“Oh no, sir.” Evelyn shook her head. “I prefer to stay busy. Helps to keep my mind off it.”
“Well then . . .” The manager began to back out of the office. “I’ll just let you two ladies get back to work.”
As soon as the door closed behind him, Fran turned to Evelyn. “I’m so sorry . . .” Her words dwindled off, not knowing what else to say.
“For what, dear?”
“You know, about today being Jimmy’s birthday.”
“It’s not.”
“It’s not what?”
“Jimmy’s birthday.” Evelyn gave her a conspiratorial grin. “No one dares reprimand a grieving mother and Jimmy would appreciate my getting one over on the old goat.”
Fran thanked her coworker and left it at that. It was probably best she keep her personal life separate from her job. Maybe it was time to talk with her mom about Jack when she got home.
~ ~ ~
After work, Fran washed the supper dishes for her mother, then went outside to sit with her on the back porch. Taking a seat in the empty rocker next to her mom’s, she began to rock. The cool spring night refreshed her tired body, invigorating her soul. Did her mother feel the same? Fran opened her mouth to speak then snapped it shut at her mother’s words.
“Do you want to tell me about Jack?”
Fran stiffened. Her mother knew. She started to shake her head then realized this was the opportunity she’d been waiting for. “You know?”
“I wasn’t born yesterday. I’ve always been a light sleeper since your father passed away. I assumed you would tell me about Jack when you were ready.”
Relieved that her mother already knew, Fran proceeded to share the details about Jack and their complications with Amy and Red.
“I gather it’s serious.”
“He wrote and asked me to meet him in the city next Saturday. He’s received a forty-eight-hour liberty pass and doesn’t want to spend sixteen hours of it riding the train to and from Albion. He’d rather have the extra time to spend with me. He’s going to be shipping out soon.”
Her mother said nothing for a moment, just continued to rock. “Where will you stay?”
Fran met her mother’s unwavering gaze. “With the wife of a buddy of his, if I agree to go, that is.”
“Is there any doubt?” her mother continued. “You know your Aunt Mattie hasn’t been well. I’m sure if anyone asked, you paying her a visit over the weekend to reassure me she’s doing better wouldn’t be out of the question, seeing as I have to work.”
“Oh, Mom . . .” Fran flew out of her chair, knelt in front of her mother and hugged her around the waist. She laid her head in her lap. “You do understand.”
“Of course, dear. You didn’t think I would? I had little enough time with your father, but the love we shared sustains me to this day. Love is like that you know. It continues to give one succor long after the physical presence is gone. It lives on in the heart, giving strength to draw from in times of need.”
“Do you still miss Daddy?”
“Every day. But I don’t regret one moment we had together. Now why don’t you go and compose that letter you’re dying to write. I can stop at the post office on my way to work in the morning.”
Fran gave her mother one last squeeze before hopping to her feet. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too.”
The remainder of the week and the next dragged by for Fran. Amy seemed surprised by Fran’s sudden trip but took it in stride as Red was coming home. She’d been disappointed to learn that Jack wouldn’t be with him. Fran had nothing to add.
Wearing her Sunday best, she boarded the train for the long ride to the city. Her knotted stomach lurched all the way there. Her mother made her a sandwich to take with her, but her nerves wouldn’t let her eat. Strangers made her uncomfortable—always had. That’s why she couldn’t imagine leaving Albion even though she longed to see different places. The fear of the unknown, of meeting new people, almost overwhelmed her.
Fortunately, no one sat in the seat next to her until they reached Rochester. Once there, she changed trains. When she boarded the train for New York City, there were no seats left. Men stood in the aisles. A blond-headed sailor gave her his seat. She thanked him for his consideration, but by the time she arrived at her destination she’d have gladly given it back to him. She truly loved babies, she did. But after listening to the one next to her cry and scream for the last two hours, she vowed she’d never have one of her own. The only saving grace was she could barely hear her own fearful thoughts which were going a mile a minute. Had she made the right decision? Would she feel foolish and out of place in the city—embarrass herself or Jack? He was so much more worldly and sophisticated then she was. What if Jack expected to sleep with her? Was she ready for such a big step? Did she want to? Around and around the thoughts went making her feel sick with anxiety.
The train slowed and the whistle blew, announcing their arrival at Grand Central Station. Fran’s heart picked up speed with nervous excitement as the train neared the platform. The conductor announced all passengers must depart the train at this stop.
Wiping her palms down the sides of her skirt, she reached above her for her traveling case and moved with the crowd toward the exit. She stepped from the train and shielded her eyes to search for Jack. A number of men in uniform loitered about, and each time she spied a sailor, her heart sped up until she realized it wasn’t Jack. Moving through the station house, she began to panic. What if Jack changed his mind? What if something happened and he couldn’t come?
She gripped her suitcase handle harder. Calm down, she directed her racing heart. Panicked by the noise and the crowds, she began to wish she’d stayed home. What had she been thinking? She had no idea where Jack’s friend lived or even if she had enough money for a ticket home. She began to feel nauseous and light-headed. Just when she thought she’d faint, she heard her name.
