The Wooden Nickel

by Alisha Paige

  Louise opened her bedroom door and started for the parlor.

  “Louise?”

  “Yes?” Louise asked breathlessly, turning around to face her mother.

  “Have fun tonight, dear.”

  “I will, Mama.”

  Viola smiled at her and clasped her hands under her chin as she sighed at the sight of her. “Cliff will be so proud. He’s taking the prettiest girl to the dance.”

  Louise blushed and did a tiny curtsy in her velvet dress. Viola didn’t feel the least bit guilty for saying it either. Lily knew she was lovely, but Louise never did. Louise had blossomed miraculously and even more so than her older sister. She had long ago passed her sister up, displaying a sort of character and class that could never be taught. Where Lily continually disappointed her with sullen expressions and “holier than thou” behavior, Louise never failed to rise above her sister, holding her chin up high, simply ignoring her sister’s rude antics and living by example. Lily never seemed to learn though and it often worried Viola and Bill.

  Louise stood in the doorway of the parlor. Cliff was leaning on the mantle of the fireplace with one hand and tossing the keys in his other hand as he spoke to Bill about a story in the works about factory workers. Bill rambled on about their meager wages when Cliff’s jaw dropped open. He pushed himself off the mantle, standing ramrod straight, staring behind Bill.

  “Gee, Louise, you are a sight!”

  Bill turned around and beamed proudly. “Ah, darling. Your dress is smashing! Lily and your mother did a fine job!”

  “Thank you, Pa. You look mighty handsome, Cliff,” she said softly.

  Cliff had gotten a new haircut and his blond hair seemed darker on the top, but his short sideburns were nearly white, they were so blond and fine. His freckles looked squeaky clean and his smile nearly blinded Louise. He wore a brand new suit and even sported a shiny, gold pocket watch. The chain sparkled underneath the chandelier in the parlor and he seemed bigger than Louise ever remembered. He looked like a man to her and she was so proud to be his girl. She just knew if she were to laugh, millions of butterflies would flutter out of her. They were dancing inside of her and flitting so, why she thought she just might turn into one of the two winged creatures on the spot.

  Cliff crossed the room and took her hand. His hand was large and warm as it enveloped her tiny satin glove. Her mother had loaned her a beautiful ruby bracelet. It sparkled with fire and Cliff thought it looked very expensive and regal on her gloved arm, so much so that he wondered where his little school girl had gone. She was a woman now and he could hardly believe his eyes. He whistled low and shook his head.

  “Girl, I’m not letting you out of my sight, tonight,” he announced as her father smiled broadly.

  Cliff pinned a pink and red rose corsage onto her dress. Louise tilted her head down to sniff the fragrant flowers. “It’s lovely, Cliff.”

  “Not near as lovely as you, sugar,” Cliff said softly as their eyes met.

  They did make a handsome pair and Bill knew they’d be married one day. Cliff would make a fine husband for his Louise, but he wasn’t sure how she’d feel about Cliff’s new assignment. Even Bill was beginning to have reservations about it, but Cliff had thought it was an amazing opportunity.

  “You kids better get going,” Bill announced, hoping they would be able to tear their eyes away from each other long enough to drive to the dance.

  “Yes, sir,” Cliff answered, never taking his eyes off of his velvet princess.

  “Come on, beauty queen, we better get going,” Cliff said as he led Louise to the front door and out into the February night air.

  Louise smiled to herself as he helped her into her father’s sparkling Tin-Lizzy. He always said the sweetest things. No one had ever called her a beauty queen. Always the charmer, she thought to herself. No wonder the women were coming in droves.

  Cliff whistled as she pulled her leg into the car. He had never seen her wear stockings and he instantly hardened at the sight. God, he had always thought of Louise as a little girl, but lately, she didn’t look like one so much. In fact, she looked darn right delicious in that red velvet dress and her hair all done up in a bow, revealing that creamy, delectable neck of hers that just went on and on.

