I am not sure whether to discard the three of hearts as I have two other threes in my hand, but I have to make a decision, so I do it.
Gotta play big if I’m going to win big, right?
As if a game of gin rummy with Miller in the back of the Golden Pillar is the definition of ‘playing big.’
“Take that, darling, and while you’re at it, I’m a little dry.” I lift my glass in Miller’s direction. “Top me off, won’t you?”
He peeks over his reading glasses at me, then back at his cards, before laying down a four of hearts.
“Eh, not into the runs tonight,” he says, reaching for my glass and rising from the table. “How goes the big move-in?” he asks. “Did Mercury and Jill run into each other at all?”
I shake my head. “No, no … Merc’s long gone. The room is up and ready for Miss Jill, who has, of course, arrived.”
Miller returns to the table with the drinks. “Well, Madam, I’m surprised you’re not at home tending to her questions and needs.”
“Oh she’s not a needy girl,” I tell him. “She’s very much like her sister – determined, focused, a steady presence. I don’t understand these sisters and their bad luck with men. They’re adorable girls! Rather remind me of … well, me.”
“Of course they do, sweetheart,” Miller says, picking a card. “The younger one, I presume?” he says, winking toward her.
“Well, of course,” I tell him. “Just starting out, not sure what they’ll find in the world. It’s fantastic, really.”
“You think a little of her young vibe will rub off on you?”
“Well,” I say, considering the notion. “It can’t hurt, what with all the new things Wanda is proposing. I’m going to have to be on my game, Miller. I mean, these are the times, you know what I mean?”
Miller reaches for the pitcher of gin and tonics and refreshes his glass. “Well, no, Madam, quite frankly I don’t. But then again I’ve never been much with politics around here.”
“Oh Miller, Wanda’s plans are incredible! Just the sort of thing that Daddy would have wanted for me … for this town! She’s reaching in every direction to build our community, and I think it’s just fantastic! Except for …”
Miller stops mid play. “Except for what?”
“Well, I’m a little unsure about the whole business up there,” I tell him, motioning toward Hilltop. “That Albert guy is … something, I’m just not sure what.”
“Something, Madam?”
“Yes, something. I don’t know what goes on up there, but from what little I’ve seen, there’s a lot that most people don’t know.”
Miller inhales deeply as he discards a seven of diamonds. “Well that’s all fine, Mrs., but what about this Jill girl? Can we get back to this discussion?”
“Oh, right, sorry,” I say. Can’t keep an even thought in my head this evening. “Well, I think she’s going to be a nice support for Cassie at the bar. She’s a short-order cook, you know. And yes, she might bring some of her youth and vitality to the manse now that Mercury is gone. I’m actually thinking she might make a good book club leader. What do you think about that, my dear man?”
Miller once again looks over his spectacles in my direction. “I have but a single word for you, Madam.”
“And what’s that?” I ask as he lays his cards in front of him.
“Gin.”
Gunnar Olafsson