“I, uh, I’ll keep that in mind. Good-bye.”
Reverend Plummet’s theology was warped. He gave her the creeps. She couldn’t get her door closed behind him fast enough. As soon as she did, her telephone rang.
Chapter 19
“How does dinner and dancing sound?” Junior Minton asked without preamble.
“Like a fairy tale.”
“It’s not. Just say yes.”
“You’re inviting me out for dinner and dancing?”
“It’s the monthly fete at the Purcell Horse and Gun Club. Please say you’ll go with me. Otherwise, it’ll be boring as hell.”
Alex laughed. “Junior, I doubt you’re ever bored. Especially when there are women around. Do most of them fall for your b.s.?”
“Almost without exception. If you go with me tonight, it’ll be unanimous.”
“Tonight?”
“Sure, tonight. Did I fail to mention that? Sorry I couldn’t give you more notice.”
“You’re actually serious?”
“Would I joke about something as important as the monthly get-together at the Horse and Gun Club?”
“Of course you wouldn’t. Forgive my flippancy.”
“All’s forgiven if you’ll go.”
“I really can’t. I’m exhausted. Last night—”
“Yeah, I heard about that. Jeez, that must’ve been awful, you finding Pasty Hickam that way. I want to help take your mind off it.”
“I appreciate your consideration, but I can’t go.”
“I refuse to take no for an answer.”
While talking, she had struggled out of her dress and was now standing in her slip and stockings, cradling the telephone receiver between her shoulder and her ear while trying to pull on her robe. The housekeeper always turned off the heat after she cleaned the room. Every evening Alex had a frigid homecoming to dread.
She glanced toward the alcove where her clothes were hanging. “I really can’t go, Junior.”
“How come?”
“All my dressy clothes are in Austin. I don’t have anything to wear.”
“Surely a lady as articulate as you isn’t resorting to that cliché.”
“It happens to be the truth.”
“And the occasion calls for casual. Wear that leather skirt you had on the other day. It’s a knockout.”
Alex had finally managed to wriggle herself into the robe without dropping the phone. She sat down on the edge of the bed and snuggled deeper into the terry cloth. “I still have to say no.”
“Why? I know it’s rude to put you on the spot like this, but I’m not going to be gracious and let you bow out without giving me a valid reason.”
“I just don’t think it would be a good idea for us to socialize.”