Beauty Queen (47 page)

Robin frowned at her reflection. Okay, dont laugh ... I got it at J. C. Penneys. At Rebeccas look of shock, she shrugged. Hey, were on a budget. And besides, you can get basically the same thing there as you can at designer stores without paying a small fortune, she said, as if rehearsing a commercial while she used her fingers to fix her short, curly dark hair.

The shoes, too? Rebecca asked, stepping back to have a look.

With an indelicate snort, Robin shook her head. Dont

be ridiculous! These are my new Manalo Blahniks! She proudly held her foot out so that Rebecca could get a look.

They finished primping and went to meet the guys, who were waiting for them in the great room, both dressed in Texas formal per the invitation. Jake looked very dapper in his Texas-formal wear: tuxedo coat and cumberbund over Wranglers and black boots. But Matt looked even better in his tails and formal waistcoat over a pair of Levis.

As Robin and Rebecca walked into the room, Jake let out a low whistle for Robin, but Matt seemed to have trouble rising to his feet. He couldnt take his eyes off Rebecca and stood there speechless for so long that she felt herself begin to color.

Jesus, Matt, say something Robin urged him, voicing Rebeccas thoughts out loud.

I cant, he said. Im at loss to say how beautiful she looks, he said. God, Rebecca ... you look like you walked right out of a movie, he said, to which Rebecca smiled selfconsciously, did a little curtsey of thanks. I mean, its stunning, he said again. Youre stunning. Youre ...

Robin tapped him on the shoulder. Roll your tongue up and put it in back in your head. We dont have all day. And then she yelled for Cole and Grayson while Matt shoved a hand through his hair, still unable to take his eyes off Rebecca.

The four of them arrived early, as Rebecca wanted to make sure that everything was in order and that the groundsmen, supplied by the Three Nines ranch, had put everything up like she and Harold had instructed. Of course she knew what the place was supposed to look like, but she could not have prepared herself for the sight of the party grounds where the event would be held under an evening summer sky ... it had been completely transformed, just like Harold promised. They walked through stone gates to the party area, and all of them came to an abrupt halt and stared at their surroundings as Harold rushed forward to greet them in a stunningly royal blue tuxedo.

Rebecca had wanted the place to look like Texas, with

lush greens to represent the coastal plains and eastern pine forests, reds and browns to represent the canyons in the west, and dark blues and grays to represent the mountains around El Paso. Dozens of round tables had been set up, all draped in those colors. The centerpieces at each table, made by local art students (and for sale after the event) were three-dimensional representations of Texas; barbed wire and horseshoes for ranching, oil rigs and oil pumps, skylines of the major metropolitan areas, cattle ... And in the pecans and live oaks that formed a canopy over the dining area, hundreds of small star lights had been strung to create the illusion of a big Texas night sky.

The stage was a long, rectangular raised platform, behind which a canvas was draped and painted with the Austin skyline Rebecca had asked a woman she had once taken an art class with to do it, and she had been happy to oblige. The result was outstanding; one felt as if he or she were standing on a hilltop, overlooking Austin. The dance floor, made of oak planks from the original Three Nines ranch house porch, was off to one side, and was covered in peanut shells and sawdust for the boot-scoot tunes the live entertainment would provide Rebecca had lined up four separate and well-known country-western bands.

At either end of the dance floor, and behind the dining area, were three bars fashioned out of wooden barrel horses, used by ranchers and rodeo enthusiasts to learn how to rope. And at the far end of the grounds, but within a short walking distance of the dining area, were the barbecue pits, around which several of the pit teams were milling.

Its fabulous, Robin gushed. Rebecca, youve done such a fantastic job!

Thanks, she said proudly. I had no idea it would turn out so well.

You know, you ought to do this for a living, Jake said. Youre really good.

Do what? Rebecca asked.

Event planning. Theres a huge market for it in Houston. I bet there is here, too, he said. Im going to check

out the barbecue a man cant ignore a scent like that, he said, and offered his arm to Robin, leaving Rebecca with a stunning idea.

As the two of them trotted off in the direction of food, Rebecca turned slowly around, taking in the creation that had begun as an idea in her head one afternoon in Toms office, had been sketched and sketched on paper so many times that she could almost recite the exact number of chairs. As she came full circle, she noticed Matt was gazing at her.

