Dale stared at the man curiously. “Why do you say that?”
“I figured you’d be courting her soon. Before you know it, you’ll be married, and then she can’t work as a Harvey Girl. They only take single girls.”
Dale straightened indignantly. “I’m sure Miss Hobby has no interest in me courting her. I was simply in the street when she fell, and I offered her my aid.”
The man slapped his leg again and held out a hand. “Sure thing, Dale. Don’t get all het up with that highfaluting look of yours. I meant no harm.”
Dale eased his shoulders slightly. “Thank you. I would appreciate you putting any such rumors to rest if you hear them. Miss Hobby is just beginning her career and doesn’t need to have everyone in town talking about her.”
The man picked up his book and edged toward the door, but with one final cackle he called out, “You sure are touchy about the subject.” Then he walked out the door.
Dale sighed. This was the third person who’d approached him today, with a crazy story about him and Sheila Hobby.
Can’t this town find anything better to do than spread silly rumors?
“Uhm, excuse me?” The voice pulled him out of his thoughts and his eyes focused on the lovely girl in front of him.
“Miss Hobby. How pleasant to see you again. So, no serious injury to the ankle?”
“No, it’s just sore. By tomorrow it will be fine, and I can begin my work at the Harvey House.”
“I eat all my meals there. I’m sure you’ll see me quite often. I know the first week or two can be hard on the new girls.”
Sheila nodded. “I expect it to be much like the training I did in Kansas. But, I proved myself there and hope to do so here. I have a good memory, and when my ankle isn’t hurt, I can move rather quickly.”
“Then you shall indeed make a fine Harvey Girl. I look forward to being waited on by you.”
He watched as a slight flush pinkened her cheeks. “Thank you. I was wondering if I can check out books to read in the evenings?”
“Yes, just pick out the books, and I’ll write your name and the title in my ledger. Can I help you make a selection?”
“There are so many to choose from, but I believe I can find something I’ll enjoy. I wonder if I could possibly read through all these books in my lifetime?”
Dale smiled. “That’s a big order, but as long as you are a Harvey Girl, or live in this town, you may have access to the books.”
“I’d like to thank you again for helping me yesterday. I’m sure I looked like a fool.” Her voice dropped low, and her fingers felt fidgety.
“Not at all. These streets are muddy after a rain, and I’ve seen even some of the biggest men slip and fall. Just remember to walk slowly, and stay on the wooden boardwalks as much as possible.”
Sheila gave him a pleasant smile.
“Oh, I have a book here I thought George and Susie might like to hear,” Dale held up a child’s story book. “When you see them, send them to the library.”
Her hand fluttered to her neck. “Are you sure they won’t be in the way? Mother wouldn’t like them to pester you.”
“Nothing of the kind. I enjoy children and your brother and sister are quite bright. They love stories and seem to enjoy my reading. Being a librarian in a railroad depot can get a bit boring. I look forward to seeing the children.”
“Alright then, as long as it’s not an imposition. I’ll tell them to come by soon. Now, I need to choose my first book.”
Sheila turned and moved across the room. Dale found himself watching her. A small ache formed in his chest. The ache of unfulfilled dreams.
He wanted a woman like Sheila in his life. He wanted a wife and children, but since his accident, he just didn’t believe anyone could love him as he was with his useless limb. Plus, he couldn’t offer a very wealthy life working at the Santa Fe Reading Room. He was only lucky he owned a small parcel of land and had already built a house on it before the accident. He could offer someone a comfortable life. The house was cozy, enough for a family, but he was sure no woman would want a man with only one useful arm.
Chapter 4
S heila moaned and sat up on the side of her bed. It was early, but she needed to start work by six in the morning. Today was her first day.
Excitement coursed through her. Today she would work hard. She had grown used to that in Kansas during her training, but this was different. This was her job now. She couldn’t make mistakes. As an employee, she wouldn’t be given second chances.
As she slipped into her skirt and adjusted her shirt, she thought about the menu for the day. She’d been told the menus were sent in four-day cycles to the restaurants from headquarters. This was so that a traveler on the Santa Fe would not see the same choices a second time during their trip on the railway. The menus were made up based on the foods that were available and in season. The supplies were sent on the passenger trains in “express” refrigerator cars. This kept things fresh.
Not that the menu mattered. For the next few months, she would do nothing but serve coffee. The other girls, who had been there longer, would take the meal orders and serve the food. It was her job to keep the large silver coffee urns full and the lovely silver coffee pots filled for each customer.
It was amazing that a customer need only pay for one cup of coffee but could have as many as they liked. This usually meant many refills.
Sheila moved to the window in her room and peeked out. The train wasn’t in the station yet. The town looked quiet. She wondered how her mother, sister and brother were getting along in the tent.
A part of her felt a twinge of guilt for being allowed the luxury of this entire room, all to herself, while her family lived in a tent.
Lord, help me to earn money quickly so we can begin to build a house soon.
Sheila lifted her Bible and started where she’d left off the day before. She loved the quiet morning times for reading the Bible. It was the one book she owned and had free access to read at any time. She found so much strength from God. Being able to read the Bible and pray had helped her get through the first two hard years when they moved to Texas.
