The Antics of Lindsey Willows

Chapter 4

Lindsey sat on the couch in her living room. Lexi Sidle sat next to her and was flipping through a gossip magazine. They tossed chit-chat back and forth every now and then, but mostly sat in quiet anticipation of Catherine's exit from her room. The words ran out and boredom settled in. Lindsey lied upside down on the couch with her feet over the back. She pulled on her shoelace and watched as it fell limp. The shoe plopped onto the floor and she rolled off the couch. She picked the shoe up by the lace and walked to the hallway that led to her mother's room. She was ten feet away and chucked it at the door. It ricocheted off with a loud bang.

Lindsey rushed back to the couch and picked up a book. Her mother stepped out of the hallway holding the shoe. "Lose something?" she asked.

Both girls' jaws dropped. Catherine sensed their shock and nervously brushed her bangs away from her eyes. Lexi stood up. "They say that nothing can beat the little black dress, but I think you've done it."

Catherine was dressed in an elegant red gown that stopped just above her knee. It sparkled in all the right places, but was not overdramatic. She wore a simple strand of pearls around her neck and ruby high heels. "Thank you, Lexi."

Lindsey was smiling so hard her cheeks hurt. "Mom, you never told us, who did you wrangle in for a date?" She tried to make the question sound casual, but it came out with a bit of excited expectancy.

"Warrick," Catherine said as she picked up her purse from a short table near the door. Lindsey and Lexi were careful to avoid making eye contact.

"Oh, that's cool. He's a nice guy," Lindsey replied.

"Yes, he is and he's going to be here any second, so I'm going to lay the ground rules down now. You two stay here or Nick's. Lindsey, if you do go over there, make sure you leave me a note. I don't want anyone else at either place unless it's an adult who I know and trust. If Greg shows up, keep him out of the kitchen." The girls nodded and the doorbell rang. Lindsey jumped up to answer it.

"Hey, Warrick, what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm picking up your mother. We've got a party to go to." He reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out two five dollar bills. He lowered his voice so only she could hear. "One's for you. The other goes to Lexi."

"Thanks," she whispered back. "So you're taking my mom out, are you?" she asked a bit louder, "You better behave. I don't need any siblings."

Catherine heard the comment and dropped her purse on the carpet. "Lindsey Willows!"

The girl shrugged her shoulders innocently. "What?"

Catherine retrieved her purse, hugged her daughter, and was out the door with Warrick. Lexi turned to her friend. "What was that all about?"

"I've got to shake them up somehow. My grandfather put on this party for one sole purpose and I don't want it to go to waste."

Warrick held the door of his Denali as Catherine stepped out. "Sorry about earlier," she said.

"What?"

"Lindsey. I don't know what she was thinking."

He laughed. "It's okay. She's a kid."

"Sure." She let out a forced laugh of her own.

They walked together, through the glass doors into the extravagant lobby of the casino. There were just a few couples scattered around the room. Catherine pulled back in nervousness. "Hey," Warrick said, "it'll be fine. Everyone's probably in the main area."

They continued on and soon came to a larger group of people. Catherine sighed. "This is much better. Let's get a drink."

Catherine and Warrick were chatting at the bar over a couple of drinks when an old woman walked up. Warrick noticed that Catherine seemed to recognize the lady, but was a bit concerned about her.

"Catherine, dear," she said, "it's so nice to see you."

"You too, Bertha. How're the cats?"

"Dead."

Catherine's eyes widened. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Bertha waved a finger to the bar tender. "Whiskey. Fast." She turned back to Catherine. "I'm not. Those things drove me crazy. I've got dogs now."

"That's good."

"Yeah, it is." She took notice of the man standing by the younger woman. "Eddie, I didn't know you were here. Catherine, Sam said you and Eddie were having problems, but I guess you got those all worked out. You look good, Ed. Different, but good."

Warrick started to speak up but Catherine put her hand on his chest. "Yes, he does." She pointed off into the crowd. "Oh my goodness, is that Sean Connery?"

The woman became excited, stuttered a harried good-bye and ran off to find Sean.

"Who the heck was that?" Warrick asked looking slightly dazed.

"I am so sorry about that. Bertha is blind as a bat. Not that smart either. I was surprised she knew my name."

"Did she even know Eddie?"

"I believe they're related."

He chuckled. "Now that I can see." A slow song started to play and he grabbed her by the hand. She pulled back slightly, but he made it to the dance floor. "Don't try to run away. You owe me."

They danced, and were only interrupted four more times by people inquiring as to who Catherine was with. No one else assumed he was Eddie. For that, Warrick was grateful.

Lexi tossed the plush football to Lindsey. "What do you think they're doing right now?"

Lindsey pursed her lips. "At this very moment? I bet they're dancing."

"You think she got him to dance?"

Lindsey threw the ball back. "I think the better question is if he got her to dance."

"Your mom is in that dress; there's no way she didn't dance." She passed the football.

"I sure hope they're having a good time."

Four hours later, Catherine and Warrick linked arms as they walked up the driveway to her front door. Catherine was holding her side with her free hand and laughing uncontrollably. Warrick was chuckling as well.

"Man, who knew old Bertha could get that violent?" he laughed.

"I still can't believe she really thought he was Sean Connery."

"Yeah, and was she angry when he denied the autograph or what?"

"I don't think Sam will be inviting her to any more parties anytime soon," she said, grinning. They reached the door and conversation melted away. "I had a really good time tonight," she said, "Thanks so much for being my sanity chip."

"I had fun. You're welcome. Anytime you need someone to play the part of your ex-husband, call me."

She laughed. "Thanks again. I better go. Sara and Nick are going to be wanting their kid back and I believe we're being spied on."

"I'll see you at work, then."

Catherine gave a half-smile. "Yeah, you will."

He walked to the car and watched as she entered her home. Then he drove to his own home and the woman who was waiting for him there.

A/N: Feedback is always appreciated.