“No, no, don’t say that,” Casey said. Delia’s words upset her.
Each pulled back, and Casey looked at Delia.
“Listen, I want you to be happy. I’m glad you have love. I hope he’s good to you. And you’re right, when Ted is an asshole, you should let him know. He’s probably grateful that someone is checking him,” Casey said. “It must come as a relief to him that not everyone believes his show.”
Delia nodded. “Ted’s good to me.”
Casey nodded.
“You know what Ted said, Casey? He said that he’s a strategic person on every aspect of his life.” Delia made air quotes when she said the word strategic. “And falling in love with me has been his most irrational act. But he said that being a smart and calculating person has been his way of building a strong cage around him, and doing the unexpected has freed him to be a new person. He said he feels free even though he’s kind of scared. Ted admitted that he’s scared.” Delia appeared proud of him. “And I think when he explained it that way, I realized he wasn’t just having an affair. He says. . . he says that winning life isn’t worth it without me.”
Delia had had no one to tell this to. She averted her gaze, filled with shame and happiness. She looked up. “I don’t think I’ve been very strategic with my life.” It was odd to use Ted’s funny Harvard words. “I haven’t trusted men, but I decided that I will make my life with Ted. I know it’s crazy, but he and I make sense even though it doesn’t look right. Do you know what I mean? Like I know what he thinks, what he’ll do. I can’t explain our connection.”
Casey nodded, wanting to understand. She squeezed Delia’s hand.
“I better get going,” Delia said. She hugged Casey again.
“Bye now,” Casey said, feeling her loss again.
Delia left them, and a few of the guys seemed sad to see her go but didn’t urge her to stay. She was Ted’s girl now. Unless you were living in a cave, you knew about the security tape and Ted’s and Delia’s “resignations.”
On their way out, Hugh slung the golf bag over his shoulder. Everyone said good-bye at the table and again at the sidewalk. Kevin Jennings actually noogied her on the head. One of the traders put her in a headlock and made her say uncle, threatening to tickle her.
“I’m really going to miss you guys,” she said, coughing, when she was freed. Drinking made everyone sentimental and ridiculous.
Hugh hailed a taxi and offered to take her home. They both lived on the East Side. Casey nearly fell into the cab while Hugh put the clubs in the trunk. From her seat, she could hear him telling the driver where to take them. “Two stops,” Hugh said, and gave the driver her address as the first stop before his, although it didn’t make much sense because she lived a few blocks north of him. Seated in the back of the yellow cab, she felt even more muddy-headed from the red wine, champagne, and brandy. Tomorrow would be a doozy.
“You don’t like them,” Hugh said as he entered the car, even before he sat down.
Casey didn’t understand right away. Then she got it.
“No, no. I love them. I do. It was incredibly—”
Hugh cut her off. “Women like jewelry, clothes—”
“But girls also need cash.”
Hugh laughed. An old girlfriend used to ask him for money to tip the bathroom attendant when she went to the bathroom, as if she were Holly Golightly or something. He’d always give her a hundred-dollar bill, and there was never any change. That was some girl, though—Hugh smiled at the thought of her significant talents.
“Real estate is good, too,” Casey continued. “Even better than jewelry. The resale value on diamonds is actually quite shocking.”
Hugh turned to her and kissed her on the mouth. The pressure of his mouth was strong, and Casey didn’t resist. He put his right hand behind her neck, and Casey leaned her head back, letting his tongue in her mouth. Hugh took her hand and placed it on his crotch.
Casey pulled back. “Hey, hey, hey,” she whispered, withdrawing her hand, realizing that she’d just touched his erection. The kissing had been good, and she’d certainly been with men who were less attractive than Hugh. But his direct come-on was fast and unexpected. In their three years, he’d never done anything but treat her like a college kid. “Cut it out, Hugh,” she said quietly, not wanting to hurt his feelings.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, drawing his body away from hers. He combed his hair back with both hands. “Funny, I don’t get that much.” He wiped the corners of his mouth with his index finger and thumb.