  Cliff had never been tempted by all the women that flung themselves at him, practically on a daily basis. He was waiting for Louise, but it stunned him that he no longer had to wait for her to grow up. Louise had become a stunning woman and though she was only sixteen, he was going on twenty and he wondered how much longer he’d have to hold off. He told himself to drive straight to the dance. One kiss on the side of the road could be dangerous and he didn’t want to risk it. My, she was a vision and he couldn’t wait to show her off.

  “Tell me something, Louise,” Cliff asked, squeezing her hand.

  “Yes,” Louise asked, batting her eyes at him in the moonlight. She knew for sure that she was beautiful tonight. Even she felt it and she could tell that Cliff was pleased. He reminded her of a hungry wolf and in a way, she liked it, though she was a little afraid to explore her feelings.

  Lily had already been with a man, but Louise was in no rush. It didn’t sound too fun to her, but Louise didn’t see how it couldn’t be grand with Cliff. Lily wasn’t picky and never in love with any of the boys. Louise figured love might make all the difference in the world.

  “When did you decide to grow up?” he asked, cutting her a devilish grin.

  “Whatever do you mean, Cliff?” Louise asked, smiling even more wickedly than he, sending his male mind whirling.

  Cliff couldn’t help it; he pulled over to the side of the road and turned the engine off.

  “Oh, baby, you’re so beautiful,” Cliff breathed softly as he cupped her face gently in his palms, not wanting to muss her hair or her make-up.

  Louise noticed his hands shaking and his hot breath fogged up the windows in an instant.

  “You like my dress?” Louise asked sweetly.

  “Oh, honey, I like you and I think you know how much,” he added as he kissed her softly on the lips.

  Louise closed her eyes and was in her perfect place with the perfect boy. She never wanted to leave. This memory would definitely be colored candy apple red. She kissed him back gently and could tell it took a lot of effort for him to hold back and not mess up her lipstick or her powder that mama had so carefully applied. His breathing was ragged and it made her heart race. His tongue teased her tiny lips and she opened them just enough for him to graze past her small teeth and touch the tip of her tongue. The mere hint of her taste sent a whirlwind through Cliff.

  Oh, how he wanted his woman-child, but he knew he had to hold back. Suddenly he felt guilty for steaming up her father’s car, even though he knew Bill would never know and probably wouldn’t care. Shoot, Cliff was nearly twenty, how long was he expected to wait? He sighed deeply and touched his forehead to Louise’s. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw at her temples, tendrils of blonde locks bouncing. He was so close to her that he could feel her heart beating. It was beating so fast it was causing her curls to bounce. He was touched as he took her face in his large hands again and kissed her fully on the mouth, forcing her mouth open. He tasted her, devouring her warmth and perfection. Louise pushed gently on the lapel of his overcoat and he released her softly.

  “I’m sorry, sugar. I didn’t mean to make a mess of your lipstick.”

  Cliff put his hands on the wheel and started the engine. “I couldn’t help it. You’re better than homemade ice cream.”

  Louise stifled a laugh as she fished around in her purse for her lipstick and mirror. She looked at her reflection. Good, the damage was minimal. She applied more lipstick as he pulled back onto the road.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked, hoping he hadn’t made a fool of himself. He had never been so nervous around Louise before, but somehow she was different and more mature than ever and Cliff wondered if he’d been too busy writing stories to notice.

 
“Oh, nothing. I guess I’ve never been compared to homemade ice cream. Can’t you think of something more delicate?”

  He felt like an imbecile. He compared her to a dessert. If he kept acting like this, Louise would find someone else more suited to her liking. Not a silly reporter boy who took handouts from her father like they were ordinary air. Darn, he was even driving her Pa’s car. Even Lily had found someone more respectable. Suddenly, he felt silly and young and not near good enough for a woman like Louise.

  “I’m sorry, sugar. I know it sounds silly, but you just taste so darn good. That was the first thing that came to mind.”

  Louise blushed. She knew what he meant and suddenly she felt sorry for him. He was only being honest and if she told him he tasted better than hot, buttery pancakes on Sunday morning, he would have laughed too, but that was exactly what she had thought.

  “I’m sorry, Cliff. I guess I’m just nervous.”

  “Why in the world are you nervous, sugar? You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on.”

