She was too young, too innocent to know yet that some dreams can be treacherous – especially those where one wants something for nothing, with no effort or will power expended. Dreams like these should be handled carefully – like a rattlesnake – and not be cuddled too close to the heart.
CHAPTER THREE
After several years of being one of California's less important race tracks, Bay Meadows finally began to attract horses and bettors of a calibre that moved it up in class until it is today the state's third or fourth track from a standpoint of attendance and daily handle.
Part of this sudden spurt in popularity came with the complete renovation of the club house and stands. The other was the advent of night racing, which permitted daytime workers to blow the week's pay check on the quarter-horses and trotters.
The Turf Club is big, comfortable, and roomy – except on Saturdays and holidays when it can become a bit crowded. In the evenings, the Turf Club is open to club house patrons. Dinner is served, if one desires, out on the terrace high above the finish line. There is an overall air of luxury and expensiveness that can be, and often times is, contagious.
In spite of her cool calm exterior, Grace could not help but feel a certain growing excitement as she had her second martini of the evening and watched the horses parade to the post in the initial race. The first martini had been ordered for her by Mr. Austin, the big boss. Dubious, because she had never had one before, she cautiously sipped it and, in her aroused state, discovered that it tasted delicious.