“And who are you, klutzy soul, that I have the pleasure of meeting?”
“Well now, I’m sure Teresa has told you all about me. Allow me to fill in the blanks. Ah, the gentlemen are playing a lively two-step. Shall we? Scott, I promise to take good care of this darling young lady.”
Before Scott could respond, Jenkins whisked Kinsey away and out to the middle of the dance floor. She looked back over her shoulder once with the expression that conveyed, can you believe this?
“No, Kinsey. I can not believe this.” Scott muttered to no one as he watched the Green River Gazette editor demonstrate he was anything but a klutzy soul.
“Boston, I have the McGuire twins all figured out.”
Scott was vaguely aware that Johnny had joined him as a spectator. “Each twin is wearing a locket with her name engraved on it so a fella can tell them apart. Of course, you have to look close to read the name and well, a man’s eyes just naturally drift downward. And my brother, that view has certainly improved since the last time we saw the McGuire twins.” Johnny, realizing Scott was only half listening, followed his brother’s gaze out to the dance floor. “Who is Kinsey dancing with?”
“William Jenkins.”
Johnny’s smile faded. “I thought you said he wasn’t coming.”
“I did.”
Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “I thought you said he’s bookish.”
“He was.”
Johnny crossed his arms. “I thought you said I had nothing to worry about?”
“ I misjudged.”
As the song ended the dancing couples expressed their appreciation with clapping and whistles inspiring the musicians to begin their next selection.
“Johnny, now would be an excellent time to ask Kinsey for a dance.” Scott was relieved to see the sly grin return to his brother’s face as he weaved his way through the crowd to find his intended dance partner. Soon William Jenkins emerged from the couples, smiling and tipping his hat to all the ladies. Spotting his Harvard acquaintance, his smile widened.
“Scott! Your cousin is just a little peach.”
“Is she now?”
“I detect angst.”
Scott noticed Jenkins’ vocabulary had improved overnight.
“Come on now, Scott. You can’t fault me having some fun with you yesterday. Look, I’m a reporter. I know how to ask the questions. Get my sister started and she spills the beans every time. I could only guess what Teresa was plotting on your end but quite frankly I was surprised it took you as long as it did to show up at the office.”
William offered his hand. “Hey, no hard feelings.”
Accepting the handshake, Scott smiled and nodded. He’d been had - best to accept it and move on. “I see you got the ink off.”
Jenkins held out his hands in front him, laughing. “I clean up pretty good.” Returning his attention to the dance floor, William continued. “The dark-haired gentlemen that interrupted my next dance with the lovely Kinsey…”
“My brother, Johnny.”
“Ah, your brother…well…actually your half-brother. I mean, he’s no relation to Kinsey, correct?”
Scott’s smile faltered. “Correct.”
“Very good then. The game is afoot.” William turned to leave. “Johnny. Johnny Lancer. Why does Johnny Madrid seem more…appropriate?”
“That was the past.”
“Of course. I apologize, but like I said, I’m a reporter. I don’t know when to stop asking the questions.”
Scott sighed as he watched William disappear back into the crowd. "What the hell just happened here? I need a cold beer.”
“Scott Lancer!”
Scott turned to discover one of the McGuire twins.
“Scott Lancer. You look so lonely standing there. And here I am without a dance partner. Any idea on how we could solve this dilemma?”
Scott glanced down at the young lady’s locket to read the name. As his eyes lowered a bit he agreed with his little brother - the view had improved. A decision was made. The beer could wait.
“Madeline, I believe I have the perfect solution.”
Comments