  He’d done it again. Just like that, Cliff Emberton had turned plain old homemade ice cream into something beautiful. She forgave him at once. Her heart wanted to melt when he turned toward her and flashed that dazzling smile that had won her over in the bread line.

  “I don’t know why either, but let’s just try to have a good time, okay?” Louise added, trying her best to fix things, too.

  “Sure thing, sweet stuff,” he answered as he hopped out of the car and in two seconds flat, opened her door and helped her out.

  They made their way into the town hall where the dance was being held and Louise wondered if it was her imagination or not. It seemed as if all heads turned and a whisper went through the room. Suddenly, they were surrounded by school friends and the newspaper photographer was flashing their photo. Cliff had agreed to do a story on the dance and he was already flirting with the first line in his head when Lily walked up.

  “Hello, Louise,” Lily cooed, giving her younger sister a small hug as she flashed Cliff a smile.

  Cliff nodded hello respectively and shook Tad’s hand as Lily introduced them. Cliff felt sorry for Tad. He seemed like a great guy. He doubted it would take the young banker too long to figure out Miss Lily. One thing Cliff noticed though and it rubbed him the wrong way. Lily was a looker alright. One that could move mountains with one glance your way. Everything about her oozed dangerous sexuality. There was nothing sweet or innocent about her, like his Louise. While Louise’s pretty shyness and long glances made him break into a cold sweat and beg for more, Lily’s wicked smiles made him want to prove to her that he was not a man that she could handle, ever. He was spoken for and that was that. No matter how many times Lily made her stealthy advances, he would forever refuse her.

  God, he felt bad for it, but he almost hoped that Tad was a big enough sucker to marry her and keep her busy enough with all his money. Busy enough to get her mind off of him, for good. Cliff had never told Louise that one of the women in constant pursuit of him was her very own sister. Louise would be mortified. Lily seemed to embarrass her enough already. Even Bill had never found out, but Cliff almost hoped he would. She was very careful to only approach him late at night, when she was out on the town and full of gin. Most often Cliff was staying up late, working on deadline for an upcoming story. She’d use her father’s very own key to the newsroom and sneak into his room. He’d caught her twice in his bed, half drunk out of her mind and as naked as the day she was born. He’d thrown her out both times, paying her cab fare and offering the driver a nice tip in exchange for silence.

  “Care to dance?” Lily asked, not bothering to wait for an answer as she crooked her arm under Cliff’s, leading him to the dance floor.

  He looked over his shoulder at Louise. Louise waved and smiled. “I’ll take care of her,” Tad hollered as he led her to the dance floor.

  Damn, he didn’t want Tad dancing with his girl any more than he wanted to dance with Lily. Lily kissed him on the cheek. He gave her a go to hell look.

  “What was that for?” Lily asked, sweetly, looking up at him as if she’d drifted in on fresh snow.

  “When are you gonna give up, Lily?” Cliff asked, trying desperately to keep some space between them.

  Lily managed to make that task impossible. She’d slide right up against him as soon as he tried. She could feel his hardness and it made her smile. “Damn it, Lily! Stop it, or I’ll embarrass the hell out of you, I swear!” Cliff hissed.

  “Feels like you like me quite a bit, Cliff. Were you excited to see me?” she asked, licking her ruby red lips as she flipped her silky black hair behind her bare back.

  She wore a black velvet strapless number that clung to every curve for dear life. A large ivory cameo hung around her neck, dipping softly into her voluptuous cleavage from which an odor of rose musk seemed to grow louder and louder, wrapping itself around Cliff’s senses.

  “That’s for Louise,” Cliff answered, blushing ridiculously, trying to explain his torrid erection.

  Lily flung her head back in laughter, her breasts quivering beneath his chest, making him grow even harder than before. Damn it! Louise had gotten him so hot on the way over here and now her tramp of a sister was making it worse. Heck, a sow dressed in a tutu could turn him on at this point.

  “Oh, is it now?” Lily asked, smiling and leaning into his neck, smelling his masculinity before pulling back like she’d been poked with a burning torch.

  “Eww,” she breathed, crinkling up her nose in disgust.

