PT. 2
Old Flame Revisited!
Kitty boarded the train headed cross country for Kansas. Dodge City to be exact!
Curling her arm deep into his arm and holding tight, "Well, Matt, I can't believe you're still here and still keeping the law." Smirking at him as the two entered the Dodge House.
Howie looked surprised, seeing the way she hung on his arm, like... well, like he wasn't sure what to say or if he should pretend he didn't notice. "Marshal, Ma'am?"
"Morning, Howie. The lady needs a room."
"Sure, Marshal." Howie said, still trying not to react to the forwardness of the guest. "Do you have a preference of room, Ma'am?" He asked.
Smiling back at him, "Yes. One that overlooks the street, if you don't mind. And I'll need lots of hot water. Gals gotta warm up."
"Oh, yes, Ma'am. I'll see to that. I'll set you up in Rm. 4. It's right up front, looks all over Front Street, Ma'am."
"It's Miss!" She said. "Miss Dolly Winters!"
"Well, Dolly, I have to get back to the office." Matt started to say.
Then, "Oh, now, Matt, you could help with my things. Then we can talk, catch up. Come." She didn't give him the chance to answer just directed him to the stairs.
Rolling his eyes, he headed up to the landing.
Once inside her room, "Where do you want these?" He asked.
"Oh, just anywhere. Matt, you act like we're strangers. Relax, I don't bite. Matt, we were close once."
"Now, Dolly. The last time you were in Dodge, it wasn't a…"
Waving her hand in the air, "Why, Matt, I don't hold any grudges and I promise I'm not here to cause any trouble. I don't even care that Rad Meadows and that woman live here. She can have him now. I've changed, Matt. I'm looking to bigger and better." She said smiling up at him trying to wrap her arms around his large frame.
Backing up and grabbing her hand, "Dolly, we were a long time ago and…"
"Relax, Matt. Say, why don't you buy me dinner? Then we can talk. I'm famished."
Shaking his head, "Oh, well. OK. I'll come back and get you."
As he left the hotel, none too soon, he saw Doc headed for the Long Branch. "Hey Doc!"
"Matt, come on, law man. Buy an old tired doctor a drink?"
Matt was more agreeable to buying Doc a drink than Dolly dinner.
"Matt?" Doc started. "You look like you're running from a fire. What's…"
Shaking his head, Matt was walking alongside Doc. "Doc. I got a problem."
"Matt, Kitty will be back real soon. I know you get antsy when she's gone but it's only been a few weeks."
"Three, Doc. Three."
Doc just swiped his mustache. "Come on, Marshal, tell me all about it."
They sat at a table in the back of the saloon.
"Sam, two beers please."
"Coming right up, Doc."
"Ok, Matt what is it? I thought you'd be happy since Kitty will be here day after tomorrow. She is still coming in, right?"
Matt now twisting his face and puffing out a breath, "Yeah, Doc, but that's just the beginning of the trouble."
Now confused, "Why is Kitty coming home trouble?"
"Well, Doc, see, it's Dolly."
"Dolly?" Doc asked still confused.
"Yep, Dolly."
And before he could finish, "Well, there you are. I figured I'd wait to unpack for now and decided I didn't want to wait. Like I said, I'm famished." Dolly announced as she pushed her way through the doors. Now noticing Doc, "Well, hello, Doctor Adams."
One look and Doc now knew what Matt's worry was. Tugging his ear, rubbing his upper lip, "Miss Winters."
"Oh, come on, Doctor. Why so formal? It's Dolly."
Doc just stared at Matt. "Oh, I see the problem. Good luck with that." And then he rose. "Matt, I have things to do in my office. See ya later." And quickly he started for the door.
"Doc?"
"Oh, glad I'm not you." Chuckling under his breath.
"Doctor, don't leave on my account." Dolly said, as Doc was walking towards the doors.
"No, no." Still snickering. "Unfortunately, I'll be around for the FIREWORKS!"
Again all Matt got out was, "DOC!?"
"Well then, Marshal. Let's go eat!"
TBC