“Hello,” Mattie called back as the four of them met by the table set up near the three-tiered fountain.
“Amando and I were so thrilled by how well your RadioNavigator worked,” Guadalupe said as she took her seat next to Mattie. “I’ve never had a chance to watch a new technology in its first trial—not like Amando, who tours factories and buys new machinery all the time.”
“What are your next plans?” Amando asked as he began to pour wine for all of them. “I assume you have taken steps to protect your intellectual property.”
Mattie nodded, looking a bit nervous to be entering into a business discussion without Vera at her side. Leo, however, had no concerns about her ability to handle it. He squeezed her hand supportively.
At his touch, Mattie straightened, and when she spoke, her voice sounded confident. “Yes. I am working with Vera’s lawyers, and they are handling the legal matters.”
“Good. Bueno.” Amando inclined his head. “Vera always employs the best. Have you given any thoughts about how to market the RadioNavigator?”
“Vera and her lawyers suggested that I try to license the idea rather than build it myself. I don’t have the funds to set up my own manufacturing company, and the value is mostly in the idea.” Mattie spoke with authority now, and Leo liked hearing the conviction.
“Who are some of your potential customers?” Amando asked. “Do you have a list?”
“The beginnings of one,” Mattie admitted. “The US Airmail Service, the army, and the navy for starters.”
“What about Fabin Flyer?” Guadalupe asked. “That new airplane manufacturer in the southern part of the state? Aren’t you planning a show near their headquarters in Oceanbreeze in a week or so?”
“Yes,” Mattie confirmed. “In fact, they’re the reason Vera scheduled our performance there. Fabin Flyer is holding a flying derby the day before, but they’ve only invited ex–war pilots to race in their pylon course. Since we couldn’t join the main attraction, we decided to create our own event.”
“Sounds like they want to attract the attention of the US military and make a deal to supply them with planes,” Amando said thoughtfully, giving Mattie a significant look. When she stiffened, Leo immediately knew she’d had an epiphany.
“And if they could advertise their planes as being safer with my navigation system, that would be sure to interest the navyandthe army,” Mattie said excitedly.
“You should set up a meeting when you’re down there.” Guadalupe nodded. “Just make sure that Fabin signs something to protect your idea. Men have been stealing credit from us women for years.”
Amando sighed and shook his head. “You’ve been talking too much to Aida.”
Guadalupe arched one eyebrow imperiously. “Are you saying that businessmen are never underhanded? How many times have you complained to me about unfair practices, especially when people think they can quote you a ridiculously low price for our products because of your race?”
Amando turned to Mattie. “Guadalupe is right. The value of your invention is in the design. Make sure that you have an executed confidentiality agreement before you discuss anything with Fabin Flyer or any other company.”
“Vera’s lawyers mentioned something like that to me.” Mattie’s voice had grown a little soft again, and Leo could sense her nervousness. “I wonder if Fabin Flyer will take me seriously, but I’ll see if I can arrange to talk to their purchasing department when I’m in the area.”
“You’re going to convince someone to accept your design.” Leo spoke up. “It is too good, and you’re too passionate about it. You’ll make the right person listen. I know you.”
Mattie beamed, and her smile meant everything to him. Even if he could not see his own future, he’d always known hers. Mattie was destined for greatness with or without him.
Chapter Sixteen
“To another successful show!” Carrie raised her bright-red Mary Pickford cocktail above her head. Since Vera’s Flying Flappers were in Southern California, home to stars and starlets alike, they had decided to all order the drink named after the famed actress. Even the men had tried it... well, Leo was drinking club soda mixed with pineapple juice and a touch of grenadine. Mattie doubted he was enjoying the almost sickly-sweet combination, but he gamely downed a healthy sip.
“I cannot believe it is the beginning of autumn.” Mattie practically had to shout to be heard over the roar of the other patrons. The basement room of the seaside Victorian inn where they were staying wasn’t exactly spacious, and it seemed as if everyone in the surrounding area knew about the Lost Tide Pool Lounge and had crowded inside. Mattie had yet to find a speakeasy where folks actually “spoke easy.” Fortunately, the thick stone walls set deep into the earth blocked out the roar. Mattie also assumed that most of the local police were already aware of the illicit bar and, more importantly, were well paid to ignore occasional bursts of sounds that might drift their way.
“We’ll do the southern circuit this fall.” Vera leaned her left arm against the back of her chair to strike one of her classically dramatic poses. Her red drink matched the bold cherry hue of her lipstick. “We can winter in Sarasota. My grandparents left me another house there. It is wonderfully eccentric and definitely big enough for all of us.”
Aida shook her head. “It’s back to graduate school for me, but perhaps I can take the train and visit you during winter break.”
“Do you have enough fodder for your book?” Carrie asked.
“Scads of it.” Aida gave her ever-present notebook a fond pat.
“How many of those did you fill?” Lily asked, reaching for it.
Aida lightly swatted her curious fingers away. “Six point five.”
Lily’s eyes widened. “My goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever written down that much in my life.”
