Page 36 of Air Affair

Hank ran his hand through his hair. “I know. I’ll come out. I promise.”

“Soon?” He could hear a touch of hope and a lot of disappointment in that single word.

“Soon.” He really did need to buy those tickets. “How’s Ma?”

“She twisted her ankle out in the barn and now she’s laid up. She’s driving us all nuts. You know she’s never been one to sit still.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she heals soon. For all of your sakes.” He fiddled with the cord, not sure what to say.

“How have you been, Hank? Have you been staying safe?”

He thought about what he had been up to and lied once again. “Always,” he said softly. “Things have been good for me. The weather has been cooperating, so the flights have been easy. I’m looking forward to some nice fall breezes when summer comes to an end.”

“Met anybody special?”

So they were going to have that conversation today. Kate always was persistent when she wanted information out of him.

“What makes you think I’d tell you if I did?” he asked with a smirk.

“Oh, so there is someone? When there isn’t, you just say ‘no one.’”

Damnit.

“Yes. Fine. There’s someone, but it’s hopeless.” It felt good to unburden himself, even if he couldn’t share details.

“She doesn’t like you?”

“She likes me just fine. Her parents don’t like me.” That’s an understatement.

“Ah. Tricky. But I’m sure you’ll find a way to win them over. Who can withstand a Hank Hawley charm campaign? Speaking of which, Suzie Green still asks about you.”

“If she’s waiting on me, she’s going to wait a very long time.” Suzie Green. There was a name he hadn’t heard in ages. They dated for two months in high school, and she left him for George Simpson. It seemed she might have regretted her choice. Well, it was too late now.

“I’ll let her know you’re taken. Does this mystery woman have a name?”

What harm was there in telling? “Her name is Rory, and she likes danger as much as I do. Maybe even more.”

“Oh my. Then it’s serious between you?”

How to answer that… “I’m not sure.”

“Because of the parents?”

She was too perceptive by half. “Mostly.”

“What does that mean?”

It means she’s throwing me a gala at the Waldorf, but I still don’t know if she wants anything more than a fling.

“It means I’m not sure.”

“Well, Hank, you’d better work on getting sure. You’ll never convince the parents if you don’t convince yourself.”

This conversation was not helpful. “How’s Jeremiah doing?”

“Don’t change the subject.”

“How is Pete doing in school?”