Chapter 6
Veronica Mars and Lilly Kane's friendship continued to blossom. The two would find themselves weekly at Martinis and Marbles, where Miss Kane would regal Veronica with scandalous stories of her adventures in Neptune and the vicinity, and Miss Mars would share more sedate stories about law school, and the non-confidential cases she was working on as a student intern in the public defender's office.
The Mars' ladies would often see the Kane sisters at the country club. It was a well-known secret that the Mars' membership was based solely on Mr. Mars providing security and back ground check services to the club, but most chose to overlook that. The former sheriff and his family retained a certain cache in town, having been wounded in a spectacular gun fight with the Fitzpatricks' that resulted in Liam Fitzpatrick being carted off in a body bag.
Meg Mars's pleasing manners grew on the good will of Mrs. Casablancas and Miss Kane; and though the mother was found to be intolerable and the younger sisters not worth speaking to, the Kane sisters were becoming friends with the elder two Mars girls. Meg received this attention with great pleasure. But Veronica, despite her growing friendship with Miss Kane, she recognized the superciliousness in the Kane sisters' treatment of most non-09ers, and she could not bring herself to like Mrs. Casablancas.
Also, it was generally evident whenever Mr. Kane and Meg Mars met, that he did admire her; and to Veronica it was equally evident that Meg was in a way to be very much in love with Mr. Kane. Meg's condition was not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Meg was use to keeping her features schools and her private life under wraps for her television news carrier. Those facts united with a composure of temper and a uniform cheerfulness of manner, guarded her from the suspicions of the neighborhood. Veronica mentioned this to her friend Miss Cindy Mackenzie.
"It is a definite talent," replied Mac, "to be to present such a public image; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a person conceals their desire…"
At this Veronica snorted… "Desire? Have you met my sister? Saint Meg? The living epitome of Snow White?"
Mac grinned, but continued undaunted, "I am just saying, she may lose the opportunity of securing his affection. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. The tenth case of course being the psycho-stalker whose best bet is to show more skin then affection. Mr. Kane likes your sister; but he may never do more beyond coffee, if she does not lead him to the next step."
Veronica frowned, "If I can perceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton indeed not to discover it too, and Meg deserves more than a simpleton, no matter how cute, or how rich."
"Remember, Ronnie, that he does not know Meg's disposition as you do. Nor is he a licensed private investigator, and chronic snoop." Mac's words were delivered with a smile to lessen any sting that might accompany them.
Veronica persisted, "Surely Mr. Kane is not blind, if a woman is partial to him, and she does not endeavor to conceal it, he must know it."
"Perhaps he would, if he sees enough of her. But though Mr. Kane and Meg meet tolerably often, at the country club, or house parties, it is never for many hours together. Meg is kept so busy by the television station, and Mr. Kane's idle rich lifestyle does not lend itself to consistency and regular contact. Further, they always see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible that should be have long uninterrupted conversations that early lovers are want to do. Meg should therefore make the most of every half hour in which she can command his attention. When she is secure in a relationship, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses."
"Your plan is a good one," replied Veronica, "where nothing is in question but the desire of being married. But Meg is not acting by design; she has only known Mr. Kane a short while. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character, for I am sure she is not endangered by such a notion as love at first site. As you say, her career keeps her tolerable busy and she is poised for a potential market switch to New York."
"Well," said Mac, "I wish Meg success with all my heart; and if she were to start dating him or even elope to Vegas tomorrow, I should think they have as good a chance of happiness as anyone. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, and divorce is not so looked down upon as to be a forbidden out."
"You make me laugh, Mac. You would never act in this way yourself. More to the point, how fares your love life? The reappearance in Neptune of Mr. Dick Casablancas after such a long absence, begs the question of where in the world is Cassidy Casablancas."
Mac rolled her eyes at Veronica, and refrained from answering. Privately, she did not wonder so much about the location of the younger Casablancas brother, but more to the happiness in marriage of the elder brother. While she would not actively seek the destruction of another's marriage, she privately admitted to herself the attraction she had felt towards Mr. Dick Casablanacas was still burning within her breast.
****P&P****
Occupied in observing Mr. Kane and Meg's interactions, Veronica did not suspect that she was being observed by his friend. Lily Kane was finding herself more and more in the company of Mr. Navarro, (and others) and was finding herself less concerned about her family's expectations; and therefore, had recently broken up with Mr. Echols. Mr. Echols for his part, was finally coming to accept that while part of him would always love Miss Kane, that they wanted far different things in their lives. He was not inclined to repair the latest rupture in their affair.
