by Judy Kundert
Katherine nodded her head. “Hm, that’s what my dad mentioned.” She stopped and smiled. “Not moving with you, but going to D.C.” She scanned his face and winked. “Destiny has the answers.”
38
NIBBLING ON AN ENGLISH muffin covered with butter and honey, Katherine reminisced about her time living with Charlotte. Oh, what changes they’d shared. Katherine, the stewardess, had gained travel, the world, and journeys with interesting people and experiences. Charlotte, the Bunny, had had an opportunity to study art and paint while she earned enough money for designer clothes. Now, Katherine’s stewardess uniform hung in the closet. Anaïs Nin’s words spoke to her: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Courage, that’s what flying at 30,000 feet, gave me. I’ll remember the times that I could stretch out in a row of seats and gaze out the window after serving meals and chatting with passengers. Through cotton ball clouds, I saw the majestic woven-tapestry pattern of well-organized cities with roads and buildings like children’s playthings full of vast natural wonders. Now, on the ground, everything seems less organized, but I have the courage to see through the disorder and discrimination. Maybe there is a plan and order to everything. I’ll keep my time at 30,000 feet, where everything had its place, as my most cherished memory.
Katherine wiped the muffin crumbs from her face and sighed. What would she tell her mom and dad? How would she tell them that she might be grounded forever? She knew they wanted her to do something on the ground when she left her high-flying life, but they hoped that it would be on her terms not being forced to quit. Then, she thought what if the airlines still had the retire at thirty-two requirement. Yikes. What happened to all those women who retired at thirty-two? If they weren’t married, did they have to get jobs for women only? Jobs like posting machine operator, bridal consultant, or accountant. Oh dear, what a dismal destiny after having wings to the world.
Katherine took the last bite of her muffin and jumped up to take her dishes to the sink. As she washed the plate and cup, a smiled flashed over her face. That’s it! I have to be like the woman who headed the airline stewardess union, the one who knocked down the age barrier for a stewardess with her testimony to Congress. If that woman hadn’t been a warrior, I’d be doomed to retire at thirty-two. I have to be a fighter too, not as a stewardess but as a hero in the world. I have something to live up to. My sister stewardesses have been fighting for women’s rights since the beginning of aviation. I can do the same on the ground. There have been warrior women from the beginning of time in every part of the world. I’m Katherine the warrior woman, breaking false barriers.
39
THE PHONE SPLINTERED HER musing like a rock through a window.
Katherine jump. She whispered to the walls. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.
She mumbled a greeting. “Hello.”
Angelos deep voice jolted her. “Hi Katherine, I hope you’re doing well.”
I’m make this quick. He’s a nice guy, but I have to focus on my life transition. “I’m great but I’m weighed down with life stuff like a pack mule.”
“Me too. I wanted to call you sooner, but I had piles of work and school. And thank you for the book.”
“You’re welcome. You have a real American classic to keep in your library. I hope you’ll remember me when you look at it, years from now.”
“I will.” Angelos paused and cleared his throat.” I’m also calling for something else.
My cousin from Athens is a curator for the National Archeological Museum of Athens. I thought of you and your love of Greece since she delivered a few select Greek art objects for the United States touring the exhibition. It starts at the Chicago Art Institute with an exclusive member preview tonight. They’ll have Greek food, Greek music, and dancing. Doesn’t this sound like fun? Can you make it?”
Katherine blinked and smiled. Wow, I’d like to meet his cousin, a woman who’s doing something of meaning. And the call of Greece can’t be resisted. “Well, I’m not flying this week. I have a couple of hours available. Yes. I’d be thrilled to meet your cousin.”
“Wonderful, I’ll come by, let’s say six. What’s your address?”
Katherine took in a breath and waved her hands up in the air and rubbed them together. What an invitation. Something is brewing for me at that Greek event. What about Neal? Will he care if I go? No. We’re only at the friend stage; she lied to herself. An evening at the Chicago Art Institute is perfect. I need some art and culture right now.
“My address is 1576 North State Parkway. I’m right next to Lincoln Park.”
