Mariah Is Missing by David Henry Nelson

Author:David Henry Nelson [Nelson, David Henry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781737717416
Publisher: Cenatorial Publishing

Chapter Sixteen

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1975

The Two Medicine Bar and Grill drew diners to Fort Collins from north-central Montana and Canada. The restaurant, tucked between the Fort Collins Hotel and the Toggery Clothing Store, had a recessed entry of double doors leading to the narrow front room with a full-length bar, supposedly bought from a closed-down tavern in Butte, Montana. The mahogany bar, carved into shape through years of use by the miners of the Anaconda Copper Company, would have been the centerpiece of conversation if not for the show-stealing, Victorian-flocked velvet wallpaper of burgundy on red and gray that sheathed the walls. The ornate interior reminded some patrons of royalty and French courts of old, while others thought it a high-priced bordello from Nevada. The wallpaper covered both the front room and the spacious back room, both of which were accented by black, cushioned booths. Anybody who wanted to be seen went to the Two Medicine Bar and Grill.

Ana had planned it that way. She needed to be seen with Jack.

The wallpaper had been hung by Paul Chalmers, a retired champion bareback rider, who ended up in Fort Collins. Paul had competed in all the big rodeos in his career, including Pendleton, Calgary, Cheyenne, and even the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City.

Ana took her time preparing for the Friday night dinner with Jack at the Two Medicine. She told herself to remember what she represented—the legal community of Fort Collins and the state of Montana—but she was also mindful of the need to be alluring enough to keep Jack’s attention. Ana decided on a V-neck blouse with a slight show of skin and a cardigan sweater matching an ankle-length, leather-fringed skirt paired with medium-height heels. Ana applied a light touch of makeup and lipstick, followed by a dash of perfume. The blowing wind reminded her to wear a full-length winter coat.

Ana arrived at the restaurant at five to six, pleasantly surprised that Jack sat at the classic bar waiting for her. Jack stood up, waved her over, and led her to a reserved table for two opposite the side of the room where he had just been enjoying a whiskey ditch, Montana’s iconic drink.

Jack set his glass down on the table, then helped Ana off with her coat, holding her right arm steady as she slid into the curved, cushioned half booth.

Ana smiled. “Where did you learn all these manners? At the VFW hall, you wouldn’t hold a chair for me or even say hello. Why this new graciousness?”

“My mother taught me all those things, and you are demanding them. I’m not the clod you think I am.”

“Well, I’m impressed,” admitted Ana. “You are a challenge but a charming one when you slow down.” Ana reached over and placed her hand on his. “I don’t think you are a clod, but you are rough around the edges. There is hope for you.”

They smiled at each other.

Ana raised her glass of wine and clinked it against Jack’s whiskey glass. Jack laughed and raised his glass.

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