The Governor's Sons by Maria McKenzie

the icebox.   She pulled out the tea and took it to the table.   Avoiding Ash’s eyes, Kitty again turned in his direction to retrieve two glasses from the cabinet next to him. Once seated, she poured iced tea for Russell, and then for herself.   Ash still stood behind her.   She could almost feel his eyes boring into her back.   She wished he’d leave.   But to her dismay, he boldly yanked out the chair next to hers and sat down.
    “I suppose ya’ll don’t mind if I join you for a little while.”   His tone implied that they had no choice.  
    Ash sat closer to Kitty than necessary.   His thigh touched hers and she pulled away.   Feeling awkward, Kitty said, “It’s your house.”
    “I didn’t know you were leaving work early today,” Ash said to her.
    “Your mama’s letting us, even though she needed us to stay until 3:30.   She suggested we bring our nice clothes with us, so our dates could pick us up here.   Now, sir, do you uh—care for tea?”
    “No thanks.   So where are y’all going?”
    “There’s a young people’s dinner at the church tonight,” Kitty said.
    “And afterwards,” Russell added, “there’s going to be a speaker.”
    “Hmm--sounds like a big evening for you and--Russell,” Ash said.   “So, Betty Jean’s going, too?”
    “Yes, Mr. Ash.” Kitty took a sip of tea.   “And her beau should be here any minute.”
    They heard someone stumble in the small hall off the kitchen near Izolla’s room.   “Betty Jean must be ready.”   Kitty stood up, relieved to escape.   “I told her not to wear those thick glasses, so I better go help her before she falls and kills herself.”   Kitty almost tripped as she fled from the kitchen.
    She found her sister feeling her way down the hall.   “Wait a minute, Betty Jean.   You could have called for help, you know.”
    “I can find my way.”
    “No, you can’t!”   Kitty snapped.   “You’re blind as a bat!   No use crackin’ your head open before we leave.”
    “Is something wrong?”   Betty Jean whispered as they walked into the kitchen.
    Kitty ignored her, then said, “Why, Betty Jean, just look who’s out here, Russell and Mr. Ash.”
    “Oh…”   Betty Jean said quietly.
    Upon seeing the ladies, both men stood.   “Afternoon, Miss Betty Jean,” Russell said.   “You look absolutely divine in that key lime silk chiffon.”   Since Russell assisted in the mortuary during the summers, he’d become familiar with the different fabrics and colors used in women’s fashion while preparing female corpses.
    “Why, thank you, Russell.” Betty Jean smiled.
    “I’ll set you right here, by Mr. Ash.”   Kitty helped her sister to the seat she’d vacated moments earlier.   “And Russell’s on your other side.”   Seeking refuge, Kitty walked to the chair at the opposite end of the table, pulling it about two feet away so she wouldn’t be too close to Ash.
    “You do look mighty pretty,” Ash said to Betty Jean.   After she’d thanked him, he glanced over at Kitty, then turned back to Betty Jean. “So, Kitty says your beau is going to this church affair, too.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “I didn’t know you were talking to someone.   Is he from around here?”
    “No.   I met him at Maretta U.   But he’s Russell’s cousin from Oklahoma.   He drove up a few days ago to visit and he’s staying with Russell’s family.”
    “Where is he now?” Ash asked.
    “He wanted to visit some kinfolk south of here, and this was the only day he could,” Russell said.   “He’ll pick us up on his way back, then drive us to church.”
    “He’s got his own car, does he?” Ash drummed his fingers on the table, then looked Russell coldly in the eye.   “So—he must be doing well for himself.”
    “His family has oil--” Kitty started, but Russell interrupted her.
    “That’s right, sir, he’s doing all right for himself.”
    “And what about you?” Ash’s tone was sharp.
    “I reckon