Like a rapid response, the phone rang as soon as Katherine plopped her pink princess receiver in the cradle. It was her mother.
“Sweetie, you sound like you have a cold.”
Talking to her mother right then was not on her list. Katherine pondered telling her mother that she had a severe sore throat and couldn’t talk. But the good daughter side won out. She cleared her throat. “No, Mom. I’m great. I just hung up with a friend. He invited me to a special event for Greek art at the Chicago Art Institute.”
“What a fun night. That’s my kind of affair. Too bad we can’t be there. Father and I are going to Washington D.C. tomorrow. Your father has a committee meeting, and I will spend most of my time at the National Gallery. In case you called, I wanted to let you know.” She paused. “If you have a few days off, maybe you could join us.”
Katherine clenched her fist. Dang, Mom! You know everything. “Well, Mom, I do have time off. You were on my list to call. My supervisor gave me two weeks off because I refused to remove my Thunderbird amulet. I’ve been wearing it for my entire flying career, and no one has ever noticed. But she did. She insisted. When and if I go back to work, I can’t wear the necklace.”
“When it’s time to change, we receive a nudge. You got your marching orders. Now, what do you have planned?”
A grin slipped across Katherine’s face to mirror her inner calm. As usual, I didn’t need to tell Mom. She knew. My mother is my protective wing that lifts me higher. “With my time off, I’ll take a standby flight and meet you and Dad in Washington D.C. and go over my plans.”
“Wonderful. We’re staying at the Mayflower Hotel. We’ll make another reservation for you. I have to run now. Call us when have your travel plans. And remember, your heart knows, so stay calm and go ahead. Love you.”
“Me too, Mom. Thanks. Talk to you soon.”
Time to get moving. Don’t think. Just breathe and stay calm. Decide my trip to Washington D.C. Pick clothes for tonight. Katherine stopped and put her hand to her cheek. What am I doing? Why should I jaunt to D.C. and snuggle with Mom and Dad? My life and my decision are mine alone. Didn’t I throw away training wheels when I was five years old? I’ll call Mom later and say no thanks. Now, it’s up to me to find my new life. And it may begin with my visit to a Greek art exhibit.
40
A FLOW OF THE ART FUNCTION crowd streamed from the Chicago Art Institute. Media cameras and reporters followed them to get their quotes about the visiting Greek exhibit to publish in the Chicago Tribune morning “Art Note”. The summer moon provided a glow over the city. Michigan Avenue’s warm summer wind flicked Katherine’s hair as she strolled toward the front steps. On the way, they passed tons of Greek guests and art lovers flowing out the front doors of the Chicago Art Institute. A mix of Greek and English voices echoed the success of the Greek art exhibition.
Katherine and Angelos separated from the crowd. Katherine strolled over to the art museum’s steps and glided to the majestic lion statue. She leaned on the base of the lion’s pedestal and giggled. “That was so festive. I loved it with all the art, the ouzo, the hummus, and the Greek people. Greeks make any place exhilarating.”
Angelos slipped next to Katherine and gave her a pinch. “And, wow, you know how to dance the Kalamatianos. Since the last time I saw you at my uncle’s restaurant, you’ve become an ouzo aficionado. You might be part
Greek, not Native American.” He paused. “And my cousin liked you.”
Katherine focused on Angelos’ dark wavy hair. His image brought back pictures of her and Emma Jean’s visit to Greece, and Emma Jean’s infatuation with her swarm of Greek gentlemen. By contrast, Katherine’s fascination leaned toward the Greek ancients and myths. Rubbing her hand over her heart, Katherine retraced her prophetic visit to the Oracle of Delphi. She closed her eyes and saw the radiant eagle’s wings floating over her head as she heard the whispering, You will help a great nation.
Was it fate to be at this spectacular event honoring ancient Greeks? She mused, her brow furrowed. She had the urge to stand up and shout, “I am a warrior woman. I am a Chippewa—a great nation.” She blinked and smiled. “Oh, yes. Your cousin is a super lady. Don’t laugh, but she made me think of the goddess Athena with her knowledge and influence. And she even knows a couple of the faculty in Beloit College’s anthropology department.” Katherine leaned back and exhaled. “And this Greek atmosphere gave me shivers. It was like being back in Athens.”
