“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Riva frowned. “I mean, look at me. Here I am at a pub ... party girl,woohoo.” She forced a tinny sounding laugh.
Laurel pointed at her. “Dressed in black. Widow’s weeds.”
“I happen to like black. I always have. And I got this dress years ago. Long before Paul got sick. It is not widow’s weeds.”
“I think Riva looks fabulous tonight,” Windy said. “Sophisticated but artsy. And that necklace is killer. Where did you get it?”
Grateful for the segue in conversation, Riva told the story of how her mother-in-law had given the family heirloom to her on her thirtieth birthday. “It almost seemed like an apology for being so against our marriage at the beginning,” she added. “I guess I finally proved that I wasn’t just a flibbertigibbet out to ruin her precious son’s legal career. Eleanor had always said Greenwood was small potatoes and that Paul should take his practice to some big city or perhaps become a congressman or something. She felt I was holding him back.”
“Were you?” Windy asked.
“Paul never had those kinds of aspirations. He didn’t even like big cities. And he loved helping people with legal troubles.” She sighed. “Just one of many things I loved about him.”
“He was a truly good man,” Laurel agreed.
“I wish I’d met him.” Windy paused as Marcus and Kitty, carrying drinks, joined them.
“I’ll go back for mine now,” Kitty said in a sassy tone. “I had to tell the bartender how to make a mojito, and I think he’s into me now.” She giggled.
“That bartender looks young enough to be your son,” Laurel pointed out. “Maybe even her grandson,” she muttered quietly to Riva.
Kitty threw back her head and laughed. “Hey, I have no problem with younger men.” She poked Marcus in the shoulder. “Unless someone better comes around.” She strolled off now, swinging her hips in a way that would look ridiculous on mostwomen but somehow worked for Kitty. She’d probably had years of practice. Riva watched her with wide eyes, then checked to make sure her jaw hadn’t dropped.
“That’s quite a gal.” Marcus grinned as he picked up his drink. “Ya gotta appreciate that youthful spirit.”
“Oh, we do,” Windy told him, then wrinkled her nose. “Except she makes the rest of us feel a bit old and dowdy at times.”
“Well, that’s just ridiculous.” He lifted his glass high. “Don’t forget that women and wine get better with age. Here’s to you lovely ladies.”
They all took a sip, and soon Kitty was headed back with her drink in hand. They were one chair short, so Marcus got up to get one from another table. While he was carrying it over, Kitty took his chair and scooted closer to Laurel to leave an empty spot between her and Windy. Marcus slid his new chair into place and sat.
“Isn’t this cozy?” Kitty said, moving her chair even closer to his. She held up her drink. “Here’s to hoping Gerard followed my instructions.” She took a sip and seemed to think about it. “It could be worse, but I’m afraid he might need more lessons.”
“Well, this is a brewery,” Marcus reminded her. “I’m surprised they even serve mixed drinks.”
“Apparently they don’t serve many.” She turned to Marcus. “Have you ever had a mojito?”
“Not that I can recall.”
She held her drink out to him. “Try it. Tell me what you think.”
“Uh, no thanks.” He held up his wineglass. “This suits me fine.”
She took another swig. “Well, I think it’s a little on the bitter side. And I can’t taste any mint.”
“Maybe you should go back and lodge a complaint,” Laurel suggested.
“Nah.” Kitty waved a hand. “I can rough it. Besides, looks like our music is about to start.” She took another long swig. Apparently, her drink wasn’t that bad.
Riva looked toward the small stage where a young man was announcing the band. And then Fiona, three men, and another woman came out, yelled a greeting, and began to play a lively tune. The crowd seemed to get right into it. Some were even clapping along with the beat. Riva felt relieved for Fiona. Maybe advancing age wasn’t a drawback when it came to music. After all, think of the years of experience these musicians must have under their belts. Pretty soon people were on the dance floor, and Riva wasn’t surprised to see Kitty grabbing Marcus by the hand. “Come on. You can’t sit here with four unattached women and think we won’t get you out there.”
The three of them watched as Kitty tugged Marcus out and then, not enjoying this scene, Riva turned her attention back to Laurel and Windy, commenting on the quality of the music.
“They are really good,” Windy agreed. “My toes are tapping.”
“I’m surprised you don’t want to dance,” Riva said to her. “You were so good in the kitchen the other night.”
“I wouldn’t mind dancing.” Laurel sounded wistful.