“Fran.”
She turned toward the sound.
“Frannie girl, over here.”
Jack. He’s come after all. She turned again and there he was striding toward her, dispersing the crowd like Moses parting the Red Sea.
His arms opened wide.
She flew into them, suitcase banging against her side.
“Jack. You’re here.”
He grabbed her bag, encircled her with his arms, and lifted her off her toes as he kissed her in plain sight of everyone milling around.
She should have protested but didn’t. Instead, she hung on for dear life.
Finally, Jack set her down, but kept an arm around her waist. “You ready? Wait till you see what I’ve got planned.”
Chapter 15
Fran found the bustle of New York City intimidating with its blaring horns and flashing neon signs that glittered in the night. The vast number of people moving about surprised her. Heck, the little ole town of Albion rolled up its sidewalks by eight P.M.
Jack hailed a cab and ushered Fran into it. “The Plaza,” he said to the driver as he slid into the backseat next to Fran.
“Where are we going?
“Afraid I’m going to whisk you away to some place unknown?”
Fran searched his eyes and said solemnly, “I’m never afraid when I’m with you.”
Jack studied her for a moment then nodded as if he understood her deep-seated anxiety of new places and new people. He slid his arm around her shoulders and held her close. “You never have to be, my dear girl. I’ll always keep you safe. You are my heart.”
She leaned her head into the crook of his shoulder as an overwhelming sense of peace engulfed her. Her hand slid up over his chest and encircled his neck. She thought she could live for eternity in Jack’s arms. The taxi slowed and she raised her head from his shoulder.
He tilted her chin with his finger and gazed into her eyes. His were warm and sparkling. “Ah, Frannie Girl, has anyone ever told you, you’re entirely too solemn?”
“Amy takes perverse delight in saying so every chance she gets.”
“Well, I’m just the cure for your affliction,” he teased her.
“You are?”
He grinned. “I mostly definitely am. Now, put a chipper smile on that beautiful face of yours because I plan to show you the town and dance your pretty little feet off this weekend.”
The cabbie stopped in front of an impressive white brick building with turreted corners and a marble base. “The Plaza,” the man called.
“Where are we?”
The driver opened her door while Jack got out the other side and retrieved their baggage from the trunk of the vehicle. He turned and paid the man before responding to her question.
“I wanted a place where we could have some privacy while you were here.”
“A hotel?” Fran’s stomach fluttered. Had she given him the wrong impression? A single girl going to spend the weekend with her boyfriend . . .? Even she must admit it appeared shoddy. Had she make a serious mistake in coming? “I thought I was staying with your buddy’s wife.” She crossed her arms in a protective gesture.
Jack’s eyes locked with hers before his mouth quirked up on one side. “You’ve got that scared expression on your face again.”
“I’m fine,” she said with a tight-lip. “I just don’t understand.”
Jack grasped her arm and led her to the side of the building, out of the flow of the pedestrians passing by.
“Well, am I or aren’t I staying at your friend’s apartment?”
Jack ran his hand through his hair. “If that’s what you want, yes. But first let me explain. I know you’re not comfortable around strangers, so I thought you might prefer staying in a hotel. My friend’s apartment is basically a studio with one tiny, curtained-off bedroom. I wanted us to be able to have privacy if we wanted it.”
She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m not that type of girl.”
“What type?”
“You know, that type. A share crop.”
The right side of Jack’s mouth edged up as if he were fighting a grin.
“Don’t you smirk at me, Jack McOmber.” She stared mulishly at him and reached for her luggage. “I’ll just take my bag and head right on back to the station. I never should have come.”
“Whoa now, Frannie Girl.” Jack swung her suitcase behind him out of her reach.
“Don’t you Frannie Girl me.” She glowered at him. “You lured me up here with one thing in mind.”
“Aw come on now, Fran. Don’t be that way. You know that’s not true. Honest. I just wanted us to have a place where we could be alone to sit and talk. I didn’t have any expectations about this weekend except for us to spend some time together and have a chance to get to know each other better. I don’t even have to stay at the hotel. I can go back to my ship. I have to muster in the morning anyway. Why don’t you come in and at least check out the room before you say no? I rented a suite.”
Curiosity got the better of Fran and she followed Jack inside the ornate building. She had never spent the night in a hotel, let alone one this swanky. The shiny marble floors reflected the light from the large chandelier hanging in the foyer. Maybe, she thought, she could take a quick peek at the room. What was the harm in that?
“All right, but it must be terribly expensive. Have you already checked in?”
“I did right after I got off from work, and never you mind about the cost. Since work’s kept me tied to the base, I’ve barely have time to spend what Uncle Sam is currently paying me let alone what I’ve managed to save.” He caught her up in his arms, hugged her, then took her hand and led her up to the room.
“You were awfully sure of yourself, checking in before my arrival?”
“No, just hopeful.” He gave her a sheepish grin.
