“Why?” The question surprised Luke. “I…I just did. I guess I wanted to see Mattie.” He glanced at her. “We're friends.”
“Good friends are hard to find,” Meryl said with a crooked smile. She sipped her coffee, then cast a knowing look at Mattie. “I think we ought to cherish the ones we have.” Again she rocked her foot back and forth. “Please don't let me stop you from getting reacquainted.”
Luke thought she might leave them alone, but she didn't move. Gathering his courage, he said, “I was kind of hoping we, Mattie and I, could talk alone.” He glanced at Meryl but couldn't hold her bold gaze.
“Oh, I never repeat private conversations,” she said.
Mattie shot her a look of exasperation. “I know a place we can go. It's down a few blocks. Close enough to walk.”
“You mean Mannings?” Meryl asked. “I would just love one of their donuts. They make the best in the entire world. Could you bring one back for me?”
“Sure,” Mattie said, standing and finishing her coffee before setting the cup in the sink. She walked to a coat closet just inside the door. “Do you mind going to a coffee shop?”
“No. Not at all.” Luke stood and set his cup beside Mattie's, then quickly crossed to her and helped her with her coat, then opened the door.
“See you later,” Mattie said, stepping into the hallway.
“Bye.” Meryl waved. “Have a wonderful time.”
“Nice seeing you again.” Luke followed Mattie out. As soon as the door was closed, he said, “That Meryl's something else.”
“She's a good friend,” Mattie said defensively.
“Don't get mad. I didn't say she's not. She's…well, she's just different.”
“Yes, she is,” Mattie conceded. “Maybe that's because she was raised in San Francisco's upper class. Growing up, Meryl could do pretty much whatever she wanted whenever she wanted. She's still like that sometimes, but I like her. She has a good heart, and she's one of the most honest people I've ever known.”
Mrs. Talbot reached the landing just as Luke and Mattie took the bottom step. She smiled at them. “Oh, there you are, sweetie. How are you today?” She took Mattie's face in her knotted hands and kissed her cheek.
“I'm fine. You?”
“Oh, not so bad. This cold weather plays havoc with my rheumatism, but other than that, I'm feeling pretty spry.” Her eyes sparkled. “I see you and your young man met up.”
“Hello, ma'am. Good to see you again.”
“He's not my young man,” Mattie corrected. “He's just a friend, from Alaska.”
“Alaska, huh? I've always wanted to go there. Don't suppose it will happen now though, not at my age.”
“You're not missing much.”
“I don't believe that,” the old woman said. “Now, what are you two about today?”
“We're just going for coffee,” Mattie said.
Mrs. Talbot nodded. “Enjoy. I'd better get on up to Jasmine's. She's feeling a bit poorly.”
“What's wrong?”
A guarded looked passed over Mrs. Talbot's face. “She told me not to say anything.” After glancing up the stairs, she whispered, “Someone beat her.”
“What? Who?”
“I don't know. Guess it happened at work.”
“Why would anyone do such a thing?” Mattie turned, ready to ascend the stairs. “I'd better go up.”
“No. She doesn't want to see anyone right now. I just happened to check on her and found out she was in a bad way.”
“Is this a friend of yours?” Luke asked.
“Uh-huh.”
“Why would someone beat her up?”
Mrs. Talbot was silent for a long moment, then said, “Jasmine is a Negro. And you know how some folks can be.” She compressed her lips. “The way people around here are behaving is out-and-out shameful.”
“Please tell her I'll be by to see her later,” Mattie said.
“I'll tell her, dear, but I don't know if she'll see you.”
“Ooh, that makes me so mad!” Mattie stormed as she and Luke stepped into the frigid morning air. “I can't believe people!”
Ignoring the ice, Mattie's feet pounded the stairway as she descended the front steps. Her hands in fists, she continued, “Jasmine told me some people at work were angry because she'd been promoted.”
“Can't she go to the police?”
