Peter’s mother looked her over. “We’re about the same height, close to the same weight, I bet we could wear the same dress size?”
“What?”
“Come with me to the kitchen,” Stephie said, taking her by the hand. “Two years ago, Charles got a little tipsy and spilled a drink all over my dress, and since then, I bring a spare.”
“Yeah?”
“As the mayor’s wife, people consider me the hostess. So, I try to be ready for any contingency. It’s black, long-sleeve, has built-in cups, and I even bought jewelry to go with it. I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but if you wouldn’t mind having an alternative outfit…”
“Mind?” Goldie asked. “That’s like Cary Grant sayin’, ‘Can I buy you a drink?’”
“Great. C’mon,” Stephie said.
Goldie truly appreciated the offer and liked Stephie. She hoped that, like Peter, she was unaware of her husband’s plans. Within another six minutes, Goldie was standing in front of a full-length mirror hanging on the wall in one of the women’s restrooms and wearing an ankle-length long-sleeve black dress that made her look statuesque. It featured what appeared to be a plunging neckline but was actually sheer, flesh-colored organza. Still, the effect was convincing and was made even more so with a long gold chain necklace and matching earrings. The dress also had a wide black sequin belt and matching shoes that were a little big for her, but she could wear them if she stuffed toilet paper into the toes. The waist was a little large as well, but could be folded over and handstitched, then the belt would hide the fold-over.
While she stood in front of the mirror, Lupe sat in a folding chair that had been brought into the restroom from one of the tables and was doing the stitching on Goldie’s dress. While she worked, Stephie looked at Goldie and nodded approvingly. “On me, that dress looks good. On you, it looks amazing!”
“I can’t thank you enough, Stephie,” the recipient gushed. “I was concerned about what I was wearing tonight andsoappreciate this.”
“I’m just glad I had a spare. But I’m going to keep away from Charles after his third martini.”
“Lupe,” Goldie asked, “how is it you’ve got a sewing kit?”
“Men step on dresses, tablecloths get torn, zippers break. Señora Banyan hears all, and I learn from experience to be ready.”
“And both of the women’s bathrooms have full-length mirrors for the wedding receptions held here,” Stephie added.
“Well, I’m grateful to both of ya,” Goldie smiled. “I’m gonna be the belle of the ball.”
“Speaking of which,” Stephie said, glancing at her wristwatch, “time to open the doors. Excuse me, Goldie. I know Lupe will take care of you.”
“Sure. Do what ya gotta do,” Goldie replied.
After Stephie exited, Lupe rallied her courage.
“Señorita Goldie, I need to tell you something.”
“Shoot.”
“Did you go to Midland School this week in Señor Peter’s car?”
Goldie looked at her.
“How did you know I went there?”
“Because Señor Banyan had two men follow you.”
“What?”Goldie asked, stunned.
“He had men follow you. Two of them. They know you went to the school, but they don’t know why. So the men are going to break into the school Sunday night and get a list of the people who work there.”
“What? Why?”
“To see who you saw. To see if they recognize a name. Or, maybe you could just tell them.”
Goldie turned around and gestured for Lupe to rise so they could speak face to face.
“Lupe, Idon’twant to tell them.”
