Sky Queen

by Judy Kundert

  Katherine reached the top of the stairs, admiring the fresh white lilies in the lobby’s cobalt vase. The floral arrangement meshed well on the American Chippendale table. Katherine drew a fresh breath and walked toward the front desk to call her parents’ room.

  “Kate!” her mother squealed across the lobby.

  Katherine spun around and was embraced by her mother. “Mom, I’m so happy you’re here tonight!”

  Katherine inspected her stylish mother in a black-and-white Guy Laroche dress. It made a decorative frame for her olive skin. Her dark hair was swept away from her face to showcase her high cheekbones. Katherine shared her mother’s perfect cheekbones, but she’d always wished she had her mother’s onyx hair. Maybe it was the Chippewa part yearning for freedom.

  Rene Roebling’s eyes glowed like evening stars when she held her daughter. She gazed into Katherine’s green eyes.

  “Where’s Dad?”

  Her mother pointed toward the cocktail lounge. “He’s meeting with the ABA committee.”

  Katherine and her mother settled in two classic club chairs. The waiter joined them and smiled. “What’s your cocktail choice?”

  Katherine’s mother ordered a gin and tonic.

  Katherine never drank alcohol in public with her parents. They had wine with dinner at home, but now she wanted something that fit her style. “I’ll have a gin gimlet.”

  Her mother didn’t blink.

  “My dear, your father and I are always with you. You know that, don’t you?”

  Katherine’s heart’s charged messages to her bustling mind, processing her mother’s comment. Katherine nodded and smiled. “Sure, Mom.”

  “Before your father gets here, we need to talk. For the past month, I know you’ve had extraordinary events in your life.” Her mother paused while the waiter served their drinks.

  Katherine bowed her head and took a sip of her gimlet. “Mom, you remind me of one of those whales who always knows what their babies are doing. Your radar stays charged. Yes. I guess you could say that my life has had a few hairy events. I planned to tell you and Dad the details.”

  “Don’t tell your father your stories until I censor it. You know his hot-tempered side.”

  Katherine shuddered when she envisioned her father’s reaction to the eagle feather. He flat out won’t believe that the feather swooped by magic into my life. Both women appreciated his solid, logical mind, which left no room for wonder and magic. Katherine contemplated her mother’s mystical wisdom with her dark eyes beaming a signal. Katherine discerned her mother’s insight, and her heart whispered: Dear Mom knows everything about you.

  Katherine smiled. “You’re right. He won’t understand my eagle feather experience.” Katherine paused and leaned close. “Did your third eye observe the whole story?”

  “Of course, dear. Your mother always knows.”

  “Yeah, I know, but Mom, your depth of knowledge of my life isn’t the same as most parents. Can I ever hide secrets from you?”

  Rene laughed. “Of course, you can. I see significant events. Not everything.”

  Katherine put her palms on her lap and squeezed her eyes closed. “Wait. Don’t tell me you saw the disappearance of the eagle feather at the library?”

  Rene stood. “Relax. It’s a gift to help you not hurt you. If I saw danger in your path, I’d do everything in my power to save you.”

  “Mom, why didn’t you call, warn me, and help me?”

  Rene sipped on the gin and tonic. “Kate, dear, mother eagles know when to release their young so they can learn to soar. I hope I’m as wise as you.” She reached over and touched her daughter’s hand. “You soared with this experience, and now you’re ready to fly. And I don’t mean on those jetliners you trek on around the country.”

  Katherine closed her eyes and sighed. She wanted to shout, “Thank you,” to the universe for giving her the most spectacular mother. Katherine’s inner strength climbed from her stomach to the top of her head to float over her life like a beam of light. She wanted to fly higher. “Okay, Mom, let’s go on to the neat stuff. Tell me what you’ll be showing at the art fair.”

  Her mother glanced at her watch, “It’s almost six. Your father should—”

  “Hello, beautiful ladies.”

  Katherine leaped from her chair and smacked a big kiss on her father’s cheek. “Dad, you made it!”

  He beamed and shouted. “Goldie. Wow. You’re beautiful.”