The crowd passed by the two. The couple didn’t notice that the museum was closing or that it was getting darker. Angelos took Katherine’s hand. “Have you seen the Playboy Club?”
Katherine’s face turned red when he mentioned how they’d met at the Playboy press party. “Oh, yeah. I was hoping you’d forgotten how we met. No, I haven’t been to the Playboy Club.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver Playboy Bunny key. “The restaurant manager loaned me his key since I’m going home to Athens. It’s his thank-you gift to me. Let’s get some food and drinks.”
Katherine blinked. She had just visited the Gaslight Club, another member key club, a few days ago with Neal. Was this coincidence or destiny calling?
“What’s going on at the Playboy Club tonight?” the taxi driver asked as they pulled up.
Angelos shrugged. “Must be a convention of some sort.”
Inside, modern wood-paneled rooms with chrome and leather furniture shouted out, “This is a man’s kingdom!” A mass of gray business suits flowed up the circular stairs to the dining room. At the bottom of the stairs, another mass of gray suits intermixed with gorgeous Bunnies leaning over pool tables. The clink of pool cues knocking the balls into the side pockets harmonized with boisterous cheers.
Angelos turned to Katherine and laughed. “Conventioneers.”
Katherine’s eyes twinkled. She scanned the sea of gray-suited businessmen and turned to the welcome standout sight of Angelos’ khaki pants and white-buttoned shirt. Great look, she thought. “Yeah, they look like my typical passengers.”
He pointed to the bar where Bunnies played pool with the members. “Yeah, this is a real man’s paradise where your road warrior travelers come after a long day.”
Katherine burst into an uncontrollable giggle. She clutched Angelos’ arm when he added his snickers.
A Bunny interrupted their hilarity. “Excuse me, sir, may I see your key?”
“Do you like looking at the Bunnies?” Katherine asked as he handed her the key.
Angelos laughed. “You forget where I work. If you live in a candy store, you get overloaded with sweets. After a while, each white-tailed lady looks the same. Similar to what the gray suits mean to you.”
Katherine smiled. “I know. Men in gray suits are a drag. I’ll miss working with such boredom.” Katherine paused. That was stupid. I didn’t tell him I might lose my wings and my job.
Angelos raised a brow. “You won’t be a stewardess anymore?”
Katherine cocked her head and wrinkled her nose. Should I tell him the whole story? No. I’ll never see him again. He gets the short version. “My phenomenal two-plus years as a stewardess opened the world to me. Now, it’s time for me to do more with my mind and find a career.” Katherine paused. I don’t need to mention my mission to help my Chippewa ancestors. He’d be bored with my real plans.
Angelos clapped his hands and smiled. “Wonderful. You know, the Greeks created fate from the Moirai, the goddesses of fate.” He sat up and placed his hands on his lap. “See, I invited you to come to the exhibit tonight with, well …” He paused and winked at Katherine. “I’m interested in you, but I had another motive.” He coughed. “I’m going home to Athens at the end of August. My brother and I are starting a tour business in Athens. With my cousin’s connection with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, we have a solid business plan.” He smiled at Katherine. “We will be the biggest tour company in Athens. And you’re on an informal job interview tonight.”
Katherine raised her hands. “Wait. A job interview?”
“I thought of you right away as our tour coordinator. First, you’re a stewardess, you’re gorgeous, intelligent, and a traveler. Second, you love Greece and Greek people. Third, the executives from the Ministry of Culture gave you a stamp of approval tonight. We’ll pay you well, help you move, and get your work visas. And if you don’t like it, we only ask that you give us six months’ notice. You can stay as long you like.” He pulled a color brochure out of his pocket. “Here’s a draft of our tour company. Please take it and look it over. I’ll call you tomorrow, and you can ask me more questions.”
Katherine was ready to say no, but the thought of working in Athens piqued her interest. She could work on an independent ancient Greece exploration project for one of her anthropology courses. Well, he might be a fair boss. He has an excellent professional manner, and he acts like an open and understanding person. But I’ve never had one boss. Her hands shook as she took the crinkled advertisement.
