He climbed out of the car and headed toward the white frame house, shaking his head at the hound dog on the porch. Old Blue didn’t even bother standing up, much less barking. He just raised his head in acknowledgment and went back to sleep.
“Worthless thing.” Cliff reached down and scratched the dog’s head as he passed by.
“How was your trip?” Aunt Ida met him at the door. “Did you like Hazel’s friend? Is Hazel coming home for supper, or is she going out with Troy?”
Aunt Ida’s gray hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a faded flowered apron over her dress, a clear sign she’d already started on supper. Sometimes it seemed like her main goal in life—besides trying to get Cliff to talk about his life—was to make sure he and Uncle Fred ate as much as possible.
Cliff kissed her cheek. “Ruby’s a swell girl, and Hazel and Troy are going to see a movie tonight. She said she’d be home later.”
Aunt Ida gave him a stern look. “Well, why didn’t you invite Ruby to supper? She’s a long way from home, and Hazel says she doesn’t know anyone here.”
Cliff shook his head. “I’m sure she wants to fend for herself. She seems like the kind of girl who doesn’t like to be fussed over.”
“All girls like to be fussed over.” Aunt Ida smiled. “Mark my words.” She looked so much like his mom when she smiled.
He didn’t feel homesick very often anymore, but every now and then, Aunt Ida would cast a painfully familiar expression in his direction, and he’d long to be back in River Bend with his family. Deep down, he knew it wouldn’t be the same place he remembered. He sometimes wondered if that’s what kept him away.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Cliff chuckled. “Now I’d better go change and see if Uncle Fred needs any help out back.”
After he’d been discharged, Cliff’s aunt and uncle had offered to let him stay at their place for as long as he needed. Jacksonville’s housing market wasn’t equipped to deal with the thousands of workers who’d descended on the town when the AOP opened. Some of the guys even slept in tents near the plant because there weren’t enough houses or dorms. So Cliff had taken his relatives up on their offer, though he’d insisted on paying them as a boarder and helping out with chores.
Cliff helped Uncle Fred in the garden until Aunt Ida announced it was time for supper. After eating a delicious venison steak, he wandered into his bedroom and picked up the tattered copy of Murder on the Orient Express that he’d checked out of the AOP library last week. It was a good story so far, and he was anxious to see how Hercule Poirot would solve the mystery.
Cliff liked to spend his evenings with a book, but he kept losing his place tonight. Ruby’s pretty face kept popping into his mind. What was she doing? Had she settled in okay?
After he’d re-read the same paragraph three times, Cliff tossed the book on his nightstand. It was no use. How had this girl he’d only just met managed to weasel her way into his thoughts? He’d met plenty of pretty girls since he’d moved to Jacksonville nine months ago but had been resolved to keep to himself. The past year had been the most difficult of his life, and he enjoyed the quiet life of solitude his work as an electrician gave him. He worked at his own pace, and after his shift was over and his chores were done, he’d go rabbit hunting in the thicket behind the house or fishing at the nearby lake. No complications. No one prying into his life, save for Aunt Ida’s attempts.
Cliff had even distanced himself from his parents. He’d only been back to River Bend once in the past year. Aunt Ida kept him in the loop, reading snippets of Mom’s letters or trying to get him to write a note to slip in her own weekly letter. She kept his parents posted on how he was doing, despite his protests.
He knew his parents blamed him for what had happened to Charlie. Even though they said it wasn’t his fault, he knew better. He’d been there, in the foxhole next to his younger brother. He knew better than anyone who was to blame.
And just like his parents, he’d never be able to forgive himself.
Chapter Four
.................................
July 1, 1943
Dear Mama,
I can’t believe it’s already been three weeks since I started working here at the AOP. I got my first paycheck earlier in the week, and my roommate and I celebrated by taking the bus to Little Rock for some shopping. If Papa reads this (and I’m sure he’s reading over your shoulder) tell him I didn’t spend much, and I put the rest in the bank. It’s the most money I’ve ever seen on a check with my name on it, but I know money isn’t everything—my treasure is in heaven. Still, making my own money for the first time is neat, and I bought myself a beautiful green dress that I’m going to save for a special occasion. I’ll always look at it and remember that I bought it with my very first paycheck.