After reading, she knelt by her bed and lifted her voice in prayer. It was a sweet morning ritual, which filled her soul.
Finally, she stood, straightened her skirt and peeked her head out into the hallway. At almost the same time, two other doors in the hallway opened and busy looking girls flew out of their rooms. All dressed the same.
Sheila’s hand covered her mouth. Oh, no. I almost forgot my apron. She ran across the room, grabbed the apron off a hook and slipped it on. Then she followed the others down the back stairs, into the kitchen and out into the restaurant.
The cook was already busy in the kitchen, and the man who ran the newsstand was getting things ready for the day. The newsstand was right in the restaurant so the guests could choose a magazine or newspaper before they sat down at the food counter.
Sheila had seen a restaurant with many tables in Kansas, but here there was just the counter with round stools to worry about.
Working the counter required three Harvey Girls so only six lived in Slaton. They rotated days.
Sheila was glad to know they only had to work from seven in the morning until six at night, with a two hour break in the afternoon. That way she could relax at night and read. In some towns, the girls had to take turns on evening shifts as well, but Slaton was a smaller stop. There were no night trains.
Just then, she heard the large rumbling sound as the Santa Fe pulled into the station.
Annie Green was working the morning shift as well.
“Take a deep breath now, and prepare yourself,” the girl laughed and moved to open the front door.
Sheila did just that. She was starting to recognize Annie’s laugh from across the room.
A half hour later, Sheila took her next deep breath. The train and its passengers, fed and full of coffee, pulled away from the station with a loud whistle, leaving be
hind a large cloud of soot. Minutes later, the Harvey House grew quiet.
“That’s how it is,” Annie sidled up to Sheila and explained. “We get a big crowd from the train for breakfast, then another for lunch and another for dinner. The rest of the day, it’s railroad workers and local diners. They don’t require much work.”
Sheila wiped her hands. “That shouldn’t be too hard. There were more in Kansas.”
“Yep. I’m glad to work here though. I make the same amount of money as girls who work in the bigger restaurants, and they have to work much harder.”
The rest of the morning, a few men came in and sipped their coffee and ate a hearty meal. Although some of them looked rough, they were all respectful to the Harvey Girls. Everybody knew they would be asked to leave and not allowed back if they didn’t behave.
So far, Sheila had met Annie, Lydia and Janice, the girl she’d met the first time she came to the Harvey House.
The fourth girl was named Gladys, but Sheila hadn’t actually spoken to her yet.
Those girls had all been at this Harvey House since it opened, and they worked together very well. Sheila felt clumsy and often in the way, but Lydia assured her they’d all get used to one another and things would smooth out.
“Afternoon train should be here in another half hour. Today your break is after the lunch crowd,” Mrs. Jordan informed Sheila. “I’ve been watching you. So far you seem to be doing well. The urn did get a bit low earlier though.”
Sheila’s cheeks flushed. “I’ll make sure not to let it happen again.”
“Good, good.” Mrs. Jordan walked away.
Just then, the door swung open, and Dale Daughtery walked in. His eyes scanned the room and came to rest on Sheila’s face. He smiled and made a beeline toward the counter. He sat right in front of her.
“Good morning, Miss Hobby.” His voice was gentle.
“Good morning, Mr. Daughtery.”
He frowned. “My, that sounds so formal. Could you call me Dale? Everyone else does.”
Sheila looked at Annie, who nodded. “Yes, I think that would be alright, Dale.”
“However, I know the formality of the Harvey House. I will continue to call you Miss Hobby, at least in the diner. Perhaps in the library, I could call you by your first name?” He tilted his head slightly.
“That would be nice.”
Suddenly, Sheila felt herself bumped on the side and pushed away from the spot she was standing in. Sheila turned with a questioning look and noticed Gladys standing there.
“Morning, Dale. What can I get you today?” Gladys asked him. She pulled out her small notebook and stood ready to write Dale’s order.
Irritated at the way the other girl treated her, Sheila stood silently fuming. There was no point in saying anything. She didn’t want to cause problems on her first day of work, but really, the girl was very rude.
Dale gave his order, and Gladys started to turn away but stopped and winked at him. “Hear you had to drag a girl out of the mud the other day,” she snickered.
Sheila could feel a red flush on her neck.
Dale didn’t look at her.
“No, I helped a young lady who had fallen to her feet. That’s all.”
Gladys leaned over the counter and almost whispered, “Wish it had been me.” Then she straightened and walked away to put Dale’s order in.
Sheila stepped up. “Can I get you some coffee?” She turned over the cup that Gladys had set on the table upside down and began to pour the dark liquid.
“Thank you, Miss Hobby.”
“I’m sorry if my fall has given anyone a reason to talk.” Her brows pulled together in a frown.
“This is a small town. Anything that happens gets talked about. And usually ends up all out of proportion. I’m trying to ignore the talk about your fall.”
Sheila noted his cheeks turning red. She wondered what things were being said to him.
“I have to fill the urn before the next train gets in.” She smiled and turned away, but his voice halted her.
“Miss Hobby, I want you to know that Miss Everly appears more friendly with me than I want. She’s a nice girl, but I’m nothing more than a customer and librarian to her.”
