Catch As Cat Can

                At that moment Harry reached Aunt Tally and Big Mim. Both lathes took in the situation. A sly smile crossed Aunt Tally's lips, Lancôme lipstick generously but not sloppily applied.

                "Aunt Tally, I cheated."

                "I know you did but in a good cause." She turned her cheek for Harry to kiss her."I saw your animals rip through here so I knew you couldn't be far behind. That cat of yours, the gray one, will eat me out of house and home."

                "Be glad she doesn't drink."

                Tally laughed."There is that. And Mr. Aybar, you may kiss me now, too, since you've met me." She turned her other cheek and Diego kissed it, then kissed the back of her hand.

                He bowed and also kissed Big Mim's hand. She brightened considerably.

                As they moved away both Aunt Tally and Big Mim made a fuss over Fair, how good he was to forgo a date with Harry so the Uruguayan gentleman wouldn't be lonesome, how's foaling, how are you, etc.

                As Fair moved away, quickly intercepted by Lottie Pearson wearing a flowered hat, Tally whispered to her niece, "I just lo-o-ove my parties. Uh-huh."

                "You're incorrigible." Big Mim laughed, then reached out to greet Deputy Cynthia Cooper, herself in a spring dress."I don't drink I've ever seen you look so lovely."

                The tall woman replied with humor, "Mrs. Sanburne, I don't drink you've ever seen me in a dress."

                "Well. . . yes."

                "You're a tall girl. You'd look good in anything, even chain mail," Aunt Tally said."Is your boss coming by?"

                "The sheriff said he'd try to make it but he's a little behind today."

                "It was good of him to let you join us." Tally let go of her hand and Cynthia headed for her friend Harry.

                Big Mim whispered, "Security. You didn't tell me you hired security."

                "I didn't. I like Cynthia Cooper." Tally beamed at Lynne Beegle, a prominent local rider, as she moved up in the receiving line.

                Harry, Diego, and Cooper chatted away, soon joined by Miranda Hogendobber, Tracy Raz, Susan Tucker, and Ned. They celebrated Tracy's return, found out that Diego had a great sense of humor, and thoroughly enjoyed one another.

                Over in a corner, Lottie Pearson fended off Roger O'Bannon. She had a smile on her face as she refused his advances. She'd never admit it but she liked the attention. Fair, not being her date, had gotten her a drink, then circulated. He was currently talking to Little Mim about zoning ordinances, not his favorite subject but one of hers.

                Lottie pulled a cigarette from her small beaded clutch bag. 'Damn." She couldn't find a light.

                Roger pulled a brightly colored matchbook from his sports coat, struck a match, lighting her cigarette."Here, take the pack." 3e paused."I'll pick you up at eight," he declared.

                "No, you won't." She tossed her head back.

                "I'll take you to Mim's dance tonight, too. You don't have a late. And I'll escort you to the Wrecker's Ball."

                "Who told you that?" Lottie crossly said."I have a date for tonight."

                "A little bird."

                She eyed BoomBoom across the room."A big robin redbreast. Wait until I get my hands on her."

                "I'd rather you get your hands on me."

                Eavesdroppers stifled a giggle, making certain not to stare at the impending drama.

                "Roger, dream on."

                "You know what's wrong with you, Lottie? You're a goddamned snob. And you know what else? I've never seen a snob who was really happy because there are so few people they can lower themselves to be with, you know? And you need friends in this world. You need friends. It's a cruel world sometimes. You need friends and you need a drink."

                "You've had enough to drink, which is why I'll forgive you calling me a snob. If you want me to go out with you, Roger, you're sure going about it in a bizarre manner."

                "I'm not drunk." A whiff of belligerence filled his voice."And I'm getting rich. You forget that. How many F.F.V's have money? Look at Harry. Great blood and not a penny." He liked Harry but he didn't mind using her as an example of First Families of Virginia."Business is booming. I'm not a poor man. Didn't your mother tell you it's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one? Well, I'm rich."

                Lottie at the moment wasn't pleased with Harry because she thought Diego should have been her date. BoomBoom was heartless in assigning Diego to Harry. After all, Harry could have gone to the parties with her ex-husband. Everyone knew he was still in love with her and was dying to get her back.

                "Lottie, maybe you've had too much to drink." Roger touched x her arm as she was lost in thought.

                "Huh. No!"

                "Well, let me get you one. The world looks a lot better after you've belted back some Jim Beam."

                The John D'earth band started playing out in the garden. Aunt Tally had set up her outdoor dance floor. People drifted outside.

                Sean, wearing a sports jacket and tie, walked over."Roger, lay off for a little bit or you'll be useless by tonight."

                "Big Brother is watching you," Roger said with no malice as Sean moved away, Lottie in tow.

                "Thank you, Sean," Lottie said, her voice low.