I had to say good-bye to Hazel yesterday. She and her new husband are off to Pine Bluff. I’ll miss her, but it’s nice to see her so happy. Her cousin, Cliff, works here as an electrician. He’s the one who gave me a ride from Searcy. She says he’s going to look out for me while I’m here, but I haven’t seen him since the day he helped carry my stuff to the dorm. Besides, I can take care of myself. I’ve made a couple of friends who seem nice. My roommate, Lola, is from Fayetteville. She’s really sweet. Best of all, we’re the same size, so it’s like having twice the clothes. I think you’d like her a lot. She reminds me a lot of my friend Betty Jo Simmons from Harding.
You asked in your last letter about my schedule. Well, I work six days a week—including Sundays. That took some getting used to. But my shift ends in time for me to make it to the evening church service. I walk to the church building, and the past two weeks, a couple from the congregation offered to drive me back to my dorm after services.
The job is going well. I’m fast and accurate as I measure the powder—no doubt from years of working with you in the kitchen, measuring flour and sugar. I’m hoping to get promoted soon to line inspector. The girl who has that position now is about to have a baby, so she’ll be leaving soon. You wouldn’t believe all the people I’ve met here. Some of them are so young. I have an idea a few may have lied about their age in order to get hired, but I don’t question them. I guess that’s none of my business. There are older ladies too. Some of them have kids at home, so they keep house and take care of their kids during the day and then come here to work the nightshift. I don’t know how they do it. They must never sleep.
But it’s work that must be done, despite the long hours or the loss of sleep. We know that what we’re doing is helping the boys overseas, and that’s the most important thing right now. Speaking of the boys overseas, have you heard from Raymond or Jack lately? I know Wade must be lonely there without them. (Don’t tell him, but I’m glad he wasn’t able to go.) If you send a letter to Raymond or Jack, do tell them my news. Maybe the detonators I’m working on will eventually make their way to wherever they are! And tell them their little sister loves them and prays for them every night. I keep my ear glued to the radio when I’m in the dorm, so I can know everything that’s going on.
I love you all very much and look forward to the next time we’re all together. I dream of those Christmases from long ago before the war when we were all around the table, laughing and talking. Sometimes those happy memories are the only way I can face the day—and I’m sure you feel the same.
Well, Mama, I must end this if I want to get it to the post office in time to go out today.
All my love,
Ruby Jean
* * * * *
Cliff wiped the sweat from his brow. July had come to Arkansas with a vengeance. He’d been working in the shop all morning, trying to repair a lamp for one of the administration offices.
“You headed to the cafeteria for lunch, or did you bring something?” Harold White asked. Harold had been one of the first guys Cliff met when he moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas, and he’d turned out to be a good friend as well as a dependable coworker.
Cliff looked up with a gr
in. “I’m probably going to the cafeteria in a minute. You?”
Harold lifted a lunchbox. “Nah. I brought a sandwich today.” He pulled a handkerchief out of the pocket of his overalls and wiped his forehead. “I told my sister I’d have lunch with her once her shift is over.”
“Your sister? I figured you’d be meeting up with your mystery girl today.” Cliff expected a reaction from Harold, but his friend kept his face neutral.
“She’s busy.” He grinned. “But we have someone we’d like to introduce you to. Maybe we can have a double date sometime soon and go to the movie. The theater in Little Rock is still showing Casablanca.”
Cliff groaned. “I appreciate your interest in my love life, but I think I’ll pass.”
“Come on. She’s a real peach. You’d like her.” Harold raised his eyebrows. “Or do you have a girl back home that I don’t know about?”