Mr. Echols had at first scarcely allowed Veronica Mars to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at Carmen's party; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticize find fault. Though in truth, finding fault in attractive young ladies was something of a pastime when he was with Miss Kane, so as to not give occasion to her jealousies. But no sooner had Miss Kane released him from his obligations, but after he made it clear to his friends that Miss Mars had hardly a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the expression in her blue eyes.
To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. He was forced to acknowledge her figure to be petite and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the east coast, or even, as the lower standard may be, west coast society, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Veronica's quick wit and "snark" was a match to his own. Mr. Echols spoke no word of this to Veronica, but oft at the country club would he find his eyes drawn to her, and more oft did he wonder what kept her so busy and unavailable to his attentions.
He saw her next at a backyard bbq hosted by Sam Mackenzie, and his eyes were riveted on her bikini clad form, barely made presentable by a silk sarong.
"What does Mr. Echols mean," Veronica queried Mac, "by listening to my conversation with Mr. Casey Gant?"
"That is a question which Mr. Echols only can answer." Mac smirked slightly, because a stare that intense by a man, could mean only one of two things, lust or deep seated affection. Unwittingly, she bestowed a similar look at Mr. Dick Casablancas before returning to herself and her conversation with Veronica.
"If he continues in such a manner, I shall have to introduce him to my taser, or Back-up." Veronica's lips formed a quick pout, for she realized she had neither her messenger bag nor her dog with her.
Mr. Echols approached them soon afterwards, and leaned quietly against the gazebo wall, his eyes fixed on Veronica. Mac grinned mischievously and defied her friend to mention such a subject to him. Veronica of course was incapable of walking away from such a challenge and immediately turned to him and said,
"Did not you think, Mr. Echols, that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now, when I was speaking with Mr. Gant about the inequitable application of the death penalty and the greater need for works of non-fiction to portray our justice system rather than blood hungry works of fiction?"
"With great energy; but it is a subject which seems rather dour for a pool party." Mr. Echols attempted, what he was quite sure was a charming grin, and was about to turn the conversation to more personal inquiry, when Veronica interrupted his thoughts.
"You are severe on us." Veronica paused, "You expect us to be all vapid, spoiled, rich, surfers," with this a pointed nod towards Mr. Casablancas. "You do not expect that we may be the intellectual equals of your east coast friends, and so you would seek to quell any discussion beyond that of the weather, the food, or the general temperature of the pool…which can be summed up in one easy word, perfect."
Mac could see that Veronica was well on her way to being worked up, and that for the sake of her friend's future chances with Mr. Echols that perhaps she should be distracted. Mac thus interjected into the conversation, "I am going to set up the karaoke machine, Ronnie, and you know what follows."
What followed was Ronnie completely forgetting that she was baiting Mr. Echols into conversation, for while she was loath to admit it, she dearly loved singing, and was always happy to go to karaoke night with friends.
"You are a very strange friend, always leading me to sing before anybody and everybody! And this time shots have not been proffered. If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been the perfect manager." On Mac's persevering and promise to sing a duet, however, she added, "Very well; let us do this." And gravely glancing at Mr. Echols, she thought, perhaps she could find a way to curtail his dark gaze.
Her performance of Bad Reputation by Joan Jett was pleasing, though by no professional. Several in the crowd laughed remembering Veronica's high school years, where she would doggedly solve mysteries no matter the cost to herself, as was often spoke of in hushed tones as a brazen hussy.
Mr. Casablancas was among those laughing as he whispered a snide comment to his wife, knowing better than to voice anything less than pleasant about the elder Mars daughters to either Mr. Kane or Mr. Echols, who both seemed a little too wrapped in their attentions to those ladies. For Mr. Casablancas, women, even his wife, were simple, they were there for amusement, and purpose (to lend the proper air of respectability), but the concept of love and a deeply committed relationship were foreign to him. He kept finding his eyes drawn to the elder Mackenzie daughter, and maybe, just maybe, he felt something a bit different – he dismissed it immediately as a bad crab cake.
Veronica was eagerly succeeded at the microphone by her sister Grace, who having, in consequence of being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for public display of her achievements. Grace had neither charisma nor taste; performed with a pedantic air and conceited manner, a long drawn out song by Charlotte Church.
Growing bored of the singing, with the sun setting and the tiki torches being lit around the yard, young Mr. Clemmens set up with dj equipment, and many of the younger guests started dancing.
Mr. Echols stood near the gazebo in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening. Lily had dragged him along, only to promptly ignore him and flit around men old enough to be her father, or alternately, that younger men that looked to be the help. His other friends were equally useless to him, Mr. and Mrs. Casablancas hitting on younger, pretty fair, and Mr. Kane engrossed in conversation with the eldest Miss Mars. So engrossed by his own thoughts, and his scotch, he did not notice Mr. Mackenzie had come upon him, till Sam thus began.
