“Ahhh, I see … okay, well … welcome aboard then, my dear. “At least that’s what she promised,” Robert added, smiling. “Michelle’s staying with us for a bit,” Jimmy stated coolly. “Oh, hello, love … beg your pardon.” He glanced quizzically at Robert. He opened his mouth to respond when Peter pounded into the room, booming, “Okay lads, dicks outta your hands!” He stopped when he saw Michelle. “I would think the fact that I’m sitting here with you demonstrates that there’s a capricious streak running through me somewhere, Jimmy.” She offered a kind smile. Keeping her eyes on his, she took a moment before answering. Michelle wondered if this was some sort of test. Like there was something below the surface … just waiting … but always there. “Did you inherit that from her as well? A capricious nature?” Jimmy continued, the corner of his lips turning up. I guess he’s sort of tamed my mother’s … capricious nature.” He’s a bit more staid, I suppose you’d say. There are tales that my mother used to dabble, pretty successfully actually, when she was younger … before she met my father. Outside of silly bets with friends, that type of thing. “Truth be told, I’ve never done it really. “Do you like to gamble, Michelle?” Jimmy asked, looking up from his guitar. It’s rather a shame we don’t have a stop there when we head back west.” “Well, you’ve certainly inherited her talents. I always thought that she would have done very well as a card shark in Las Vegas. We grew up playing all kinds of card games, chess, backgammon, you name it. “Where did you learn to play cards like this?” John asked, shaking his head. It was all becoming comfortable, as if she was part of the group. Sometimes he’d make it sound like it was replying to a quip, or even laughing. The boys were discussing the show, some changes they might make, while Jimmy absently strummed his guitar. His bouts of mock indignation made her laugh and settle in nicely. “I’ve been known to hold my own,” Michelle shot back, suppressing a grin.įor the next hour, she proceeded to absolutely throttle him. “I should warn you, I don’t often lose,” he said playfully. “I do!” She nodded, smiling broadly as John began to deal. “Care to have a go, then? Do you know Rummy?” Relieved to have a diversion, she quickly responded, “Oh yes, I love to.” Noticing her interest, he asked, “Do you play cards?” While Robert made a small plate, she watched John shuffling the cards. “Some fruit and a little water would be wonderful.” “Would you like me to get you something, love?” Robert asked, motioning to an adjacent table covered with different refreshments. “Occasionally … oh, you know … they come and go,” Jimmy responded. “Do other people travel with you?” she asked him. God he was hard to read, Michelle thought, not entirely sure that he liked her at all. I hope you enjoy your adventure.” His mouth formed a small smile. Jimmy was silently assessing her, his eyes kind of cloudy. “Such a pleasure it will be to have some genteel companionship for a change.”
“Good man, there!” he yelped, roughly patting Robert on the back. Michelle quickly swallowed as the boys all looked to her at once. “Michy’s going to stay with us for a while,” Robert announced.
“He’s been the perfect gentleman,” she beamed. Jimmy looked over to her, “Has Robert treated you well, then?” His eyes were less warm. “Well, I’d say it’s been quite the experience thus far,” she replied with a laugh. “I trust you had a comfortable evening.” No trace of sarcasm, just genuine warmth. “Good afternoon, Michelle,” John greeted her, shuffling a deck of cards. “Percy’s finished, eh Meeeeechy,” Bonzo cackled, his laughter filling up the room. Then grinned, “There’s my Michy.” Wait, she thought, how did he know that? Of course, Melody must have called her that on the phone. He led her to the table and gave her a soft kiss. Sensing her nervousness, Robert jumped up to wrap his arm around her. Things quietened as she walked in and her stomach started to flutter. She could hear the boys chatting and laughing. She made her way down a small hallway to the room they were in the night before. She stood at the door for a moment with her hand on the knob. Where’s a bottle of Jack when you need it, she laughed to herself. She realized that she’d never really had any interaction with them while sober. She used Robert’s brush to tame her still damp hair, all the while working up the courage to face everyone. Oh, I look a fright, Michelle thought to herself as she pulled on the white dress and tried to straighten some of the creases.
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