“You could have gone with him, you know. He wanted you to go.”

“What? Leave my home and drag my twins all the way up to the city where they don’t know nobody and there’s no beach to play on and nothing but busy streets and all that smoke and noise? I don’t think so. No man is worth all that. Even if he did have money.”

“You could have lived in luxury up there.”

“Yeah, and been unhappy. It would never have lasted.”

Pansy picked up her tray of serviettes and moved over to the next table. “What about Clive? Would you go with him?”

For some strange reason, Gertie felt her stomach clench at the mention of the Pennyfoot’s handyman. She managed a light laugh. “Clive? Whatever makes you think he’d ask?”

Pansy shrugged. “Everyone knows he’s sweet on you.”

“Everyone except me, then.”

“Go on with you.” Pansy looked up, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. “You must know he likes you.”

Gertie pulled in a deep breath. “Clive and me are just friends, that’s all. If I ever get cozy with another man, it will be with someone what can provide for me and the twins in a manner much better than what I got now.”

Pansy suddenly looked sad. “Does he know that?”

“We haven’t discussed it.”

“Maybe you should. It’s not nice to lead a man on.”

“I’m not leading him on,” Gertie began hotly, then shut her mouth. Maybe she was, without realizing it. She knew Clive liked her, but as a friend. He’d never said anything to make her think differently. Maybe she was taking his friendship for granted. He was so good with the kids and all, and she really liked being in his company. That didn’t mean she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.

“Well,” Pansy said, laying the serviettes neatly by the place settings, “I think you should make it clear to him how you feel. Just in case he should have any strong feelings for you.”