So what do you think? she asked excitedly.

I think, he said softly, that I am incredibly proud of you. Its wonderful, Rebecca. Masterfully done. Bravo, bravo! he said, applauding softly. The party could never have created such an intimate feel to this venue, particularly on the budget you had.

Impossibly pleased, Rebecca grinned up at him as Matt encircled her in his arms. Thanks, Big Pantsthat actually means a whole lot coming from you.

Yeah, well, Miss Priss... He paused to kiss her. Jakes right you ought to give his idea some thought, because you can do as well as the big guns. Better, even. And if Tom Masters doesnt give you the praise and glory you deserve, I will personally put this fine ostrich leather boot up his big fat ass.

Im sorry, Im certain I didnt hear you correctly. Would you please repeat that, only a little louder?

Matt grinned broadly. Thats what I like about you all modesty. With a wink, he kissed her deeply until they heard Harolds desperate call. She was needed in the ranch house, he said, as he flew by to direct those arriving early.

The next couple of hours went by in a whirl; waiters and bartenders began to show up, along with dozens of guests. Harold manned the front gate with the ushers while Rebecca spent a half hour sorting out confusion over the playbill with the bands. When that fire had been stamped out, she went back out to the party area to find Matt, and ran into Pat, who was looking rather spiffy for Pat, that was in a pink

mother-of-the-bride gown. But even more intriguing, Pat had a surprisingly younger man in tow. This is fantastic! she exclaimed when she saw Rebecca. I never thought you- I mean, I never thought...

Rebecca laughed and squeezed the old girls hand. I know what you thought, Pat, and you werent alone. Hell, even / wasnt sure I could do it! Have you seen Tom?

He and Glenda are on their way. He wants to make an entrance you know, she said. He said to call him when the first band starts to play.

Hey, Pat, Matt said behind her. You look great.

Pat beamed. Thanks!

Im going to have to take her now, he said, touching Rebeccas arm. There are some people she needs to meet. He introduced her to Doug and Jeff, two men who, he said, were part of the Democratic Party apparatus in Dallas. And several senators and representatives were in attendance, all ooohing and aahing and generally jealous that they hadnt been part of this fund-raiser.

And last, but certainly not least... Dad. Robin found Rebecca and Matt in conversation with Mr. Holt Peterson, the man who had used his collection of vintage Cadillac convertibles to shuttle people between the airport and the ranch. Hes here, she whispered, and Bec he doesnt look so good.

What do you mean? Rebecca asked, instantly fearing that he had misunderstood the dress code on the invitation.

I mean he looks sick. Come ontheyve seated us and hes asking for you.

Rebecca looked at Matt as he turned from two men hed been speaking to. My dad is here.

About time, he said with a confident smile, and with his hand on the small of her back, they followed Robin through a growing crowd, struggling to pass through the rich and famous of Texas, men dressed in formal tails and jeans and boots and cowboy hats; women in brightly colored slips of gowns, the richness of the fabric rivaled only by the size and sparkle of their jewels, which caught the light of the hundreds of starry dots above them.

When they at last came round to the table where Jake and Dad were sitting, Rebecca saw what Robin meant Dad looked awful. He had lost quite a bit of weight since she had seen him a couple months ago; he was gaunt, his face leathery and his eyes sunken. She walked quickly to the table as he used his hands to push himself up and out of his chair. Dad? she said, trying to keep the alarm from her voice.

His eyes lit up and he smiled broadly, standing back to admire her dress. Becky, you look beautiful. Times like this, you remind me so much of your mother. She was the beauty of the plains, you know.

Thank you, she said, surprised and touched by the compliment. But Dad ... are you all right?

Am I all right? Of course Im all right! Just lost a few extra pounds, thats all! he scoffed, waving a hand at her, but no amount of scoffing would change the fact that he didnt look all right. He looked sick, like he had when they had done all the chemotherapy

Rebecca suddenly looked at Robin, saw the same fearful thought reflected in her sisters eyes.

But Dad was eyeing Matt, moving around Rebecca to have a better look. What the hell, Bec, you gonna let the ol boy just stand there, or are you going to introduce us?

