She had chosen what to wear that morning carefully, to be alluring enough but not drive the Moose wild. She chose a plaid skirt and light blue cotton blouse but kept it buttoned except for the top button. And she went easy on the Lavender Eau du Cologne. But she had had her long hair cut shorter and fuller back in Chicago for her new life in the West, and the male beautician had told her it was most becoming. But then, he cut her hair with a limp wrist.
Barbara explained to Moose that she was new part-owner of the America West Airport in Mohave. Then she laid it on him, talking fast as Ma Phelps so the Moose couldn't get a word in and say no before she explained what she wanted. "I need paint, nails, lumber, and some other fix-up stuff, but don't have a list yet. I can't pay cash and you don't give credit. I do, however, have something to give you in trade."
Moose grinned from big left ear to big right ear. "I'm all ears."
You sure are.
"Russ Oberman, my partner, and I need a third partner. A junior partner to be sort-of our supplier. Your sign out front says you've got anything anyone would need."
"Anything," Moose agreed, and his smile implied that included anything personal she might name.
Barbara envisioned not only paint-up, fix-up things but parts and labor to repair whatever might be needed to get the two planes flying and whatever came after that, figuring the growth she expected at the airport. But she didn't spell this out to Moose.
He looked like he kept some things to himself. She would, too. But he wouldn't regret being a junior partner. She was sure she could get the airport into the black, and it could make them all money.
"Let me wait on this paying customer and I'll be right back," Moose told her, lighting another cigarette from the dying sparks of the stub he took out of his mouth.
Ten minutes later, he finished loaded a grocery bag full of things for the stout lady in gingham. She started to leave, but Barbara had not seen her pay for what she was taking away. Did the woman have a running tab with Moose? Barbara thought not, since he was known for not giving credit. Then it all came clear to her.
"See you tonight, Maude," Moose called to her before she opened the front screen door. "For some more of your homemade strawberry-rhubarb pie. Too bad Earl won't be home 'til Sunday night."