He wheedled charmingly, but she remained adamant. The Mintons walked her and Reede to the door. She didn’t see Sarah Jo. If she were even aware that she had guests in the house, she made no effort to present herself.
Angus looped Alex’s arm through his as they made their way down the hall. He spoke softly. “I know this is difficult for you, girl.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Heard anything about your grandma?”
“I phone the nursing home every day, but there’s been no change.”
“Well, holler if you need anything, you hear?”
Alex gazed at him with genuine puzzlement. “Angus, why are you being so nice to me?”
“Because of your mama, because I like you, and mainly, because we’ve got nothing to hide.”
When he smiled at her, Alex realized that it was easy to see where Junior had come by his charm. He and Reede were engaged in their own conversation. Alex overheard Reede say, “Ran into one of your old girlfriends last night at the Last Chance.”
Her ears picked up at the mention of the tavern where she had an appointment later that day.
“Oh, yeah?” Junior was saying. “Who was that?”
“Gloria something. Forgot her married name. Curly black hair, dark eyes, bit tits.”
“Gloria Tolbert. How’d she look?”
“Horny.”
Junior gave a dirty and masculine laugh. “That’s Gloria. Takes a strong man to keep her satisfied.”
“You ought to know,” Reede said drolly.
“Well, what happened last night, you lucky bastard? Did you leave a contented smile on Gloria’s pretty face?”
“You know I never discuss my love life.”
“That’s just one of your traits that irritates the hell out of me.”
Alex turned around in time to see Junior playfully sock Reede in the gut. His fist bounced back like he’d struck a drum.
“Is that the best you can do, ol’ man?” Reede taunted. “Admit it, Minton, you’re losing it.”
“Like hell I am.” Junior took a swipe at Reede’s head. The blow was dodged just in time. Reede tried to catch Junior behind the knee with his boot. They fell against the hall table, almost toppling a ceramic vase.
“Okay, boys, cut it out before you break something,” Angus said indulgently, speaking to them as though they were still in grade school.
Alex and Reede pulled on their coats and he opened the door. The frigid wind swirled inside. Junior said, “Sure you can’t stay here where it’s cozy?”
“I’m afraid not,” Alex replied.
“Shoot. Well, good-bye then.” He pressed her hand between his and kissed her cheek.
Father and son watched as Reede assisted Alex over the icy stone walkway to where his Blazer was parked. He helped her up into the truck, then went around to the driver’s side and vaulted in.
“Brrr,” Junior said, shutting the door. “Ready for a hot toddy, Dad?”
“Not yet,” Angus answered with a scowl. “It’s too early in the day to be drinking hard liquor.”
“Since when have you taken into consideration the time of day when you wanted a drink?”