Call of the Canyon (20 page)

Kate hoped her dress was unreal, too. “Let’s
go see what my dress looks like.” She grabbed Maria’s hand and
tugged her along.

It was waiting in Drew’s room just as Ilene
said it would be. The dress sparkled in the light as Kate took it
in her hands. The top layer was black netting covered in shiny
black iridescent beads and sequins creating a lovely floral and
leaf pattern. Underneath was a black satin liner. It had a slightly
fitted V-neck bodice with an A-line skirt. The black liner stopped
above the knees but the scallop-edged netting hung slightly below
the knee. Kate held up the dress and looked at the intricate
beading. “This is beautiful.”

“That cost at least $750 dollars.” Maria
blurted out. “Oops, I did it again.”

They both laughed. Kate realized people paid
more than that for dresses in the 21
^st
century, but $750
bought a lot more in the 1920s. This dress was quite expensive for
the day.

“Mine was probably half the cost of yours.”
Maria sulked.

“You will be lovely, Maria.” Kate put her
hand on the girl’s shoulder. “The boys will love you in it.”

“Do you think? Oh, I hope so. Some of my
friends will be here tonight.”

Kate could see Maria was just an insecure
teen and wasn’t really jealous of her. “If you’d like, I’ll help
you with makeup before the party starts.”

“Thank you. I’ll probably have to play the
piano as the guests arrive so I may have to get ready a little
early.”

“That’s fine. I’ll come to your room by four
this afternoon.”

“Kate, I have to tell you something. I
hadn’t planned on telling you, but that’s before I got to know you.
You deserve to know Gia’s coming tonight.”

Kate barely was able to say thanks as Maria
left the room. Gia hadn’t crossed her mind. That was the girl
Nicolas and Drew were arguing about on their wedding day. Gia was
Drew’s old girlfriend and she was invited to the party. For what
reason? To cause trouble? The only answer to those questions was
Nicolas hoped Drew would see her and realize he’d made a mistake.
Kate took a deep breath and walked over to the dressing table put
in the room for her use. She sat down on the little bench, staring
at herself in the mirror. She began to brush her hair vigorously
over and over to calm herself before she had to make the grand
entrance to the party.

* * * *

Drew emerged from the dressing room in his
custom-made Italian suit designed by his father. “I guess I’m a
male model tonight,” he said sarcastically. “I’ve been informed to
tell everyone about the suit.”

“Well, you look handsome.” Kate touched up
her make-up in the mirror and thought she heard piano music
drifting into the room. “Your sister plays beautifully.”

“She’s the only one with the music gene.”
Drew stood behind her and kissed her neck. Their images stared back
at them from the mirror. “Look at that, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Martin,
quite a dashing couple.”

Kate continued to gaze at the reflection in
the mirror. Was she enough for Drew? Did they really make a dashing
couple? She hadn’t told Drew about Gia, not wanting to make a big
deal. Plus she wanted to see what would happen. If Drew knew ahead
of time, he might have a fight with his father or stop Gia from
coming. “I’m ready,” was all she said.

There was a faint knock at the door
startling her. They were running late for the party and she was
sure the help was sent to see what was keeping them. Slowly opening
the door, Kate was relieved to see it was her father. “Dad, how did
you manage to find me?”

“I have my ways.” He strode into the room
seeming very comfortable in that environment. “Andrew, I want you
to know if anyone does anything to Kate tonight that I don’t like,
I will intervene.”

“Noted.” Drew saluted and smiled. “Always
love seeing you in your 1927 form. My big brother...so sure of
himself...plus a little more hair.”

“What did you say?” Kate’s dad playfully
punched the air as he stepped closer to Drew. Drew put up his
hands, made two fists like he was ready to fight back.

“That’s enough you two!” Kate hit her
forehead at their antics. “Dad, did you leave Grandma Lilly by
herself? We should get going.”

“She knows a lot of people in this town.
Don’t worry, she’s fine. I’m more worried about you.”

“I’m fine now that you’re here.”

“Hey!” Drew shouted and disappeared into his
dressing room.

“You know what I mean.” Kate laughed.

