We Were Beautiful Once by Joseph Carvalko Page B

hear over the band.
    Focused on the politicians, Hamilton either did not hear his dear daughter or pretended not to. Sidling up, Tracy asked, “Daddy, may I interrupt?”
    Hamilton stepped aside.  “What is it, my girl?”
    The old man ignored Jack.
    â€œDaddy, Jack wants to say hello.”
    As Hamilton extended his large, soft, banker’s hand,  Jack could not tell if the man was looking him directly in the eye or over his head.  In a deep voice, he said, “Oh...  hello, Jack.”  He took Jack’s chilly hand and drew him into the perimeter guarded by the two sycophants.
    â€œHello, sir,” Jack used his deepest tenor.  When he spoke he usually impressed listeners by his maturity, although they were soon aware of his hesitating speech, which by some was  assumed as a sign of respectful diffidence.
    â€œJack, I'd like to introduce Mr. Brookfield and Mr. Mason, our First Selectman and our Town Clerk.”
    Jack shook hands and nodded. “ How’d you do, sir.”
    Brookfield let go his hand like he had touched a hot stove. “Well, son, tomorrow’s a big day.  By noon you and Trent will be in Uncle Sam’s Army.  It didn't take you boys long to grow up, did it?”
    â€œYes, sir, really lookin’ forward to...  ”
    Hamilton interrupted, “How tall are you, six feet?”
    â€œMore or less, sir.”
    Jack felt Hamilton studying him, though he could not tell what he was looking for.
    â€œI remember when I first met your folks, about ’42, yes, maybe eight years back when they came to the bank.  You must’ve been about fifteen, high school age I guess.  A skinny kid.  They needed a mortgage.  For a bungalow.”  He smiled and then added smugly, “Still there?”
    â€œNo, sir.”  Jack stood stiffly at attention, and Tracy touched his arm.  Hamilton’s eyes momentarily shifted to Tracy’s hand and back to Jack.
    â€œAnd how’re your mom and dad?  Will they be at the station tomorrow?”
    â€œYes, I guess so.”  Jack knew that his mother would be there.
    Hamilton looked away.  “Fine, I'm hoping to see them.”
    â€œYes, sir, I'll tell them you said hello.”
    â€œGood.  Now you and Tracy have a swell time.”  He turned to Brookfield, who smiled, pleased that he had won the greater man’s attention.
    â€œNice meeting you both,” Jack said earnestly.
    Always looking for a vote, the First Selectman replied, “Good luck, son.”  Mason only needed Hamilton’s vote, so he fixed on Hamilton stuffing a wiener into his beefy face.
    Tracy steered Jack toward the foyer.  “Come on, let’s walk through those fox trotters and say hello to Mom.”
    Tracy’s mother was welcoming guests, smiling, mentioning their children or hobbies in a few words.  She invited Congressman Bickford and his young wife Nina to help themselves to cocktails before she acknowledged Jack with an arched brow and a turned up smile, “Hi, Jack, enjoying yourself?”
    â€œYes, Mrs. Hamilton, the party’s terrific, I never expected so many people.”
    â€œI did hope your mom and dad would be coming.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Mom isn’t feeling well, and Dad has to get up at five.”  
    Â 
    Jack and Tracy had been making the rounds for an hour before they ran into Trent.   “Jack, what do you think?”
    â€œWell, a little more fucking sane than the last frat party.”
    â€œSane ain’t the word for it.  Let’s blow this joint.  Gallagher and the guys are makin’ a dent in our beer supply out back.”
    â€œI want to introduce Jack to Congressman Bickford, then we’ll come out,” Tracy said.
    Jack watched Trent walk in the direction of the pool and, having been in the old man’s presence a short time ago, saw in him the mold of his father, aloof,