“Which one? Look, I think it’s time for this guy to either make a move or move on. It’s been, what, two years now?”
“Oh, so you’ve got marriage all figured out?”
Gunther burst out laughing and, after a beat, Lacy did too. The idea of him giving advice on the romantic front was indeed humorous.
“Okay, no more of that. You talked to Aunt Trudy lately? Where are we going?”
“Home, so I can shower and brush my teeth. Didn’t have enough time earlier.”
“How can you dawdle around so on such a gorgeous Saturday morning?”
“No, I have not talked to Trudy. I owe her a phone call. You?”
“No, I’m ducking her too. Poor thing. She’s lost without Mom. They were best friends and now she’s stuck with that husband of hers.”
“Ronald’s okay.”
“He’s a creep and you know it. They really don’t like each other but I guess after fifty years they can’t get out.”
“Let’s talk about something else. How’s business these days?”
“I’d rather talk about Ronald.”
“Pretty bad, huh?”
“No, actually I’m killing it. I need some help, Lacy, and I want you to come to Atlanta and work with me. Bright lights, big city, much more to do. We’ll make a fortune and there are a dozen great guys I could introduce you to.”
“I’m not sure I want to date your friends.”
“Come on, Lacy. Trust me. These guys have money and they’re going places. How much does Allie make a year with the FBI?”
“I have no idea and I don’t care.”
“Not much. He’s working for the government.”
“So am I.”
“That’s my point. You can do better. Most of these guys are already millionaires who own their own companies. They have everything.”
“Yeah, including alimony and child support.”
Gunther laughed and said, “Okay, some of that.”
Of course his phone rang, and he was soon lost in a tense conversation about a line of credit. On Saturday morning?
He was still on the phone when she parked near her apartment. They went inside and she left him in the den as she headed for her upstairs bedroom.
* * *
—
Lunch was outdoors on a shaded terrace at an upscale restaurant, far away from downtown. Lacy talked the reservationist into an early table, primarily because she was still hoping to salvage some of her afternoon, alone. They were seated at eleven thirty and the terrace was deserted.
They ordered iced tea for starters, with Lacy quickly going first. If Gunther ordered his usual bottle of wine, then he wouldn’t be flying that afternoon. She was relieved when he ignored the wine list and commented on the menu. Usually, when dining in her town, he made some pithy comment on the lack of good food. Atlanta, again, was far superior. But he let it pass and settled on a crab salad. Lacy ordered grilled shrimp.
“You still eat like a bird,” he said, admiring his sister. “And you’re in great shape, Lacy.”
“Thanks and let’s not dwell on my weight. I know what you’re getting at.”
“Come on. You haven’t gained a pound in twenty years.”
“No, and I’m not starting now. What else would you like to talk about?”
“Of course, you were all skin and bones after your car wreck. I almost called it an ‘accident,’ but it wasn’t that simple, was it?”
A nice lead into her lawsuit, which she was anticipating. She smiled and said, “Once all the plaster and gauze came off, I weighed a hundred pounds.”
“I remember, and you’ve come a long way back. I’m proud of you, Lacy. Are you still in therapy?”
“Physical or otherwise?”
“Physical.”
“Yes, twice a week, but it’s about over. I’ve accepted the fact that I’ll always have little aches and pains, some stiffness here and there, but I’m lucky, I guess.”
Gunther mixed some lemon in his tea and looked away. “I wouldn’t call it luck, but you came out of it better than Hugo. Poor guy. Are you still in touch with his widow, what’s her name?”
“Verna, and yes we’re still close friends.”
“She has the same lawyer, right?”
“She does. We compare notes and lean on each other. Nobody wants a trial. I’m not sure she can handle it.”
“It will never get near the courthouse. The goons will settle.”