He came out with a pair of shoes in hand.
“Almost forgot these.” He held them up in the air the way his
brother had held the violin case.

“Death to the shoes?” Kate said almost to
herself.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, just an inside joke I have with your
brother.”

“You have secrets with my brother already?
You waste no time, wife. They’re both fond of you. They don’t want
us to leave.”

She stiffened at the thought. “That’s so
nice of them. I hope you made them feel loved and that they will be
in our thoughts always.”

“Something like that. You were right, we did
need to get back here and leave things in a positive way.”

Kate gulped. She thought of Gia again and
hoped that didn’t spoil things.

Her father walked over to her. “Is there
something you need to tell me?” Kate just shook her head no. “I’d
better get back.” He opened the door and slipped out, leaving the
couple alone in their room.

Andrew offered Kate his arm and they
followed a few minutes later. This time, they did not go
downstairs, but continued up another flight of stairs to a large
ballroom on the third floor. As they entered the room, Maria was in
the corner playing the piano and guests were milling about with
drinks in hand. Although it was Prohibition, the champagne and wine
flowed freely, just like at her wedding. A band was set up on a
small raised stage in the far corner and a huge table filled with
hors d'oeuvres ran down one wall. There was a dance floor in front
of the band and the rest of the space was filled with round tables
covered in white linen surrounded by white padded chairs. White
roses ringed with tall white candles in crystal candlesticks were
on every table. Everything glittered in the dimmed lighting, making
the room seem magical.

Drew’s father was circulating the room but
when he saw them, he extended his arm out toward them. He called
out in a booming voice. “My son and his bride, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew
Martin.”

The guests politely clapped and Maria went
into a rendition of the
Wedding March
. People began to line
up to meet and congratulate the couple. It almost seemed like a
second wedding reception, only this time Kate didn’t know the
guests. She tried very hard to be polite and thoughtful to each
one.

“Ah, Andrew, look who we have here, the
Pasquale family.” Nicolas brought a family of four over to the
front of the line.

“Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale, nice to see you
again.” Drew shook their hand. Then he nodded at the girl.
“Gia.”

Gia! That gorgeous raven-haired beauty is
Gia?
She was slightly taller than Kate and looked older. She
was quite voluptuous which made Kate examine her smaller bust and
thinner body. Gia had the look of confidence and grabbed Drew
around the shoulders, bringing him to her.

“Mio amore
.” Gia said into his ear
although Kate could hear. No one needed to translate for her. That
girl just said “my love.” Gia then planted a huge kiss on his
mouth, making even her own mother gasp. Kate searched the crowd for
her father and waved him over.

“Oh, look, Andrew, Jack Woods is here. I
hope he brought his mother.” Kate slid her arm through Drew’s and
pulled him toward her. “And this is?” She stared straight at
Gia.

“Gia Pasquale, an old friend.” Drew said it
with a slight laugh as he wiped his mouth with the back of his
hand. “My wife, Kathryn.” He introduced Gia to Kate.

Kate shook her hand and could’ve sworn she
heard the girl say, “Not for long.” Glancing around to see if her
father had arrived, she felt his hand on her back and turned to
greet him. “Jack, so nice to see you!” She hugged him and quickly
filled him in on her dilemma.

“You two need to come over and say hello to
my mother. She has a little difficulty getting around and would
love it if you visited our table.” Jack maneuvered the couple away
from the Pasquales.

“That was a surprise. You held up quite
well, Kate.” Drew seemed a bit flustered.

“Well, I was given advanced notice.”

“Really? By whom, may I ask?

“Your wonderful sister.”

“It was a shock to see her again. I’m sure
that’s how my father planned it. He probably thought I’d realize I
made the biggest mistake of my life and annul the marriage right on
the spot. Little does he know you’re the love of my life. Too bad
he can’t see that instead of dollar signs. The marriage of Gia
Pasquale and Andrew Martin would help the family business. Mr.
Pasquale is in the import/export business and could have materials
shipped in and suits shipped out at a discounted price if there was
a wedding among the families.” Drew just shook his head.

“Thanks for sharing. It helps.” Kate told
him as they reached the table where her grandmother sat. “Grandma
Lilly, I can’t believe I get to see you again.” Kate ran to her and
they clasped hands.