“There’s no one waiting on me at home.” That was an understatement. In some ways, it almost seemed like he didn’t even have a home any longer—at least one that bore a resemblance to the home he’d grown up in. Cliff stood up from the work bench, ready to get out of there.
“Well if you change your mind…let me know,” Harold said. “But I don’t know why you have to be such a fuddy-duddy all the time. A little fun might do you some good.”
Cliff shrugged and stepped out of the workshop and into the bright sunshine.
Fun.
He’d denied himself most things that could be considered fun. It made him feel better somehow. Eased his conscience a bit.
But maybe Harold was right. Come to think of it, Hazel had said the same thing before she’d left for Pine Bluff.
He held the cafeteria door open for a couple of girls. They both smiled and giggled as they brushed past. There was a time when he would’ve made it a point to flirt right back.
He glanced down the pathway, and that’s when he spotted her.
Ruby.
Cliff stood, watching for a long moment, unable to tear his eyes away.
She threw back her head and laughed at something the blond girl next to her said. It looked like she was fitting in just fine.
He waited at the door for her, eager to see how her first weeks had gone.
Ruby didn’t notice him standing there as she chatted with her friend. As she stepped through the open door, she bumped against him. “Excuse me,” she said.
“Well, I’ve been wondering if I’d ever run into you, but this isn’t quite what I expected.” He chuckled.
Her green eyes widened when she recognized Cliff. “Sorry about that.” She grinned.
“I’ll catch up with you later, Ruby.” The blond flashed them a knowing smirk and hurried into the cafeteria.
“It was too bad you couldn’t get off from work for Hazel’s wedding,” Ruby said. “I know she was disappointed you weren’t there.”
He nodded. “I saw them off, though, and helped load up Troy’s car for their move to Pine Bluff.”
“That’s nice.” Together they joined the crowded cafeteria line.
He cleared his throat. “So have you settled in okay? I’ve been meaning to stop by to check on you, but we’ve been a little shorthanded lately.” That much was true, but Cliff knew part of the reason he’d avoided her was because he’d had such a strong reaction to meeting her.
“Oh, that’s okay. I understand.” She smiled. “I’m doing well. Lola and I get along like we’ve known each other forever, and I really enjoy the work. You know, this is my first job that’s not connected to my family. And doing something to contribute to the war effort is really important to me.”
Cliff appreciated her attitude. “I’m glad things are going well. I hope you’re finding some time for fun, though.” As if he was one to talk.
She grinned. “Oh, I’ve gone a couple of times to the bowling alley. Some of the girls from my shift are starting a team, but I don’t think I’m quite that serious about it.” She giggled. “Honestly, most of my balls went in the gutter, so I think they were probably relieved when I told them I’d pass.” She stood on her tiptoes to see what was being served on the line. “Looks like it’s fish day.” She took a tray from the bin.
He followed suit. “Do you have big plans for the weekend? More bowling maybe?”
She laughed. “No. Just laundry.”
“I see.” He plunged ahead despite his sudden nervousness. “Well, you know Sunday is the Fourth of July. Would you like to get together and do something after work?” Even to his own ears it sounded as if he was asking her for a date. And he sure hadn’t planned to do that.
She widened her eyes. “Sunday?” She shook her head. “I work mornings, and I go to church in the evenings. I’m sorry.”
He didn’t quite know what to say. He hadn’t been too faithful in his church attendance lately. “How do you get there?” The nearest church must be at least a mile from the plant.
“Oh, I usually walk over. But Lola says she’s going to get a bicycle soon, so I’m hoping to borrow it.”
He shook his head. “How about I drive you on Sunday?”
Ruby furrowed her brow. “Thanks, but it’s okay. I don’t mind walking.”
“Why is it you’re always turning down rides from me?” Cliff grinned. “I promise I won’t sing this time.” He hoped he wasn’t coming on too strong, but now that he’d offered a ride, he suddenly wanted nothing more than for her to say yes.
A tiny smile played on the corner of her mouth. “I guess it would be nice to not have to walk in this heat.” She looked up at him and grinned. “The service starts at six. And I suppose if you’re driving me, you may as well stay for the service.”
