No. I didnt.
Why? Gwen entwined her hands into a tight ball and tapped the table. Id like to know.
Rick pondered that for a moment, then said, I saw everything you were, Gwena beautiful, accomplished, brilliant woman. But none of it appealed to me.
She laughed hard, pointing her chin to the ceiling as she howled.
Im being honest with you, Rick said, admitting that what hed just said did sound pretty ridiculous. I wanted nothing to do with womennot after what Id done to Margot. It took me a long time to trust myself again, to trust myself with a woman.
Gwen sat with that information, looking down at her hands, then all around the cafй. Eventually her gaze returned to Rick. Theres something Ive wanted to ask you for years.
Nows the time, he said, giving her a friendly smile.
She didnt smile back. Do I remind you of Margot? Is that why you had no interest in me?
Rick fell back against the cafй chair, raising his eyebrows in consideration. It was true that both women were elegant, tall, slim, blue-eyed blondes. But Gwen was far more reserved in her personality, while Margot had been a party girl. Yet, Gwen had a point.
Maybe a little, he conceded.
She nodded. So tell me about her.
Rick frowned, not following the conversation. Margot?
No, silly, Gwen said, playfully slapping Ricks forearm. Josie. Your girlfriend. Tell mewhy her and why now?
He got goose bumps. Gwen had no way of knowing about Josie.
Fine, I admit it, she said with a shrug. When I left my resignation on your desk I saw her background file lying right there on top of everythingcolor photo and all. Gwen gave him a smile. So fire me.
Rick was angryat himself. It had been an oversight to leave that out for anyone to see, but as he recalled, his thoughts Friday afternoon had been on how to get Josie to the ranch for the weekend, not on tidying up his workspace.
Im all ears, Rick, she continued. If beauty, brains, and success didnt do it for you, Id sure like to know what did.
Rick shut his eyes for an instant, drudging up patience he didnt feel.
What was the best way to tell Gwen that hed found a woman who surpassed her on all those counts, and more?
Come on, please explain it to me, Gwen said. I am dying to know what kind of key it took to unlock the virtuous Rick Rousseau. Her smile did nothing to hide her angry sarcasm.
She fits me, Gwen. Rick wanted this to be quick and kind, but stern. He wanted to put an end to this conversation. We chose one another. Why is a private matter between Josie and me. Im in love with her. I know you will find a way to respect that.
After a flash of bewilderment, Gwens expression returned to the blank pleasantness she usually displayed. She reached for her bag.
I wish you nothing but happiness, she said. If you need my assistance finding a replacement, Id be happy to help.
Thank you. Rick stood up when Gwen did. Good luck to you, Gwen. He held out his hand.
She took it. She kept her hand linked to his for just a second longer than she should have. Rick ended the contact.
Looking slightly embarrassed, she asked, I can still count on you for a recommendation?
Anytime.
Good-bye, Rick.
She walked through the cafй, out the door, and past Teeny without acknowledging his presence. When Rick arrived on the sidewalk a moment later, Teeny was laughing.
Whats so funny?
Oh, you know, he said, letting go with a great sigh. I was just thinking what excellent taste you have in women.
Rick felt his face expand in a smile. Will you be my best man?
Teeny looked down at him, his eyebrows arched high on his forehead. On your wedding day and every other day, he said.
Feel like hitting Tiffany?
Teeny laughed. I thought youd never ask.
Id like to keep going if you dont mind.
You wanna drive all night? LaShelle looked shocked by Bennetts suggestion. You got a woman waiting for you in San Francisco or something?
Bennett had to laugh. No. It did give him pause, however, that LaShelle had begun to ask questions. Perhaps giving her a ride had been a mistake. Maybe he should have dropped her at the closest bus station and been done with her.
Didnt mean to pry, LaShelle said, pursing her lips. Its just that were a long way from Rhode Island.
We are, Bennett said.
So, you got family in California?
Just someone I know. Its business, really.
LaShelle wiggled her head around on her neck, disdain in her eyes.
Something aint right about you, Benny.
He let go with a little laugh of surprise, but in his gut he felt apprehension. We all have our imperfections, he said.
LaShelle nodded. Uh-huh, well, lets start with your clothes.
Bennett was offended. What in the world is wrong with my clothes?
She rolled her eyes. Number one, they aint you. You look like youre dressed up for Halloween or some shit. You dont belong in those clothes.
Nothing about the picture fits together.
Oh, really. He was becoming quite amused by the exchange.
Come on now, Benny. A man who carries himself the way you do, talks like you, has table manners like you? And a haircut and nails like yours?
LaShelle looked him up and down. Youre in good shape for an old man, and its not the rough hands and hard work kinda shape, either. I bet you work out with a personal trainer.
Interesting theory, he said.
And /that/ kind of man dont appear in public in a monster truck T-shirt, drivin a trifling Buick with a Mexican flag hangin off the rearview.
Bennett chuckled softly. Well, I certainly appreciate the compliment, if thats what it was.
Ha! LaShelle crossed her arms over her chest. That wasnt no compliment.
What Im saying is, Im on to you, Benny. Dont know what it is, but I know youre a man on a mission and you sit over there every day, mile after mile, stewing over it.
Im just trying to get where I need to go.
Uh-huh. LaShelle sighed. Anyway, I dont want to get all up in your business. All I know is you wouldnt hurt a fly, Benny. Thats really the only thing I care about.
Bennett gulped. Thank you for your vote of confidence.
LaShelle laughed.
They sat in silence for about five miles, when out of the quiet came the voice of an angel.?Hes a man on a mission/Sent to make things right/Drivin as far as he has to/ If it takes the rest of his life. The words were followed by her humming a bittersweet melody.
Whats the name of that songand dont tell me its?Big Shit Poppin.
She giggled. I dont know what the name is. I just made it up.
Bennett was no expert on popular music. His tastes ran more to Mahlers /Fifth Symphony./ But he knew a lovely singing voice and a catchy melody when he heard them, and hed just heard them from LaShelle.
Can you sing more? Maybe even finish what you just started?
LaShelle reached between her feet into her backpack and pulled out a ragged spiral notebook, covered in doodles and lettering that looked like street graffiti. I got about seventy songs in here that I wrote.
You pick a topic and I probably wrote a song about it.
Good God, he thought. He just might be sitting in the car with the worlds next Diana Ross! Upon closer examination of the notebook cover, he learned he was sitting next to LaShelle Davis, 112 College Avenue, Apt. 10, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Bennett cleared his throat. Have you written anything about a fathers love for his daughter, by any chance?
LaShelle cocked her head away from him in surprise. Damn if you didnt pick the one subject I know nothing about.
They drove all night. LaShelle sang a selection of music ranging from gospel hymns to country and western ballads, many of which shed written herself. Bennett felt his heart stir when she sang a Billie Holiday song. He was grateful the darkness hid his face.