  Her father was the only person who used this nickname, which came from Oriel, her middle name, which meant gold. Katherine liked her nickname, but the name her great-grandmother had given her in secret, Aponi, had more influence. Katherine had researched the meaning of Aponi and had found that it meant butterfly. People with this name were supposed to have a profound inner need for quiet and a desire to understand and analyze the world they live in, to learn the deeper truths.

  The description fit her so well that she had written the full definition in her diary: “People with this name tend to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with influential personalities. They tend to be focused on specific goals, experience a wealth of creative new ideas, and have the ability to implement these ideas with efficiency and determination. They tend to be courageous and sometimes aggressive. As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient.”

  Katherine hugged her father. “Dad, I missed you. I can’t wait for our catch-up talk.”

  “Me too. Right now, I’m thirsty. What are you two drinking?”

  Before they could answer, the server approached them. “Good evening, sir. Are you joining the ladies? Can I get you something to drink?”

  Without hesitation, Hans Roebling responded, “Bring me a Jack Daniels,” and settled on a chair next to his wife. He loosened his tie and stretched. “Boy, did we get a bucket load of drafting done.”

  “Mom said you were doing something with Native American rights.”

  “A draft for a proposed law for Native American civil rights. I got roped in because of my so-called civil rights work. The Chippewa tribe came to me and asked me to work on the committee.” He turned to his wife. “Of course, your mother gave me a gentle push.” He patted his wife on the knee and turned to Katherine. “Enough dry stuff. Your mother and I need an update on Katherine Roebling’s life!”

  Katherine’s mind rushed around, sorting out what to tell Dad and what to save Dad from knowing. He didn’t need to know about the eagle feather saga or the stalker, but she could tell him about the trip to Beloit College. He’d cheer the idea of her working on her degree. Her mind decided, but her stomach flipped and flopped, sending a message to make her hands fidget. She picked up her glass to take a sip of encouragement before she spoke. “Where do I begin?”

  “Oh, Hans,” her mother said, “let’s get to dinner. These drinks are going to my head.”

  “Golly, you’re right.” He looked at his watch. “We’ve got ten minutes to make our reservations.”

  Italian Village’s dark red and walnut panels wrapped their arms of comfort around Katherine as she and her parents sipped Chianti and caught up.

  Katherine had loved her time growing up in Chippewa Falls. E. E. Cummings burst into her thoughts: “It takes courage to grow up and become your true self.” The warmth and the glow of the Chianti became happiness inside Katherine. Her past, present, and future became one.

  Before her thoughts could take a journey to tomorrow land, her father’s voice aborted her musings. “Goldie, we’d love to hear about your exciting adventures.”

  Katherine smiled and studied her mother, who gave her a wink. “I visited Beloit College the other day, and I’ve got an idea for a research paper, so I can finish my course.”

  Her father beamed. “Your course? Oh, the one that the great professor who gave you time to that finished paper as an incentive to get to finish your education.” He paused and winked. “And I didn’t even have to bribe her.�
�� He sat back and sighed. “It’s still amazing that she gave you that much time. It’s pretty unusual.”

  Katherine smiled. “Yep, my professor and I are good friends. We kept in touch when I left to become a stewardess. And she kept hounding me about her promise to keep my course records.” Katherine giggled. “And once she kidded me that she’d give up teaching if I didn’t come back and finish my coursework.”

  “I’m sure it’s because you were her star student. Was it good to be back on campus?”

  Katherine sighed and nodded. “And I have a plan. I’m going to research the theory of the Lost Tribe of Israel. I am the perfect person, with my Chippewa blood, and I have Jewish friends, so I’d like to do something to help Israel.”

  Her mother gasped. “Israel?”

  Her father stiffened and assumed his logical way. “Your Jewish friends? Are you in love with a Jewish man? Of course, your mother and I are fine with your choice.”

  Katherine laughed. “Oh, no. I’m not in love with anyone. I just want to do something that helps others. Dad, isn’t that how you live and what you want me to do with my life?”