"What a beautiful night and charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Echols! Why look at your friend Mr. Casablancas dancing with half the young ladies here."
"Every savage can dance." Mr. Echols rolled his eyes fondly though as he said this, for it was clear Dick was having a great time alternating between such classic moves as the sprinkler, and reeling in dance partners from the edge of the crowd.
Mr. Mackenzie only smiled. "Your friend performs delightfully;" he continued after a pause, "and I suspect you might enjoy such amusements as well, Mr. Echols."
"On occasion, when necessity or drink so command me."
Undaunted, Mr. Mackenzie continued, "Yes, indeed, I am sure many a young men says the same, unless faced with the proper young lady. Do you often go dancing in New York?"
"Never, sir."
"You have an apartment in Manhattan?"
Mr. Echols nodded, a slightly pained expression on his face, though while it was no secret that he lived in NYC, he, as a rule, did not discuss his personal life with strangers. Years of growing up with paparazzi, sycophants, and stalkers, had made him more than a little guarded.
"I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself—for I am fond of society; but I did not feel quite certain that New York City would agree with Mrs. Mackenzie. She does love her Californian lifestyle of sunshine and the great outdoors."
He paused in hopes of finally engaging the reserved Mr. Echols in conversation; but his companion remained silent.
Veronica had this misfortune of moving between the patio and the gazebo at that instant and caught Mr. Mackenzie's eye. Sam was struck with the notion of doing promoting his friend's daughter and relieving himself of an awkward conversation, and called out to her,
"My dear Miss Ronnie, why are not you dancing? Mr. Echols, you cannot refuse to dance, when so much beauty is before you." Sam took her hand, and would have given it to Mr. Echols, who, though extremely surprised, was not unwilling to receive it.
Veronica drew back as if bitten, and said with some ire, "Mr. Mackenzie, I have no plans on dancing tonight. I did not move this way in search of a partner."
Mr. Echols frowned at her apparent rejection of him and requested she join him; but in vain. Veronica was determined, though not so impolite to storm away from the conversation; and nothing said by Mr. Mackenzie or Mr. Echols would change her mind.
"Mr. Echols has partaken of my scotch," Mr. Mackenzie said in a rare moment of targeted humor, "and now he finds himself in need of a partner."
"Mr. Echols certainly appears in dire straights," said Veronica, laughing.
"He is indeed. You are one of the most charming young ladies of the neighborhood, how could he not but reach out to you to sooth his condition; for who would object to such a partner?"
Veronica looked archly, and turned away. "I am sure given some more of your scotch, he shall find himself disposed to find another partner, perhaps less charming, but I am sure more willing."
Mr. Mackenzie also walked away, perplexed and slightly dissatisfied by the turn of events. He resolved to find someone to discuss football with, and thus forgot entirely about the odd interlude.
Veronica's moxie had not injured her with the gentleman, and Mr. Echols was thinking of her with some curiosity, when Miss Kane joined him.
"Looogan," Lily slurred, "why are you being such a stick in the mud?"
"I am not a stick the mud." Logan sighed, "I am merely reflecting."
"You are reflecting how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner. You are such a snob, never wanting to meet new people, or experience life." With this Lily twirled around making her skirt flair and drawing curious eyes towards the young couple.
"As usual Lily, you are totally wrong, you never have much luck knowing what I am thinking." Logan paused, not wanting to rehash old arguments. "My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been considering the enjoyment which a pair of blue eyes in the face of a pretty woman can give."
Miss Kane practically bounced with pleasure, for nothing pleased her more than a good romp or intrigue. "Logan, you must tell me, which of these Californian girls has bewitched you?"
"Miss Veronica Mars."
"Miss Veronica Mars!" repeated Miss Kane, a slight frown flashing across her face, for she was not so convinced that her new friend Miss Mars would be well served by her old friend. She knew that when she and Logan were in an off again cycle, he would run through trollops at an alarming pace. "I am astonished. She seems a bit serious for your normal tastes. Don't you think she is a bit too ambitious for you?
"What a way to phrase things Lily. From admiration, you get to lust, and then jump to one night stand. In so doing you obviously wish me to not consider Miss Mars a proper participant in such sport. I knew you would be thinking ill of me."
Lilly was in no mood for serious Logan. "Well, Mr. Stick in the Mud, if you have no nefarious intent towards my friend, let us go find you someone to pleasantly engage your evening. I met another blond, Caitlin that might be just your type."
He listened for a moment, but hung back when she attempted to drag him towards the hot tub. Growing bored by his obvious lack of enthusiasm, Miss Kane quickly abandoned him to the night.