“I haven’t talked to either Mother or Father about my job,” Gary said, shaking his head. “And I don’t want to either. They’ll just ask for money.” He got to his feet. “I don’t blame you for telling Father no. I told him the same. I’ve been making a nice pot of money saving my wages and playing cards on the weekend.”
“That’s hardly a better way to invest than what our father has chosen. You know there are men who will take advantage of you.” It was her concern about this that truly pushed her to separate him from the boomers. If Gary went home for supper, maybe he would forget about gaming.
“Gary’s good with cards,” Empty chimed in. “I’ve never seen anyone quite so natural at it. He’s even better at blackjack than poker.” The boomer gave her a smile, as if that might make everything all right.
Susanna sighed and put her cleaning rag aside. “It’s still gambling and involves great risk. You don’t want to spend an entire week working hard for the Santa Fe only to have someone steal it away from you in a card game.”
“But that’s just it, Mrs. Jenkins. No one can steal it away from your brother because he’s too good. You should see him. It’s like he knows exactly what everyone’s holding. I swear he can see the next card in his mind before it’s even dealt.”
Gary laughed. “It is kind of like that. I can just remember what cards have been played.” He shrugged. “I think it’s a gift from God.”
“The Bible says nothing about God giving folks the gift of card playing,” Susanna countered.
“Well, maybe it should.” Gary laughed again. “I think you worry too much about what the Bible has to say, anyway. It’s full of rules for everyone to follow. Too many rules, if you ask me.”
“It’s not just a book of rules, but the rules are important in order to keep us from making really bad mistakes. Look at how it might have helped our parents if Father had considered not associating and tying himself to someone who wasn’t also a believer.”
“You can hardly go around asking every businessman if he is a Christian.”
“And why not? If you’re going to have a business arrangement with them, shouldn’t you know their values and standards?” Susanna asked.
The four men exchanged a look, and each one gave a shrug.
Herc got to his feet and put his knife away. “I think we ought to go.” Bill pushed away from the table with a nod.
“Women tend to make things a lot more complicated,” Gary said. “As for the players, I don’t want to know their life story, I just want to win their money.” He laughed, and the others joined in.
Just then there was a knock on the door. The passageway was open, and Susanna could see their mother standing there, dressed to go out.
The men all came to attention as Gary stepped forward. “Mother, these are some of the men I work with.” He presented each of them, and Susanna watched as her mother show little or no interest.
“I need to speak with Susanna. We had an early supper, but there’s still food left over if you’re hungry, Gary. Susanna, I thought you might join me for some dessert at the Harvey House. I need to speak to you on a most important matter.” Her expression was unreadable.
“I suppose I could if Father is here to watch over the hotel. Nearly every room has a guest, so someone needs to be here to see to their needs.”
“He’s planning to be here shortly. He wanted to make a quick stop at the mercantile to pick up some foot powder. His feet have been hurting from standing on them so long.”
Susanna nodded. “That sounds wise. Once he’s here, I can join you.”
“Can’t Gary watch over things until he comes?” Mother asked, looking to her son. “You can keep the front desk until your father arrives, can’t you?”
Gary looked at his friends and then back to Susanna. “I’ll stay if you want to go ahead with Mother.”
The situation made Susanna uncomfortable, but she nodded. Even though she was supposedly dead to her mother, Susanna felt she must try to bridge the chasm that lay between them. “Very well. Let me get my hat and gloves.”
Susanna went to her little bedroom and wondered what her mother wanted. The fact that they were headed to the Harvey House at least suggested there wouldn’t be any major scenes. Her mother had been careful not to make public displays of her emotions while still managing to garner as much positive attention as possible. Still, there was no telling what she would do.
After smoothing her hair, Susanna pinned her hat in place. The wide-brimmed straw hat had proven to be very useful in the hot New Mexico sunshine, and even though it was starting to cool off and the sun was close to setting, Susanna figured it was still her best bet. She toyed with the idea of leaving her gloves behind. Mother, however, was wearing hers, and Susanna didn’t want to start off by insulting her. Gloves were still expected, even in San Marcial, New Mexico Territory.
Susanna finished pulling on her gloves, then picked up a small purse. She checked to make sure she had enough money. No doubt she would be expected to pay for dessert.
She emerged to find her mother was nowhere to be found. Gary stood by the door, and his friends were gone with exception of Herc.
“Father’s arrived,” Gary said, motioning toward the door. “Mother went to speak to him.”
“I can well imagine.” Susanna sighed heavily. “Thanks for being willing to wait. I have no idea what Mother wants, but I’m sure it won’t be pleasant.”
“You look mighty pretty, Mrs. Jenkins,” Herc declared. “I don’t suppose you’d like to accompany me to the dance hall on Saturday night?”
Susanna shook her head. “No. I’m not much into dancing, but thank you for the invitation.” She gave him no time to respond and made a quick exit into the lobby.
Her parents stood whispering at the check-in desk. Susanna decided to say nothing and stood in silence until her mother concluded and patted Father’s arm. No doubt she was reassuring him that she would get Susanna to cooperate with them one way or another. It was hard to imagine that they were unable to comprehend their responsibility in all that had happened, but Susanna believed they honestly thought themselves completely innocent of blame.
“Let’s go,” Mother said, coming to her side. “I heard there is some of the very best black forest cake ever made. A special recipe the new German cook is presenting.”
Susanna forced a smile. “Sounds delicious.”
They arrived at the Harvey House just moments later and were immediately seated and waited upon. Susanna loved the order and civility of the place. It was such a perfect eating establishment, and she’d heard that the hotel rooms were equally well-ordered. In her own life of chaos, Susanna found a deep appreciation for such harmony.
“Hello, ladies,” the Harvey Girl greeted. She handed them menus and then asked for their drink order. To Susanna’s surprise, her mother ordered coffee. Susanna did likewise, then looked for something substantial to eat before indulging in the cake her mother was so eager to try. She settled on some chicken noodle soup and focused on her coffee as she waited for the food.
Mother was strangely silent even when Susanna prompted conversation. Thankfully the soup arrived quickly, and Susanna offered grace.