Sheila wasn’t sure why those words caused her to brighten, but she was glad that Miss Everly, Gladys, was not Dale’s girlfriend.
She nodded in understanding.
“No matter what she says otherwise, you do believe me?”
“Of course.” Sheila assured him before she shuffled away. It wasn’t her job to wait on Dale, but she kept an eye on his coffee cup.
“And here’s your lemon cream pie,” Sheila heard the flirtatious tone of Gladys’s voice and noted the girl lean over the counter as far as possible. Not that Sheila was interested in Dale, but she felt embarrassed for him. It was obvious he had no interest in Gladys, and the way she threw herself at him was downright bold. She found herself clenching her hands.
“Don’t worry about her.” Annie’s words interrupted Sheila’s thoughts. “Dale isn’t interested in her.”
Sheila spun around, her mouth dropped open in surprise. “What? Oh, well it doesn’t matter to me.”
A grin split Annie’s face. “Then why are you clenching your hands like that?” She nodded at Sheila’s fists.
Sheila unclenched her hands.
“Besides, he only seems to have eyes for you.”
Sheila frowned. “That’s not true. He just isn’t interested in Gladys.” Sheila’s voice rose in distress.
Annie patted her arm. “Never mind. Don’t get all het up now. Gladys acts that way with several of the eligible men. All she wants is a husband.”
“Well, that’s not what I want.” Sheila stomped away, angry she felt more irritated about Gladys’s attention to Dale than she should feel.
~
Sheila was glad for her break. Her feet hurt, and she felt weary. Although she wanted to rush to the library and do some reading, instead she felt she should take a small walk around town and clear her head.
She passed the Slaton Post Office and the First State Bank. Now that she was going to be making wages, she would need to choose between the First State Bank and the Paul Bank.
She wandered beyond the Slaton Livery Barn and kept going. Really, the area was lovely although the land was endlessly flat.
When she finally turned around to head back to the Harvey House, she noted a man walking toward her. The sun was behind him so she didn’t recognize his face at first, but his muscular build, and the unusual way one arm swung but the other didn’t, let her know it was Dale.
She lifted her hand and waved. He waved back with his good arm.
“Hello, fancy finding you here. This is the place I come when town and the library become a bit too suffocating.” Dale’s steps brought him to her side.
“Yes, that’s just how I felt. I have to get back to work, but it was refreshing to wander out here. You can see for miles and miles, the land is so flat.”
Dale held out his good arm. She linked her hand through it. They walked back to town together. However, before reaching a point where anyone would notice, Dale slipped her hand off his arm and stepped away.
“I’m off to the library, Sheila. Your brother and sister will be along shortly and will want their daily story.”
“You’re so kind. Thank you for walking me here. I need to get back to work myself.”
Dale gave a slight bow and moved away from her. Sheila watched him go. She wondered if him meeting her outside of town was really just a coincidence.
It’s not as if he cares for me. I’m sure it was just an accidental meeting.
She shrugged her shoulders, gave herself one big stretch and neck roll, then went into the back door of the Harvey House.
~
Dale stopped outside the library, turned and watched Sheila. He grinned as she stretched. Like most Harvey Girls, she was going to find her muscles very sore each day for a long while.
He
didn’t approve of how hard the girls had to work, but he was amazed at their willingness to do it.
Dale had always been a hard worker, pulling more than his own load, until the fire and the injury to his arm. He tried to do as much as he could now, but there were many things he was unable to do.
But I can keep an eye on Sheila. She’s too young to be wandering around this town.
It never dawned on him to think that she’d lived in this town for some time before they’d met. She’d obviously wandered around before this and come to no harm, but now that he’d met her, he wanted to do whatever he could to protect her.
Dale gulped at his own thoughts. Since his accident, he hadn’t given a thought to the idea of having a woman in his life. What woman would want him with his useless arm?
But Sheila stirred a longing in his soul. One he thought he’d put away forever. Could there be any chance?
Dale watched as she disappeared into the Harvey House then shook his head in despair.
What am I thinking, Lord? She’s young and beautiful. Has her whole life ahead of her. What would she want with someone like me?
Dale dropped his head and shuffled into the library.
Chapter 5
Sheila opened her bedroom door. She wanted to slip into her room and take a rest. Her first ten days working at the Slaton Harvey House were over. Tomorrow was her day off, and all she could think about at this point was sleep. Although, she knew the morning would bring other ideas, tonight she was tired.
“You going to bed so early?” Annie asked as she passed Sheila in the hallway. “I’m going out with Jon Teague tonight.”
Sheila leaned against her door. “What’s there to do?”
“Oh, we just walk and talk. Sometimes I wish there was more to do. I’ve thought about asking to be moved again to another Harvey House back east. At least there the towns are bigger, but I like Jon and don’t want to lose my chance with him.”
“I’m tuckered out. Tomorrow’s my day off.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Visit my family. My mother won’t be washing dishes tomorrow either. I haven’t spent any time with my brother and sister since the day I got back from Kansas, and I need to do a bit of shopping.”
Harvey House Bride (Harvey Girls Book 1) Page 3