Kate could see she was overcome with
emotion. Tears filled her eyes, but Kate knew she was happy. “Drew,
do you mind if I sit awhile with them?”

“No, go right ahead, I have some business to
attend to.” Drew hurriedly left the table and Kate hoped it wasn’t
to confront his father.

She lost track of time and of Drew as she
talked with her grandmother. She needed to find out about her
father’s childhood and what he was like while she had the chance.
Lilly told her lots of stories and their talk was filled with fun
and laughter. She showed Kate her baby picture, saying she kept it
with her at all times. All of the sudden, Lilly’s face completely
changed. “Kate, go get your man.” Her finger pointed toward the
dance floor.

Kate turned her head and saw Gia and Drew
dancing together. If that wasn’t bad enough, they looked like they
belonged together, swaying to the music as one. She stood up and
smoothed her dress. “Thank you, Grandmother.” She started for the
dance floor to confront her husband when she felt a hand on her
arm.

“That’s exactly what Nicolas wants you to
do, cause a scene. Instead, you’ll dance with me.” Her father’s
voice couldn’t have sounded any better or more soothing than it did
at that moment.

Father and daughter stepped onto the dance
floor. “Should I stand on your feet while you dance around?” Kate
remembered how she and all little girls danced on their fathers’
feet.

He threw back his head and laughed. “You and
I can cut a rug, as they used to say, just as well as they can.” He
began dancing and twirling her all over the floor until they
reached Drew and Gia. “Just follow my lead.”

“Andrew.” Her dad nodded at him. “This must
be the lovely Gia you told me so much about. Allow me to switch
partners so I may have a dance.”

Kate was grateful and slid into Drew’s
arms.

“This is where you belong, Mrs. Martin.
Don’t let her get to you,” Drew whispered in her ear.

“I know.” Kate didn’t care who was watching,
she kissed her husband for a very long time.

* * * *

Kate and Drew stood at the front door with
their bags packed, ready to go.

“I can’t believe it’s time already.” His
mother groaned. She took Andrew’s face in her hands and kissed both
cheeks.

Maria and Freddie looked sad, too. Kate
walked over to them and put her arms around them. “Promise me
you’ll make plans to stay at the cabin this summer. Drew and I
would love to have you.”

“I’ll definitely be there.” Freddie smiled.
“And I won’t bring the violin.”

“Great to hear,” Kate laughed. “And what
about you, Maria? Will you come?”

Tears filled Maria’s eyes. “Yes,” she said
softly. “I’ll be there. I’m going to miss you.” She hugged Kate
tightly.

“I’ll miss you both.” Kate started to feel
close to Drew’s siblings in this short period of time. At least
they liked her and would have good memories now. They know their
brother wanted them at the wedding and loved them very much.

Nicolas came down the stairs and joined the
group. Kate was surprised because she hadn’t seen him anywhere all
morning. “Andrew, I’ve been thinking about this for some time.
After graduation, would you consider coming home to live,
apprentice at the store and attend NYU?”

That was a lot to ask, but since Kate knew
in a month or so the Martin family would be getting a notice their
son died, she saw no harm in agreeing to his terms. She stepped
forward. “We’d love to, Mr. Martin.”

Drew looked shocked and Kate hoped he
realized what she was doing. “Father, I will consider it after I
talk this over with Kate. She seems agreeable to the idea.”

Nicolas took her hand. “Please call me
Nicolas.” He seemed to be partially sincere and a little grateful.
On closer review, Kate thought she saw something sinister in his
expression, but brushed it away.

“Thank you, Mr. Mar...Nicolas. I hope to see
you soon.” Kate was thrilled for Drew. That might not be the
closure everyone was looking for but it was close enough.

Sal took their bags and put them in the
Cadillac, readying the car for departure. The back side passenger
door was open and waiting.

Nicolas embraced his son and patted him on
the back. “You made me a happy man today, son. It will be a good
life, you will see. You and Kathryn can turn the guest suite on the
third floor into your own apartment. Kathryn can shop every day,
buy whatever she wishes to make it your own while you come to work
with me.”