Matt laughed. “Absolutely, I mean, if you’re sure.”
“It’s time.”
“Then we’re good.” They slapped hands, sealing the deal. “I’d love to host you in Hollywood.”
“We got to get back the decade we’ve wasted over a situation that a cold Coke, fried pickles, and a bit of humility fixed in fifteen minutes,” Booker said. “So what’s with you and Harlow?”
“Ladies and gentlemen, the man goes for the jugular. I asked her to marry me.”
“Probably the smartest thing you’ve ever done,” Booker said. “Who, um, you asking to be best man? Your dad would be honored, I’m sure.”
“He would, but I already picked a guy.”
“Oh, well, good. Send me and Cassidy an invite. We’d love to—”
“You big dolt, it’s you.”
Booker cleared his throat before chomping on a fried pickle. “Name the day” was all he could manage.
Matt tried to speak, but since the space between them crackled with the unspoken, he held onto his craggy sentiment. Sometimes words got in the way.
After a few more pickles and throat clearings, Booker said, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about the Starlight and the town enacting eminent domain.”
“I suppose Bodie told you our petition for a vote failed.”
“You didn’t need a petition, Matt. The town needs permission from the Royal House of Blue to do anything to the Starlight.”
“The House of Blue? What are you talking about?”
“The Starlight and the rock it sits on belongs to the sovereign, royal House of Blue. The land and rink are deeded to Lauchtenland. Grandpa Morris told me because Grandpa Malachi told him. If Harry demolishes the Starlight without proper authority, Sea Blue Beach might be embroiled in an international incident.”
“Booker, are you serious?”
“Grandpa Morris assured me the land and rink are all but official members of the royal family. Tuesday couldn’t even sell it without their approval.” Booker made a face. “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘No one can touch the Starlight without royal permission.’”
36
TUESDAY
There were two sessions on this Labor Day evening. Seven to eight-thirty. Nine to ten-thirty. By then, she’d be spent. Nothing left to do but grieve with all who came to mourn.
“Have you eaten?” Harlow peered into the office with a box from the Blue Plate. “Audra sent this over. I think it’s the turkey dinner. She said you loved her mashed potatoes and gravy.”
“She uses real potatoes.” Tuesday smiled and reached for the Styrofoam container. “It was good to see Matt talking to Booker. Warmed this old girl’s heart.” She sighed and stared toward the wall. “Is it wrong for me to be so exhausted and want to go home? I could sleep for a week.”
Harlow took the chair next to the desk. “It’s been an emotional summer and even more emotional weekend.” She cupped her hand over Tuesday’s. “It was good to see your friend Harriet and her sister Jubilee.”
“They want me to visit them in Melbourne Beach. Harriet suggesteda trip to New York City. I always wanted to see a Broadway play. But . . .” She exhaled the last of her energy. “Maybe I am too old for living life.”
“Why not get some sleep before deciding your life is over? Which it’s not. If you want to see a Broadway play, I might be able to help. I know people.” She winked. “Matt knows people. We could treat the three of you to a tour of the city. Dine at the best restaurants, see a few shows from the good seats, get backstage passes.”
“Harriet said there’s a show calledDreamgirlsabout Motown and the Supremes. Could we see that one, Harlow?”
“Absolutely. We can hire a car to drive us around and play the tourist. Go shopping.”
“Dupree wants to take me to California.” She opened her dinner from Audra. “I think everyone’s trying to tell me there’s life after the Starlight.”
“Though it doesn’t make it any easier, does it?”
