“Hello, Missy. How are you doing?”
“That’s the reason I called. I told you about our hope to have the camp open in a few months.”
“A dance studio for girls with special needs,” Preston said.
“That’s where I wanted to start. The renovations in the main building were finished three weeks ago, and today we had our first classes. Fifteen girls signed up, and I divided them into three classes, five girls in each class.”
“Were you the only teacher?”
“Yes, for now.”
“How can you teach three classes?”
“Why not? I’m in good shape. Each class lasts about forty-five minutes, with a break of fifteen minutes in between.”
“Sorry. That was a stupid question.”
“You had to see their faces. It was wonderful. The concept’s going to work. And the mothers and grandmothers who came were ecstatic.”
“Well, I’m happy for you. How’s Tommy?”
“He’s right here. Hang on. I’ll put him on.”
Preston heard Missy tell Tommy, “It’s Preston—he’s asking about you.” There was silence for about a minute.
“Tommy, are you there?” Preston asked.
“Ah, hello. Preston?” Tommy mumbled, his voice rising on the name.
“Hi, Tommy, how’s it going?”
“Going good. I’m with Missy in Elko. She’s doing great with the girls. Big day here.”
“Yeah, she sounds excited,” Preston said.
“We’re all excited. It’s a pivotational moment.”
Preston wanted to talk to Tommy further, but had trouble thinking of what else to say. The pause was awkward.
“You done?” Tommy asked.
“Well, no. It’s good to talk to you, Tommy.”
“It don’t sound good for you. Lot of dry spots. How’re the ponies treating you?”
“Is Missy listening?”
“It doesn’t matter, Preston. You can’t hide forever. People bet and people know. There’s a guy in Vegas that’s been checking on you.”
Suddenly Preston was interested in the conversation. “What? Who? Why?”
“Now you sound like one of those ace reporters. All I can tell you is a friend of mine at Caesar’s saw me talking to you and gave me a tip that a PI he knows was asking about you. Somebody wants to know more about you.”
“What do you think that means?”
“That somebody wants to know more about you. But don’t worry. You probably know more about you than he does.”
“I’m not borrowing to cover anymore.”
“You do what you do.”
Preston decided to change the subject. “My daughter, Katherine, is doing well. She got a job as a reporter with a weekly newspaper on Long Island, and she’s already writing stories under her name. We’ve been spending time together, and I’m really proud of her.”
“That’s good to hear. How are things going with P.J.? I love that name.”
“Great. P.J.’s almost seventeen months, and he’s walking all over the place.”
“Get to the tough stuff, Preston,” Tommy barked.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s always uphill talking to you. You told me he has a hearing problem. I want to know how he’s getting along. Missy mentioned hearing aids. How’s that going?”
“He’s got the aids. Marcia is working with him every day. He’s doing better. It’s hard to know where he is compared to where he should be.”
“A lot of people I know have that problem. I’m glad he’s doing better. I hope you’re doing all you can to help. Be compassionated.”
Preston chuckled. “It’s always good to talk to you, Tommy.”
“Wait a minute. Missy’s telling me she wants to talk to you some more. Big mistake.”
After a beat, Missy came on the phone. “How’s it going with Marcia?”
“Not well—but we’re still together.”
“I heard Tommy talking to you about P.J. I’m sure he’ll tell me how he’s doing. I hope well. And, apparently, you mentioned your daughter, too. I can’t wait to hear about her. Thanks for taking the call. I just wanted to share the news from Elko. Wanted you to be the first to hear about it.”
“Thank you for calling, Missy. I haven’t forgotten what you told me at breakfast, and I haven’t given up on Marcia. Katherine’s been a joy. Great news about the camp. I mean the dance studio. The progress.”
“Thanks, Preston, good luck and keep in touch,” Missy said, and the line went dead.