Oh geez.... Rebecca looked at Matt, who was, as usual, looking completely at ease. Dad, this is Matt Parrish. Hes a lawyer

I know, I know, Dad said, extending his hand. Aaron Lear, of Lear Transport Industries. Heard of us? he asked, squinting as he peered up at Matt.

Its a pleasure, Mr. Lear. And yes, of course Ive heard of you. What Texan hasnt?

Uh-huh, Dad said, studying him. Never hurts to kiss a little ass, does it, Parrish?

Matt laughed, shrugged insouciantly.

So youre a lawyer, huh?

Thats right.

Never had much use for lawyers, Dad remarked, clasping his hands, gauging Matts reaction.

But Matt just laughed again, said cheerfully, Most folks dont, thats for sure.

Dad nodded as a smile slowly cracked his face. Ever been married?

Dad! Robin cried. Leave him alone!

Nope, sure havent, Matt answered amicably.

Then get me a drink and Ill tell you why you never should, son, Dad said, and pulling out a chair, sat heavily, waiting on his drink.

Honestly, Dad! Rebecca moaned. Matt, Ill get it

No, Rebecca. Let Matt do it, Jake said, grinning at Dad. This is how Aaron likes it put em to the test, see whos still standing when hes done toying with them.

That remark prompted a rough bark of laughter from Dad, who slapped the table with glee. Now see? Heres a man whos learned his lesson. Have a seat, Jake. You paid enough for it, he said, patting the seat next to him, then looked up at Matt again. You werent planning to take all night to get that whiskey, were you, Parrish?

No, sir, he said, and chuckled with amusement.

At least, Rebecca thought as Matt casually strolled away after asking if anyone else wanted anything, the worst was over. Dad and Matt had met.

But then she saw Bud and Candace, standing near the stage with Tom, chatting it up.

Matt was also thinking the worst was over, and really didnt think Aaron Lear was going to pose any problem for him. The man honestly looked too sick to be anything but a pain in the ass, which was obviously what he had set out to be. Matt just hoped that whatever ailed him wasnt serious.

He got the whiskey, ran into Gilbert wearing a T-shirt with a tuxedo drawn on it, black jeans, and high tops. He was with Angie, who had chosen a vintage thrift-store dress to accent her boots and black lipstick. She had jet black hair, too, with tints of blue and red. But Matt could honestly say she looked a whole lot better than the guy she had come with he looked as if he had just stepped out of a coffin.

This deal is so tight! Angie exclaimed. Whatever that meant. Were going to get a drink, she added, and said to her date, Free bar.

Awesome, he said, and the two of them sauntered off.

Matt looked at Gilbert. Speech ready?

Yeah, and dude, hes got the whole thing on three-by-fives in his coat pocket!

That was unbelievable. Have a drink, then, Gilbert, Matt said. Youve damn sure earned it. Gilbert snorted at that, but chucked Matt on the shoulder and followed Angie and her beau.

By the time Matt got back to the table with the drinks, Rebecca was missing. He wasnt surprisedshe had an awful lot going on this evening. With a smile, he handed the whiskey to Aaron Lear, a beer to Jake, and a glass of soda to Robin, who caught his eye, rolled hers, and took a long, fortifying sip.

Mr. Lear leaned back; wet his lips with the whiskey. Not bad. Thought it would be standard bar crap. He put the glass down, looked at Matt. So, Parrish, what are your intentions?

Oh, for Gods sake, Dad! Robin exclaimed. Why do you do that?

Why, I dont know what you mean, Robbie, he said, feigning innocence. When a man comes sniffing around my daughters skirts, I like to know what hes after, thats all. And Matt here, he doesnt mind answering a few questions, do you Matt?

Not at all. I have nothing to hide, Matt said, looking him square in the eye.

Is that right? Mr. Lear said with a definite smirk.

Thats right. I dont mind telling you up front that Im after her money. Every last red cent.

Robin choked so hard on her soda that Jake had to slap her on the back but not before flashing Matt a look of pity, as if he expected to see him eaten alive. Mr. Lear just laughed, flashed a crooked little smile, sipped his whiskey, and said, You know what, Parrish? I think Im gonna like you. I know Im gonna like you a hell of a lot better than that asshole, he said motioning with his head toward the stage.