They all knew they would, thinking about it when Luigi's strolling musicians, recognizing them, came up to their table and began playing "Till We Meet Again."
Barbara had mixed emotions as a plane took her back to California on Sunday night. She had thought Gail liked the idea of going West and joining her at the airport in a year or whenever her business got going. But she deferred to Paul when he, gratefully but as kindly as he could, declined Barbara's invitation that they team up in a partnership.
"We'll pull up stakes here in about a year and go out to California, too," he assured Barbara. "But you'll have to forgive me... I've got some plans of my own."
He's so proud, Barbara thought. So wonderful and proud. He'll make it on his own, too. He doesn't need me or anyone. But, oh, it would have been so great, for us all to make it together. Now she, too, was worried, about Paul flying for Armstrong Enterprises as a test pilot. It was one of the most dangerous occupations a flier could take on, even for a company she might trust. Flying for Chet Armstrong was nowhere near being in that category.
"Be careful of that stunt flying," Paul had cautioned Barbara, driving her to the airport so she could catch her plane back to California while Gail remained at home with the baby.
"You, too," she said, relishing his farewell kiss, even if was again only on her cheek.