Lucky Thirteen Read Free Page B

didn’t even complain that his soup was cold. The main course was pheasant done three ways. I’d never tasted anything so mouthwatering. Except maybe the fish course.
    Alex augmented his meal by having two more martinis with his lunch before I gently cut him off. He and Miss Hightower swapped stories which became exceedingly more ribald as the meal progressed. During our meal we were afforded two additional races, the last of the day. I found it amusing that Miss Hightower became almost as agitated as I did during each race.
    I was stuffed before the last course arrived, a dessert of crème suisse . Alex was full as well if the enormity of his concluding belch was anything to judge by. I was about to apologize for him when Miss Hightower burst out laughing. By then I was afraid they were going to have a burping contest, they had become such fast friends during our meal.
    “You know, Elizabeth,” Alex began.
    “Yes, Alex?”
    “I can’t remember the last time I ate so well, and the company has been divine. Oh, and thanks for the bread. But how much do we owe you?”
    This time I actually slapped my forehead at the crassness of the question. Normally, Alex’s manners were exemplary. He was, after all, the consummate professional. It had to be the gin speaking—but instead of being offended, Miss Hightower played right along.
    “Please, Alex, I would be delighted if you would allow me to pay for the meal,” Miss Hightower replied.
    “No, we’ll pay. Don’t worry, we can afford it. Chloe made a killing on a horse at the track today.”
    “So I heard,” she said, winking at me.
    “I can’t allow you to pay.”
    “It’s already done,” Miss Hightower assured him, waving the issue away.
    “Wow, you’re one sweet lady,” Alex observed.
    Miss Hightower beamed a broad smile in response.
    “Which leads me to a favor I’d like to ask you,” she began.
    “Anything. Just name it,” Alex offered.
    “I’ve enjoyed your company so much, that I’d love to invite the two of you out to my estate tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Done!” Alex declared, slapping a hand down on the table.
    “But Alex, you have to go to work tomorrow,” I reminded him.
    “Oh yeah, you’re right,” he replied, sounding despondent. “But you don’t,” he added with a mischievous smile. “You can bring me a doggy bag.”
    There was an awkward silence as I tried to decide what to do. On the one hand, I enjoyed Miss Hightower’s company immensely, but on the other, I didn’t want to be a bother. I was worried that my silence hinted at a lack of interest.
    “Chloe, have you ever visited a modern horse breeding and training facility?” Miss Hightower added, upping the ante significantly.
    “You breed horses at your estate?”
    “I most certainly do. And the mansion itself is exquisite. I’d love to provide you with a private tour.”
    “Count me in,” I declared wholeheartedly.
    “Good girl!” Alex exclaimed, throwing his arms around me and giving me a kiss on the forehead.
    I couldn’t help but break out in a foolish grin of joy.
    “Alex, I would love it if you could join us for dinner tomorrow night,” Miss Hightower added.
    “I’ll see what I can do,” Alex assured her.
    “Now, Chloe, write down your hotel and room number on this pad of paper. I’ll have Charles pick you up at eleven o’clock sharp tomorrow morning. And here’s my card. If you have any questions or anything should come up, you be sure to call me.”
    I wrote down the pertinent information on the pad and accepted her business card. It was a very elegant card—gold embossed. We all stood, none of us wanting to say goodbye. In conclusion there were hugs exchanged and fond farewells, after which I found myself guiding Alex through the grandstands and out the exit. The sun was setting and I was cold. I held him close not only to help him walk but to soak up some of his warmth.
    “Were you really almost killed by a bus today?” he asked.
    “Yes, I