Free Catch as Cat Can by Rita Mae Brown Page B

everyone.
    â€œHarry.” He leaned down and kissed his ex-wife. He knew thanks to BoomBoom that she was “helping out” with the South Americans as BoomBoom put it, but of course Boom had neglected to describe Diego. When Harry introduced them, Fair struggled to contain his surprise and dismay. He collected himself. “Welcome to Crozet.”
    â€œThank you.” Diego firmly shook his hand.
    At that moment Harry reached Aunt Tally and Big Mim. Both ladies took in the situation. A sly smile crossed Aunt Tally's lips, Lancôme lipstick generously but not sloppily applied.
    â€œAunt Tally, I cheated.”
    â€œI know you did but in a good cause.” She turned her cheek for Harry to kiss her. “I saw your animals rip through here so I knew you couldn't be far behind. That cat of yours, the gray one, will eat me out of house and home.”
    â€œBe glad she doesn't drink.”
    Tally laughed. “There is that. And Mr. Aybar, you may kiss me now, too, since you've met me.” She turned her other cheek and Diego kissed it, then kissed the back of her hand.
    He bowed and also kissed Big Mim's hand. She brightened considerably.
    As they moved away both Aunt Tally and Big Mim made a fuss over Fair, how good he was to forgo a date with Harry so the Uruguayan gentleman wouldn't be lonesome, how's foaling, how are you, etc.
    As Fair moved away, quickly intercepted by Lottie Pearson wearing a flowered hat, Tally whispered to her niece, “I just lo-o-ove my parties. Uh-huh.”
    â€œYou're incorrigible.” Big Mim laughed, then reached out to greet Deputy Cynthia Cooper, herself in a spring dress. “I don't think I've ever seen you look so lovely.”
    The tall woman replied with humor, “Mrs. Sanburne, I don't think you've ever seen me in a dress.”
    â€œWell . . . yes.”
    â€œYou're a tall girl. You'd look good in anything, even chain mail,” Aunt Tally said. “Is your boss coming by?”
    â€œThe sheriff said he'd try to make it but he's a little behind today.”
    â€œIt was good of him to let you join us.” Tally let go of her hand and Cynthia headed for her friend Harry.
    Big Mim whispered, “Security. You didn't tell me you hired security.”
    â€œI didn't. I like Cynthia Cooper.” Tally beamed at Lynne Beegle, a prominent local rider, as she moved up in the receiving line.
    Harry, Diego, and Cooper chatted away, soon joined by Miranda Hogendobber, Tracy Raz, Susan Tucker, and Ned. They celebrated Tracy's return, found out that Diego had a great sense of humor, and thoroughly enjoyed one another.
    Over in a corner, Lottie Pearson fended off Roger O'Bannon. She had a smile on her face as she refused his advances. She'd never admit it but she liked the attention. Fair, not being her date, had gotten her a drink, then circulated. He was currently talking to Little Mim about zoning ordinances, not his favorite subject but one of hers.
    Lottie pulled a cigarette from her small beaded clutch bag. “Damn.” She couldn't find a light.
    Roger pulled a brightly colored matchbook from his sports coat, struck a match, lighting her cigarette. “Here, take the pack.” He paused. “I'll pick you up at eight,” he declared.
    â€œNo, you won't.” She tossed her head back.
    â€œI'll take you to Mim's dance tonight, too. You don't have a date. And I'll escort you to the Wrecker's Ball.”
    â€œWho told you that?” Lottie crossly said. “I have a date for tonight.”
    â€œA little bird.”
    She eyed BoomBoom across the room. “A big robin redbreast. Wait until I get my hands on her.”
    â€œI'd rather you get your hands on me.”
    Eavesdroppers stifled a giggle, making certain not to stare at the impending drama.
    â€œRoger, dream on.”
    â€œYou know what's wrong with you, Lottie? You're a goddamned snob. And you know what else? I've never seen a snob who was really happy