than this town deserves.”
“Thank you.”
“It matters what happens to you,” Molly said.
“The ugly truth of it, Moll, is that it doesn’t matter a hell of
a lot to me.”
Molly looked at him silently. After a time she said,
“A lot of
people love you, Jesse.”
Jesse smiled. “Including you?”
“Especially me,” Molly said.
“And don’t shut me off by being
cute.”
“It’s hard for me not to be
cute,” Jesse said.
“I give up,” Molly said.
They were both silent for a moment.
Then Jesse said, “Thanks, Molly,” and went on into his
office.
At quarter past twelve Jesse showed up at the Gray Gull, and got
a seat by the window, in a corner, where it would be easier to talk. The Lincolns showed up at 12:30. They came in bubbling with good cheer. Tony was wearing a navy pea coat and a gray turtleneck sweater. Brianna had on fur. Jesse didn’t know what kind.
Jesse
stood as they approached.
“Hi,” Tony said. “Thanks for
coming.”
“Never turn down a free lunch,” Jesse said.
“Well, I know how busy you must be, but Brianna and I really
enjoyed talking to you before, and since we were in the neighborhood.”
Jesse nodded. The Lincolns took off their coats and piled them on the empty fourth chair at the table.
“Please,” Brianna said.
“There’s no need for you to
stand.”
“I’ll wait for you,” Jesse said.
When they were all seated, the waiter brought menus.
“You come here very much, Jesse?” Brianna said.
“Yes.”
“What’s good?”
“The view,” Jesse said.
Both Lincolns laughed.
“Oh my,” Brianna said.
“That’s not too
encouraging.”
“I guess we’d best not test the
kitchen,” Tony said. “Sandwiches
okay?”
“Sure,” Jesse said.
“It’s after noon,” Tony said.
“Shall we have a
cocktail?”
“We really ought to,” Brianna said.