  “Kate, your dad and I always support you, but I have something exciting to share with you.”

  Her father raised his eyebrows, folded his hands, and sat back.

  “I’m open to your thoughts, Mom. Fire away.”

  Her mother looked at her watch. “It’s getting late, and your father and I both have to get up early. Could you meet us at the Old Town Art Fair at lunchtime? We can have coffee at this wonderful concession stand and chat then. Okay?”

  32

  NORTH STATE PARKWAY’S summer crowd headed for late night watering holes at the Division and Rush Bars. Glancing at her watch, Katherine turned to go inside the apartment lobby and slammed into a man. She screamed and started to push the man away before realizing who it was. “Neal! Geez, you hit my scare meter over the top. You’re lucky I’m unarmed. What are you doing here? It’s late.”

  “Nice to see you too,” Neal snickered.

  Katherine hugged him. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t expect you, at least not this late.”

  “I got done with the legal brief for my torts class, and my body said, ‘I need fresh air,’ and my feet led me here. Plus, I have in my possession a limited special offer: a member’s key to the Gaslight Club. Just for tonight. The lawyer who teaches my torts class is a member and thinks I spend too much time studying. So the gold key called out, ‘See if Katherine’s home yet and if she’s up for a visit to the club that inspired the Playboy empire.’”

  Katherine squished her eyebrows. What’s his real motive? It’s 10:30. He didn’t bother to ask me out. He appeared unannounced. She rubbed her Thunderbird necklace and waited for an answer.

  Neal put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Hey, I know it’s late, and I didn’t call you ahead of time. I apologize, but the gold key made me do it. Do you work tomorrow? If not, you can sleep in. Right?”

  “I have three days off, but I’m meeting my mother at the Old Town Art Fair for lunch.”

  A couple walked by Katherine. “Go for it,” they said. “He’s a good man.”

  Neal waved at them. “Thanks.” He smiled at Katherine and laughed. “I remembered that your parents are here.” He paused and offered an extended appealing stare and then he tapped her nose with a kiss. “I wanted to see you.”

  Katherine giggled and twined her left foot behind her right foot. “Well, okay.”

  Neal smiled and put his arm around her waist. “Fab, let’s head to the Ambassador Hotel and grab a cab.”

  Katherine fought the urge to take Neal’s hand and stroll along North State Parkway’s esplanade. Life and its mysteries intrigued her; she’d always believed in magic, mystery, and destiny. And being with Neal right then was one of the most magical things that had happened to her in Chicago. It was mysterious because she didn’t know the source of her new feelings. Glancing at Neal prompted Anaïs Nin’s quote to dance across her heart: “You don’t find love, it finds you. It has to do with destiny, fate, and what’s written in the stars.”

  Neal squeezed her hand, “You’re busting with happiness. I bet you had a good time with your parents.”

  “Sure did. I hope you can meet Mom and Pop sometime.” Katherine gulped after the words slipped out. Hey, I’ve never asked a guy to meet my parents. What’s come over me?

  “Sounds great. If those two people created you, they must be out of this world.” He paused and motioned Katherine to head to the cab at the Ambassador Hotel. “Hop in.”

  Neal leaned over and told the cab driver, “13 East Huron Street.”

  “Oh, that place—you’re my fifth customer tonight.”

  Neal looked at Katherine. “Now you know I only take you where it’s happening.”

  Katherine laughed. “The Gaslight Club intrigues me. Charlotte and her friends explained that Hugh Hefner got his idea for the Playboy Bunny from it. Charlotte said the Gaslight Girls sing and dance. She’s happy that Hef didn’t steal that part since she can’t sing or dance. Thanks for the invite.”

  Neal touched her knee and squeezed it.

  Katherine’s stomach floated and fluttered, but she wasn’t sure that Neal felt the same. Her self-defensiveness reacted. Katherine jerked back and glared at his hand. “It’s a little soon for that, don’t you think? I’m not a Playboy Bunny.”