The suite gleamed with gold embellishments and sparkling mirrors. A large vase of fresh-cut flowers sat on the table next to a satin-covered sofa. A striped green and gold matching upholstered arm chair sat adjacent to it.
“Oh my . . .” Her breath caught. “It’s lovely.”
“See. I can bunk here on the sofa, and you . . .” He whipped open the door to the bedroom. “Can sleep like the princess you are.”
“The bed’s huge. My goodness I’ve never seen one that big.” Dazed, she entered the room and pressed down on it. “Feel how soft it is.” She wandered around the room and pushed back a velvet drape to see out into the street. “Does it ever get quiet?”
“Let’s say it gets less noisy. It’s the weekend. It’s better during the week.”
“Is the bathroom down the hall?”
“Not in this hotel. Only the best for my gal. Here.” He whipped open a door.
Fran knew she should close her mouth, but she never imagined there were such bathrooms. The sink and tub fixtures gleamed gold. The glossy marble counters and floor tiles sparkled. She couldn’t wait to fill the tub and soak in it. Work and the night’s travel left her feeling grimy.
“Well . . .” Jack said cautiously. “What do you think?”
Fran turned to face him.
As if reading her uncertainty, Jack moved to the bedroom door. “See there’s a lock. You can lock yourself in right and tight.”
She glanced from him to the door handle, pursed her lips, and then nodded her ascent.
“Is that a yes?”
She grinned. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
His face lit up. He grabbed her and kissed her—really kissed her.
“I’m dying to take a bubble bath,” she said, when he released her.
“Can I join you?”
She rolled her eyes at him.
“No, huh? Well, can I just sit and watch while we talk?”
She swatted him. “We’ll have plenty of time to do that after I bathe and change. Go now.” She smacked him again.
“Okay, enjoy your soak. When you’re done, if you want, we can go downstairs to eat or go out. In the meantime, I’ll make up a bunk in the sitting area. Muster’s at seven sharp, but I’ll have to leave by five-thirty A.M. After I muster, we’ll have the whole weekend to ourselves. Now give me another kiss before you lock yourself away.”
Fran slid into his arms. Man oh man. Jack had perfected kissing to an art form. She couldn’t help but wonder what else he did well. Feeling guilty at the thought, she pulled her mind back from the gutter. She mustn’t even think about going there, not the way she’d been raised. Maybe it was fine if you grew up in the city, but it was not okay in her neighborhood unless you wanted to be considered fast. She’d been raised to save herself for marriage. Shakily, she pushed Jack away. “I best go turn off the water before we have a mess on our hands.” She spun on her heel toward the bathroom.
Chapter 16
Dressed warmly for the early spring evening, Fran strolled hand-in-hand with Jack down Fifth Avenue. Even though it was quite late, there were many places open for business. They grabbed a couple of hot dogs and a bag of warm cashews from a vender and ate them as they meandered down the street.
“I think we still have time to catch the Empire State Building before it closes if we hurry. You will love the view of the city from the top.”
They were the last ones in the door before closing, and Jack had to use all his considerable charm to convince the attendant to allow them to ride the elevator to the top.
Once they stepped outside onto the landing the wind cut through Fran’s wool coat leaving her to snuggle close to Jack who didn’t seem to mind in the least. He opened his jacket, pulled her between his arms, and wrapped the sides of it around them both. They stood in the silence of the moment, star
ing out into the ocean of twinkling lights feeling minuscule in the sea of humanity.
“It’s breathtaking.” Fran sighed.
“Mm.” Jack rubbed his lips across her hair. “Yes, it is.”
Fran giggled. “I mean the view.”
“I agree.” Jack’s eyes focused downward on her.
She nudged him with her elbow. “You are not seriously appreciating this amazing sight.”
“Oh, Frannie Girl . . .” He squeezed her tight. “Trust me I am. Every single inch of it.”
Fran gave up trying to convince him to acknowledge the wondrous view of the city. He’d obviously seen it before. She only wished she’d had the opportunity to see it fully lit and not dimmed due to the war. She turned into him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and hung on as if her life depended upon it. This is where she wanted to be most in the world. Right here. Right now. In Jack’s arms.
They stood in the silence of the din of New York, the only two left on top of the world, hanging on for dear life to that which they knew to be precious. It wasn’t long before an attendant in a red uniform came out and shooed them back down the elevator so the building could close for the night.
“What now?” Fran asked.
“I’ve got an idea.” Jack grabbed her hand and led her down the street to a subway entrance.
“Where are we going?” Fran wasn’t too sure how she felt about going underground. She never liked closed-in spaces all that well.
“For your first subway ride.” Jack led her through the lit hallways deeper into the belly of the city. “Hurry, that’s our train now.”
When they exited the subway, they popped out on Fifty-Ninth Street and Jack led them to Central Park where a line of horse and buggies stood waiting to ferry customers around the park on romantic midnight rides.
Jack didn’t flinch at the exorbitant fee the carriage driver quoted. He just reached into his pocket and handed over the cash.
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