Tracy stood. “Excuse me, Ethel, but that’s probably Kat Bridger. She had something pressing so I?—”
“Oh, of course, of course. But I just wanted to tell you how that turned out for Mitzi. You’ll get a laugh out of?—”
“Sorry to interrupt.” Auntie Kat poked her head in. “Ethel, I thought I saw your SUV out there! So good to see you. It’s been ages. How’s Mitzi?”
“She’s great. At least now she is. I was just?—”
“Tell you what. I have some quick business with Tracy, but I would love to take you to lunch if you’ll wait in the outer office till we’re done. You can fill me in on Mitzi’s doings. She’s such a cutie.”
“Oh! Why, that would be lovely, Kat!” Ethel popped up from her seat like she was on springs. “I’ll be out there waiting. See you in a few.” She scurried out the door.
Kat closed it with a click. “Done.”
“She’ll talk your ear off.”
“Worth it, so worth it.” She took the seat Ethel had vacated. “First thing, Eli has invited Thelma and me to join the Polar Bear Club.”
“No.”
“Yes! Our first meeting as official members is this Friday.”
“Congratulations. Have you told Adam?”
“I need to ask Thelma if she wants him to know. I get the impression he might rather stay in the dark on this issue.”
“He doesn’t have to know. It’s a private club.”
“Right, probably better not to tell him although I’m proud of winning the fight and wanted to brag to somebody.”
“You should be proud. It was very brave.”
“And since we made our point, Thelma and I decided we’ll wear our bikini tops so we won’t run afoul of any folks on a decency kick.”
“I’ll bet Eli and his buddies will be disappointed.”
“That’s a bonus.”
Tracy grinned, honored to be the one who witnessed Auntie Kat’s smile of triumph. “Well done.”
“Thank you. Anyway, that’s not my main reason for dropping by. Is Adam paying you a visit again today?”
Her cheeks grew warm. “Yes.”
“Has he been here yet?”
“No.”
“Good.” Her eyes twinkled as she reached into her shoulder bag. “I bought these in New York years ago and never used them.” She handed over a velvet bag. “It’s rip-away undies, a bra and panties designed to be destroyed, made from flimsy material that shreds easily. Perfect for a mid-day rendezvous.”
Her face was likely red as a tomato. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll?—”
“Take them. I’m sure they’ll fit, at least well enough. It’s fun to get a little wild and crazy sometimes.”
“I guess so.” She took a breath. “But I’m not like you. I’d never have the nerve to go out to the water hole topless in broad daylight. I’ve never even gone topless at night.”
“You haven’t skinny dipped out there? I thought you had from what you said at the meeting.”
“Not me. I’ve only done one wild and crazy thing in my life and that had mixed results.”