“Okay, I’ll look at it and talk to you tomorrow. Thanks for thinking of me. I have to admit, my interest in fate comes from my study of Greek mythology. I’m thrilled for you and your brother.”
The Bunny server interrupted the couple again. “Miles Davis will perform in the library in the next twenty minutes. It’s his last set for the night.”
Angelos nodded toward Katherine and smiled. “I’d love to hear ‘Nefertiti.’ I have the album. It gets you grooving.”
Katherine scanned the room as key holders, and their guests left for the evening. “Yikes. I have an early morning tomorrow.”
Angelos smiled at the Bunny. “Thank you, but I guess that’s a no. Please bring my check.”
41
ANGELOS AND KATHERINE strolled along North State Parkway. Katherine walked in silence and attempted to fathom the evening. What a fantastic night. The ancient Greece exhibition had been unbelievable. And meeting Angelos’ cousin had been serendipitous, especially the fact that she knew Katherine’s Beloit College faculty advisor in the anthropology department. Did it mean something? What did ancient Greek artifacts mean to the Chippewa tribe? And the job offer. Out of the vastness of the universe had come an intriguing possibility. She could still help her ancestors after a brief detour as a tour guide in Athens. It might be fate’s path. It seemed better than her other choices: bookkeeper or postal clerk. I can’t be a stewardess any longer. I won’t give in and give up my scared Thunderbird. It’s my destiny. Right now, I need a job. Maybe in Athens.
Angelos broke the silence. “I’ll miss Chicago.” He paused and pointed back to the Playboy Mansion. “And I was the envy of every guy I knew. They always asked me to sneak them into the mansion. I have a secret. I got my uncle, the one you met at lunch, into a party. It was like a Greek tragedy. I almost got fired because he kept running around pulling at different Bunny tails.” He laughed. “I guess that’s my uncle.” A block from Katherine’s apartment he cleared his throat. “Well, I hope you’ll mull over my offer. Living in Athens is a dream for many people.”
Katherine’s eyes glistened. The hair on her arms tingled. “Wow. That’s for sure. In a few years, I planned to return to Athens. It’s funny when I was in Athens, I imagined a place right at the foot of the Acropolis.”
“Well, most of my friends and I live in Attica, a northern suburb of Athens. If you decide to work with us, you can check out that ne
ighborhood. In fact—”
“Katherine!” A breathless, shouting Neal rushed up the block toward them.
Katherine gasped. “Neal!”
He glared at Angelos. “This must be a friend?”
Katherine cleared hear throat and bit her lip. “Yes,” she stuttered, raising her hand to Neal. “This is my friend Neal. Neal is also a friend of Charlotte’s.” Katherine turned to Neal and smiled. “He knows Charlotte too.”
Neal removed his hands from his back and offered Angelos a limp handshake. “Hello. Sorry to barge in on you.”
Angelos smiled and squeezed Neal’s hand. “Nice to meet you. You’re fine. I was just walking Katherine home. She’s almost back, and you look like a strong protector. I’ll leave you two now. My day starts early tomorrow.” He turned to Katherine. “Thanks for a fun evening.”
“I had a great time. And I’ll be thinking about your suggestion.”
The couple waved off Angelos and watched him walk down the street.
She turned to Neal, who looked like an angry bull ready to charge. “Well, if you walk me home, are you up for a glass of wine?”
Neal turned to Katherine and grabbed her hands. “I had to see you tonight. I’m leaving for my parents’ cabin on Whidbey Island tomorrow and then to D.C. on Monday. They need me for a rush project. I start my job at the Justice Department two weeks earlier than expected.” He released a deep breath. “I thought you’d like to see me before I go.” He paused and turned in Angelos’ direction. “But you didn’t tell me about this guy. “
Katherine pulled her hands away from his grasp and flung them on her hips. “Hey, when did we become an item? You don’t tell me everything, I bet!”
Neal rubbed his head. “You’re right. I apologize.”
Katherine put her arm in his. “Okay. Come. Let’s have a bon voyage glass of wine.”