PT.7

Old Flame Revisited

As things quieted down at the Long Branch, Kitty looked over at Matt and out the windows. "This is sure something I didn't miss in San Francisco."

"Kitty, we're just all happy you're back." Matt said grinning.

Shivering a bit. "Matt, I mean the cold and snow. Say, Cowboy, maybe Festus could do your rounds tonight and I'll make us a quiet supper here in my room."

Smiling at her. "That sounds great. I'll go ask him." And then he stood to leave.

"Hey, Cowboy. Have I told you, I missed you?"

Leaning in close, he whispered, "I was hoping maybe you'd show me? Be here about 7." Then he walked through the batwing doors.

Kitty stood, just smirking as she watched him cross Front Street.

Dolly sat quietly in her room trying to think of her next move. Standing, looking out the window, she spotted Matt crossing Front Street. She had changed into her robe, silk, thin, low cut, thinking Matt was headed her way. This would give her a chance to work on him more and to find out just how close he was with the redhead at the saloon across the street.

Kitty was about to close the door, to shut out the wind, when she saw Sarah walking down the boardwalk, headed for the saloon.

"Kitty? Welcome home."

"Sarah, what on earth are you doing walking around in this weather? Why don't you come in and sit. I have a fresh pot of coffee."

"Well, as a matter of fact, Kitty, I was coming to see you." Sarah said with a shy look.

"Come in, sit."

As Kitty began to sit, Sarah stopped her. "Kitty, can we talk in private?"

"Of course. Let's go in the office." And the two women ducked into Kitty's private office. "Sarah, are you ok? Is something wrong?"

"Kitty, I don't know exactly how to say this."

Furrowing her brow as she poured two cups of coffee, "Sarah, you know you can tell me anything. Don't you? Sarah, we've been friends an awful long time."

"Kitty, that's why I'm here. You know I think the world of you and Matt?"

"And we think the world of you, Sarah. Honey, what is it?"

"Well, this afternoon, I had a new customer come into the shop. She was admiring the dress I made for you."

"Well, Sarah, you do beautiful work." Kitty said.

"I'm not finished, Kitty. She asked me to make her a special dress. When I asked what kind of dress she had in mind, she said something for a Christmas time wedding."

"Well now, I leave town and someone decides to have a wedding? Who is the lucky couple?" Kitty asked smiling. "I wasn't aware we had any budding romances here in town."

"Oh, Kitty, that's just it…"

"What, Sarah?"

"When I asked her who the lucky man was…. Well… she said…" Sarah now covered her face with both hands. "Kitty, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you and Matt weren't…"

Now tilting her head and raising a brow, "Weren't what, Sarah?" Now Kitty was tensing up. She was getting the feeling whatever Sarah was trying to say, wasn't good.

As she took a sip of her coffee, Sarah quickly said. "Matt."

Not being able to control herself and spraying the hot coffee from her lips. "Matt what?"

"Matt's the man she said she was marrying, Kitty. I'm sorry, I couldn't believe it. I just had to come talk to you."

"Sarah, did this woman tell you her name, by any chance?"

"Yes, Winters, Dolly Winters."

Kitty took a deep breath.

"Kitty, she was adamant about it. I'm so sorry. I know what Matt has meant to you over the years."

Kitty just sat still, the steam was building, and fast.

"Maybe I'd better be going?" Sarah said not knowing what else to say. "I want to get home before it gets too late."

"Sure, Sarah, of course. Please be careful."

"Kitty, are you going to be alright? I mean…"

Nodding, "Oh yes, I'm gonna be just fine. Let me walk you out. And, Sarah, thank you."

Kitty's mind was racing as her temper built. Just as Sam came up behind he, she mumbled, "DOLLY WINTERS!" through her teeth.

"Miss Kitty, should you be standing at the door with all that cold chill?"

"Sam, I'll be back. I have something to do."

"Miss Kitty, it's late and it's not safe out there this time of night."

"Sam, I'm not the one you need to worry about."

And she grabbed her cape and pushed her way thru the doors.

TBC