country club through the front door. He chuckled to himself as he recalled his initiation to the country club that night with his older brother Tony and his girlfriend Rosalita.
It seemed like a million years ago. And then, later, working for the Swine family and his problems with their unattractive daughter.
'Lord, I wonder whatever happened to her?'
He was just about to leave his hotel room to pick up Starlyn when the phone rang.
'Hi, Catch, it's Jerry Kelly.'
'Jerry. Anything wrong?'
'No. I'm just getting ready for the party myself. I just wanted to tell you how pleased we've been with your work.'
'All of you?' Catch asked knowingly.
'Don't worry about Corson. He's always a pain in the ass. Anyhow, Catch, I want to get some time to talk to you at the party. I've got a proposition to make to you. So if you can take a few minutes away from your beautiful Starlyn, I'd appreciate it.'
'Will do, Jerry. See you at the party.'
Starlyn looked fantastic. She was wearing a caftan of a sheer material in various shades of red. Her hair looked fuller and more lustrous than ever. After exchanging compliments, Catch mentioned Kelly's call.
'What do you think he had in mind?' she asked.
'I have an idea. Maybe they've got another country club somewhere that needs redoing.'
'You ought to take a rest after this job, Catch. Maybe a vacation to one of the Caribbean islands.'
'Perhaps we could both get away. I'm tired of traveling alone.'
As they neared the country club the traffic began to get heavier.
'Looks as if everyone's going to the party, Catch.'
Starlyn squealed and moved closer to him.
Catch and Starlyn were met at the main entrance by Kelly.
'Kids, I've just taken a quick tour of the place. It looks absolutely beautiful. And our new members! They're all good-looking and so alive. What a change. What a terrific change. Come on, let's go to the bar. I'll buy you two a drink.'
The bar was already crowded with new members, all exuding youth and wealth. After obtaining their drinks from a good looking and personable bartender, Kelly offered a toast.
'Catch, Starlyn, here's to the success of the club and our continued affiliation. I guess I can talk in front of Starlyn, Catch.'
'Sure. Anything you have to say to me she can hear.'
'Well, I've discussed it with Harry, Eddie and Brad, and we'd like to make an offer to you. I would like for you to join our company as an equal partner.'
'Wow,' replied Catch. 'I never thought the deal would be anything like this.'
'That's wonderful, Catch,' said Starlyn, kissing him on the cheek.
'What do you say?' asked Kelly.
'Look, Jerry. I've been running for a long time, I've been a loner for too long. I'd like to settle down and get myself some roots. My family lives not too far away from here and I like Houston a hell of a lot. I say yes.'
The two men shook hands.
'You'll not be sorry. Catch, and neither will we. For a long time we've needed somebody with your youth, drive and ambition to sort of shake us up. Sure we've made lots of money but we haven't even scratched the surface. The money's out there to be spent, we just have to figure out interesting things for people to spend it on. Now what's say we join the party and see what's going on in the other rooms?'
Each of the game rooms were filled with people playing backgammon, cards, and party games. Starlyn tugged at Catch's sleeve.
'Isn't that Senator Claibourne?' she asked.
'I think it is,' replied Catch.
'It's the Senator, all right,' said Kelly. 'Come on, I'll take you over and introduce you.'
After introductions were made the Senator commented, 'So you're the bright young genius, Catch Callahan. I'm happy to meet you. I love the club. My wife and I just applied for membership. I hope you'll see that we're not turned down.'
Catch laughed. 'I'll see to it, Senator.'
The greenhouse was alive with dancing couples all doing the hustle. For those who didn't know how to do it several experts were teaching at the far side of the room.
'This is my favorite room, Starlyn.'
'Mine, too. It would make a very nice setting for a wedding, don't you think?'
Catch smiled. 'You don't mince words.'
'Catch, we've known each other for a little over a month. You said you were tired of traveling alone. So am I. How about it? Why don't we get married?'
'Now that's women's liberation.' Catch opened his mouth and was just about to answer Starlyn when a loud voice squealed, 'It's Catch Callahan, isn't it?'
He turned and looked at the large fat woman in a very busy evening gown.
'Ima Swine, Catch, don't you remember me?'
'Yes, I remember you, Ima.'
Ima turned to Starlyn and remarked, 'Catch used to be our chauffeur. He used to drive me here all the time, didn't you, Catch?'
'Ima, this is Starlyn Heywood… my fiancйe.'
Ima's already sagging face dropped a bit more. 'Oh, really? When is the wedding?'
'As soon as possible,' replied Catch. 'Perhaps you'd like to drive us to the ceremony.'
Ima scowled and walked away. Starlyn was giggling. 'Catch, you're terrible, she's one of the wealthiest women in Houston.'
'Also one of the ugliest, inside and out.'
'Were you really her chauffeur?'
'For a brief time. Actually I worked for her father. She used to take advantage of the situation and get me to drive her all over the place.'
'Is that all she got you to do?'
Catch made a face. 'Please. I'd rather be gay.'
'Did you mean it? I mean about me being your fiancйe?'
'Of course. It's not every day that a beautiful young woman asks me to marry her. I thought I'd better take advantage of the situation.'
Catch kissed Starlyn on the lips and whirled her around. 'Come on,' he said. 'Let's go down by the pool. I want to see how things are progressing there.'
Many of the club members had brought their bathing suits and were swimming as well as dancing to the outdoor rock band. The couple were crossing to the bar when Catch heard his name being called once again.
'Catch, Catch.'
It was Lila Ballinger. She was wearing a brief white bikini which the water had made nearly transparent.
'Hi, Lila. I'm glad you could make it out. What do you think of our new concept?'
'I think it's terrific. I'm considering changing schools so I can be near the country club.'
Catch introduced Starlyn to Lila as his fiancйe. Lila praised the dark-haired girl for a moment and said, 'you're really beautiful. I hope that you and Catch will be very happy.'
One of the members of the Texas Longhorns, a giant muscular man in a too-tight bathing suit, came up behind Lila, wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up.
'I'll see you all later,' Lila shouted, as she was carried off toward the pool.
'An old girlfriend?' Starlyn asked.
'No, not really.'
They ordered fresh drinks at the outdoor bar. The bartender, a powerfully built young man, was wearing a bright orange bikini and was the object of Amy Simmons Corson's eye. Evidently Corson's wife had had too much to