  Neal pulled his hand away. “I know that. I didn’t ask you along because of your looks. I’m thrilled for you, the whole Katherine, to join me. You’re the whole package, and I feel so lucky to have you right here with me.” He paused and smiled. “And you’re an adventurous person.”

  Katherine’s eye widened when the cab stopped at the magnificent Queen Anne mansion. “You know me. I bet this place will outshine the Playboy Mansion.”

  Neal paid the taxi driver and clasped Katherine’s arm. “Like Helen Keller, you think, ‘Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.’”

  A tuxedo-clad host opened the wood carved doors of the mansion and greeted Katherine with a deep European accent. The door was dark mahogany with red velvet, and it opened to a room with a long, handsome bar and a crystal chandelier shining over patrons socializing at small tables centered around a stage. The stage pulsated with the song of glamorous, curvaceous Gaslight Girls dressed in a fringe-trimmed, sequined costume—the inspiration for the Playboy Bunnies sans tail, rabbit ears, and bow tie. The atmosphere transported Katherine to a scene in Casino Royale.

  Like a butler from the House of Windsor, the host bowed and greeted Neal and Katherine. “Welcome to the Gaslight Club. May I please see your key?”

  Neal held out the gold key, which resembled a three-leaf clover. “This is our first visit.”

  “Wonderful. Let me give you a brief review of your rooms.” The gracious host first pointed to the plushy carpeted room. “This is the Paris Room. You may stay and enjoy cocktails while our talented Gaslight Girls serenade you.”

  He directed Katherine and Neal to a hand-carved grand staircase. “If you want a quiet place to sit in comfy chairs, sip cocktails, and listen to our classical pianist create a romantic mood, please head upstairs to the Library. The Gourmet Room, at the top of the stairs, is closed since it is after the dinner hour.”

  “Let’s try the Library.” Neal turned to Katherine. “Is that okay with you?”

  Katherine’s chest floated with bubbles of joy. Katherine smiled and felt herself blush. “Sure.”

  The host raised his hand toward the grand stairway. “Just take this stairway to the top. The Library is the first room on your right. You can’t miss it.” He cleared his throat. “After the Library, you might try the Speakeasy. It’s outside the hall to the left of the Library. It’s bustling with Dixieland jazz and Gaslight Girls who dance on the stage. They wear long beaded necklaces that they swing around their necks in time with the music. They keep twisting and turning until the beads land around their pumps. The best of all is the gi
rls dancing Ballin’ the Jack and maybe the Charleston. Knock on the door and tell a Gaslight Girl that Joe sent you. We close at two.” He waved them up the stairs. “Please enjoy yourselves.”

  Katherine fought the urge to take two steps at a time up the long stairway. Neal followed on her heels. “This is cool. Thank for taking me along with you to this unique place.”

  “Hey, this is more fun than meeting Ernie Banks and Ron Santo.”

  At the top of the stairs, Katherine turned and gave Neal a shoulder nudge. “You’re a Cubs fan? Your ratings moved up the scale.”

  Neal escorted her into the Library and guided her to a quiet corner. The plush dark green Chesterfield chairs reflected comfort and a place to relax. They settled in comfy chairs, and a Gaslight Girl in a floor-length black evening gown accented with white beads greeted them.

  “Good evening, may I see your key, sir?” the Gaslight Girl asked.

  Neal, like a seasoned key holder, slipped the golden ticket on her black onyx board. “Sure. Please bring us a bottle of champagne. Do you have Dom Pérignon?”

  “Excellent choice, sir.” She smiled and walked away.

  “Are we celebrating?” Katherine asked.

  Neal lounged in the comfy chair while he tapped his fingers on his thighs. The gleam in his eyes shot off a beam of joy. “We are. You didn’t notice my heart beating off the chart tonight? The cab ride, the host tour, and the stairs created a delayed volcano inside me. I have news.” He paused and smiled. “I’m the first guy in my law school class to get a job. I’m packing for my new life as a Justice Department attorney in Washington D.C.”

  Katherine squealed and leaned forward to give Neal a hug. “That’s fabulous. And I’m honored to be the first on your list to hear the good news.”