Unshown Moments for Saturday Night S 12

AN: Eons ago, MissLizzyJ asked me for a chapter on this episode which would include Kitty. Considering that Kitty was apparently out of town on this one, this was the best I could do. I hope it's ok.

After settling down the two men at Boss Billiards, Matt sighed and made his way back over to the Long Branch. Virgil had promised him a game of checkers or two and he didn't want to miss out on it. He really liked that man. He was decent and honest and genuinely concerned about the men that worked for him. Matt had met many other trail bosses that he couldn't say the same thing about.

"Virgil." Matt shook his head as he took the chair next to him. "How about we get that game started before something else happens."

Virgil grinned and shoved a checker board in front of him, the pieces were already in place. "I was hopin' it wouldn't take you too long." He grinned.

Matt chuckled and nodded at Fred, the bartender who'd just set a beer in front of him. "I was too, Virgil." He nodded at the board. "Black goes first."

Virgil quickly moved a piece and then looked at Matt as he took his turn. "Matt, can I ask you a question?"

Matt moved his checker piece and then glanced up at Virgil. "What?"

Virgil glanced at the board and moved another piece. "Well, early Doc Adams said something about a Kitty. I assume she runs this place?"

Matt nodded as he studied the board. "Actually, she owns this place."

"Owns it!" Virgil nodded. "Well, I am impressed. Not too many ladies could handle a place like this in a town like Dodge."

"True." Matt agreed as a moved his piece. "But then again, she's not just any lady."

Virgil smiled knowingly as he took his turn. "I thought so."

Matt looked up at him. "You thought what?"

Virgil looked at him with a smirk. "You and the lady."

Matt shook his head. "Now, wait, Virgil…"

"No, now, Matt. I'm not blind, ya know. I didn't even have to see the lady to know you felt something for her. Why just the mention of her name and your eyes light up."

Matt dropped his head. "Kitty and I are friends, Virgil."

"Oh, is that what you call it?" Virgil chuckled again and then sobered a little when he saw Matt's expression. "Matt, take an old cowboy's word for it. If what you have with this lady is real, hold onto it. Real love don't come to a man too often."

Matt hesitated for a moment before finally looking up at the trail boss. "I intend to, Virgil."

END