“Actually, those are all fair game. Money is a good subject to avoid with this group, the stock market, and possibly family.”
He knew a lot about stock—stock tanks, livestock, stock farmers… “I doubt that’s going to be a problem.”
Charles chuckled. “I’m not a stock market man either. I have a guy who does that for me. We’re going to do just fine together.”
“Yes, sir.” He winked at Charles. “All good to go.”
In fact, Charles was quite handsome. More than good to go.
Charles fussed with his tie, resettled his jacket on his shoulder, and leaned over and swiped at his dress shoes. “Well, I suppose I have no excuse to procrastinate any longer.”
“It’ll go fast.” He wasn’t sure why Charles was dreading this, but it would go quick.
“I’m sure it’ll be a lovely evening; it just feels foreign to me now. I haven’t been social like this for a few years.” Charles offered him an arm. “Shall we try it out?”
“Yes, sir. I am at your disposal.” He took Mister Charlie’s arm. “Let’s do this thing.”
“To the car, then.”
The ride didn’t take very long. They stopped outside a tall, shiny building with lots of windows no one could see into and a lobby full of marble and elevators.
“Car six I think he said.”
“Pardon me?” What car? Did they need to go back outside?
“Car six goes to the penthouse.” Charles looked at him, then grinned. “Oh. Fancy word for an elevator. Only used in fancy buildings.”
“Ah. Good to know. I was fixin’ to walk you back outside.” Lord have mercy. Elevator car sounded weirdly familiar—maybe from his granny? His pappy?
“My apologies. Victor calls it a car, so I did the same.” Charles was smiling now, though, and seemed more relaxed.
Thecarwent up and up, finally stopping just before his ears popped. The doors opened into a bright foyer, and they were approached by men in black tailcoats and bow ties. One of them held out a white-gloved hand, palm up toward him. “May I take your hat, sir?”
“That’s all right. I’ll keep ahold of it, if you don’t mind.” He didn’t imagine these folks knew it, but this hat cost twice what he paid for his iPhone.
Charles nodded to him in approval and offered his arm again. “It’s more than just a hat,” he told the man and the butler stepped back again, gesturing for them to move inside.
“Yessir. It’smyhat.” He appreciated Mister Charlie’s understanding. He knew not everyone did. He squeezed Charles’s arm. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Purely selfish motives, I’m afraid. It looks so good on you.” Charles gave him a playful wink.
“Charles!” A tall, blond man in a light gray suit hurried over. “I was so happy to hear that you’d accepted my invitation. What a wonderful surprise.”
“Victor. I may have surprised myself too, but it’s time. Past it.” They shook hands, and Charles gestured to him. “Victor Weber, this is Ryder Vales.”
Victor gave Charles a quick smile, then looked Ryder in the eye. “A pleasure. Welcome to my home.”
“Pleasure is all mine, sir. Thank you.” He knew all about how to be polite, and these folks were obviously tickled that Charles had come out of mourning.
“Come in. Say hello and have a drink.” Victor led them toward a small bar, but it took ages to actually get there. They were greeted along the way by everyone they passed. He had no hope of remembering all the names.
That wasn’t really his job, he supposed. He was meant to nod, smile, and take care of Charles. The rest was just details.
“Charles! Is that really you?”
Charles turned at the sound of the big voice and laughed. “River!”
“It’s so good to see your face!” The big man hugged Charles tight, almost picking him up off the ground.