  Cliff could care less if he repulsed Lily, but what in the world was she talking about? He didn’t want to go back to Louise smelling like a swine.

  “What in the hell’s the matter with you?” Cliff asked, returning her distasteful glare with one of his own.

  “You smell like Louise. I can smell her boring lavender milk bath on your neck. Did you two get hot and heavy on the way over here?”

  Cliff glared at her, unable to believe how immature and silly she could act. It just didn’t seem fair that her head was attached to such a beautiful body. He could think of a dozen other girls who were prettier and sweeter in every way comparable to Lily. Too bad God couldn’t just switch Lily’s body out for Shannon’s twig like body. Shannon was a great friend to Louise and deserved it so much more.

  “Oh, goody, looks like Louise will be joining the ranks soon. Boy, tonight will be fun! I bet we stay up all night, comparing notes! I just can’t wait to hear all about you,” Lily replied as if she were talking about canning peaches.

  Cliff pulled away from her and flung her arms off of him. Lily followed him like a lost puppy. “Don’t you want to finish the dance, Cliff? Oh, come on, now. I was just kidding.”

  Cliff turned around to face her with murder in his copper eyes. “Your sister will never join the ranks of you, Lily. She is so much more than you and always will be!”

  Lily looked as if she’d been slapped silly. The color drained from her face as the song ended and people began to stare. She stuck her chin out proudly, in an attempt to preserve some sort of self dignity, but most of the kids had already heard. Whispers filtered through the dance floor and a few began to giggle softly and point at her. Louise hadn’t heard. She was on the other side of the dance floor with Tad as the music ended.

  Tad walked her over, telling her about the banking business when she noticed something amiss. She saw Cliff from a distance. His ears were blood red and she knew that meant trouble. Cliff’s ears turned red only when he was extremely angry. Louise had only seen it happen one other time when a boy kept teasing her in the school yard. She thought he would beat that poor boy to a pulp, but Crowfoot intervened just in time.

  Louise left Tad in her dust as she ran to his side, her face paling at the sight of Cliff so apparently enraged.

  “Cliff, what happened?” Louise asked, breathlessly.

  Cliff took Louise by the arm and led her to the far end of the dance hall, leaving Lily standing t
here, her lips puckered into a sour scowl. Louise took one look at her sister and knew instantly that she was somehow involved, but why was Cliff so angry? Lily said plenty of foolish things, but Cliff generally ignored her or changed the subject. Most of what she said was mean spirited, so Louise had learned to filter what she said and take nothing she said to heart.

  Cliff pulled Louise into a narrow hallway and sighed deeply.

  “What did Lily say to make you so mad?”

  Cliff shut his eyes and pulled Louise to him, shaking his head at the thought. He had never wanted to strangle a woman in his life, but he could just feel his thick fingers close around that white throat of hers. He wished she would just shut up. That mouth of hers. Next time she wouldn’t be so lucky. One day, Lily’s mouth would get her in a heap of trouble.

  “Let’s just forget about it okay, Louise?” Cliff offered, as he kissed her softly on the cheek.

  “What is it, darlin’? I’ve never seen her make you so darn mad? I swear, I’ll tell Pa. What did she say, Cliff?”

  “Shh, baby, please. She’s not worth it. I don’t want her to ruin the dance for you.”

  “Oh, pooh. Miss Lily won’t ruin my night. I don’t pay her no mind anymore. You’re the one who taught me that. How come she got to you so, tonight?”

  “Please, Louise, leave it alone,” Cliff repeated with an unfamiliar warning in his voice that made Louise’s spine stiffen.

  What had gotten into him?

  “Can I ask you something, Cliff?”

  “Sure.”

  “Do you think Lily’s pretty?”

  “No.”

  “Oh, come on. All the boys chase after her.”

  “I don’t. Now come on, let’s get back to the dance.”

  “I have to tell you something, Cliff.”

  “What, honey?” Cliff was worried. Her tone sounded so sad and he wondered what she’d been keeping from him.

  “Lily’s in love with you. She has been for years. Remember when she played that awful trick on me in school and told me that you loved her back?”