about He Who Is Nameless?"
"What do you mean, what am I going to do about him?"
"If I may dare to offer some advice, when you tell him you've thought things over and the wedding is off, don't mention what caused you to do some serious reconsidering."
"The wedding's not off," she said, surprised.
"You're still going to marry him?"
"Of course. What did you think I was going to do, elope with you to Panama City or someplace?"
"Aware of the risk of having you throw something at me, I have to tell you that is not one of your options."
"I never thought it was."
"I'm glad we can agree on at least that," Castillo said. "So you're going ahead with the wedding?"