He frowned, wondering if it were a test of some sort. “That sounds good to me.”
She widened her eyes. “Well then. I guess we have a plan.”
A commotion in the line ahead of them caught Cliff’s attention. “Would you look at that?”
“My mama always told me it wasn’t ladylike to raise my voice in public.” Ruby’s eyes were wide as she watched two women arguing loudly. “I guess their mamas didn’t share that same opinion.”
He shook his head. “I’ll be right back.” If there was one thing Cliff hated, it was seeing people fight. His parents used to call him their little peacemaker. Pushing the memory aside, he hurried toward the women. He glanced back at Ruby, who was standing on her tiptoes trying to see what was going on. She caught his eye and gave him an encouraging smile.
A church date hadn’t been what he’d had in mind, but now that it was scheduled, he had to admit he was looking forward to it.
Very much so.
Chapter Five
.................................
From where she was standing, Ruby couldn’t really see what was going on, but she could hear the commotion. Then the line shifted as everyone scooted out of the way, and she got a clear picture of the women yelling right in each other’s faces. Their coarse language reverberated through the room, shocking Ruby. She’d heard bad language from time to time, but never from two women. This was just the kind of thing Papa and Wade had been worried about. But Ruby would never be like those girls. Independent was one thing. Unladylike was another.
She was surprised to see Cliff walk right up to them and clutch both of them by their elbows, all the while talking in a low voice. She couldn’t hear his words, but it made her think of the way Papa would talk to a new colt so they could saddle it.
Ruby watched as Cliff skillfully calmed the angry girls down. In no time the situation was diffused and they went their separate ways, their argument forgotten—or at least put on hold.
“You’d better hang on to him, honey,” the girl behind her in line said. “He seems like he’d be awfully handy to have around.”
Ruby blushed. “Oh, he isn’t my boyfriend or anything. We’re just friends.”
The girl snorted. “Right. And my lips are naturally this shade of red.” She shook her head. “You may not see it y
et, but that boy is smitten with you.” She grinned. “Besides, he’s a real looker. If you don’t want him, why don’t you send him my way?”
Ruby glanced toward Cliff one more time. He’d stopped to talk to a table of men who had clearly gotten a kick out of seeing the women argue.
She’d been taken aback by his offer to drive her to church on Sunday, and she wasn’t sure if he’d really show up or not. She could tell he’d been surprised by her unwillingness to skip church to go on a date with him. He had been asking her for a date, hadn’t he? Maybe he was only trying to be nice to her because of Hazel.
Regardless of Cliff’s intention, Ruby knew her relationship with God had to be the most important thing. Any friend who couldn’t understand that wasn’t worth her time.
* * * * *
Ruby rushed to her room after her Sunday shift to change clothes. Her new green dress had been calling to her from the closet all week, and she just couldn’t resist. She slipped it on and looked at herself in the mirror. Its fitted waist and flared skirt showed off her figure, and its color played up her eyes. She smiled at herself in the mirror. Not bad for someone who’d been working all day. She ran a brush through her hair, pleased it still held some curl. Lola had shown her how to tie up her hair using old rags to make it wavy.
She dabbed on some lipstick and stepped back from the mirror.
The door opened and Lola rushed in. “Wow, look at you.” Lola grinned. “He must be something special.”
Ruby blushed. “You know it isn’t like that.” She sat down on her bed and smoothed her skirt, enjoying the feel of the rayon beneath her fingers. She hadn’t had a store-bought dress in such a long time. It felt like a real treat to wear something she hadn’t sewn herself.
“Well, why not?” Lola asked.
Ruby sighed. “Remember when you asked me if I had a fellow back home?”
Lola nodded. “Sure. You said no.”
“Well, I did have one. We met during our freshman year of college. His name was Joseph.” His face came into Ruby’s mind when she said his name.
Love Finds You at Home for Christmas Page 3