I stepped up to her as soon as he went into the kitchen. I was hoping that Dawn would hold him for a little while. “I want to talk to you,” I said quietly. “May I take you home?”
She nodded.
I got a swell feeling just standing looking at her. “Mind if we go soon?”
She shook her head. “When you like,” she said.
Hughson came back with the gin-and-lime. When he saw me his face darkened. “On your way, big boy,” he said. “There’s a virgin in the kitchen waiting for you.”
I shook my head. “You’re too late. Mardi an’ me are old friends. She’s just having the drink an’ we’re going home… together and alone.”
Hughson turned to Mardi. “I’ve warned you about this guy,” he said heatedly. “He spends all his time grabbing things that don’t belong to him and wrecking homes.”
Mardi laughed. “I feel like being wrecked right now,” she said. “It’s getting late, Barry, and I ought to go.”
Hughson groaned. “Give me one more dance and I’ll let you,” he said. “You had much better let me see you home.”
I nodded to her behind his back. I didn’t want this to look too sudden. They danced off together and I went over to Ackie. I told him I was moving off.