Suitor by Design

by Christine Johnson

  Vince grunted, but Peter couldn’t tell if he believed the explanation.

  He tried again. “Sure do appreciate the extra work you’re givin’ me.”

  “Sure thing, kid.” Vince measured him up.

  “It’s helpin’ out a lot.”

  Vince tapped ash onto the ground. “Glad to see you’ve come to your senses.”

  Peter ignored the jab and pushed forward with the plan. “I’m hopin’ to get together enough to ask Minnie to marry me.” Saying it aloud made him blush.

  “You don’t say.” That broke the ice. Vince even laughed. “No wonder you look so nervous. Ya had me worried.”

  Peter forced a laugh. It sounded hollow. “Yeah. I don’t know what she’ll say, but I don’t have a chance if I can’t get together enough to at least rent an apartment.”

  Vince grinned. “Good to see you got your priorities straight. She’s a right fine gal.”

  Peter shoved aside the memory of Vince flirting with her. “These jobs are helping, but I sure could use a little extra. I’m hopin’ you got more for me.”

  “If the work on the Lincoln’s anything like the Pierce-Arrow, there’ll be more.”

  “Good.” Peter pushed out a sigh of relief even though he wasn’t at all relieved. He still hadn’t asked the big question. He tried again. “That’ll help, but like I said, business is slow. I was wondering if...well...do you think you’d have anything else I could do? Like maybe I could bring the finished car to you and pick up the next one? I’m a good driver. Nothing would happen to the car, I promise, and then you wouldn’t have to drive here all the time. I mean, if I was busy like you, I’d hate to take away time just to drive cars around.” That sounded idiotic. He hoped Vince didn’t notice his nerves.

  Vince didn’t say anything for a while. He drew in on his cigarette and blew smoke into the cold air. His other hand tapped on the roof of the Maxwell, the fat gold ring sounding like a telegraph signal against the metal support.

  Long minutes passed.

  Peter shivered. “Dumb idea. I’ll show you the car.” He pulled open the heavy work-bay door, and they stepped inside.

  The Lincoln waited in the dim interior, its paint polished to a gleam. Peter never sent a car back to its owner looking less than perfect.

  Vince nodded in appreciation. “Not that dumb an idea.” He stubbed out the cigarette in the bucket of sand before approaching the car. “If the inside is anything like the outside, the owner will be pleased.”

  It didn’t take long for Vince to approve the new luggage compartment. He ran his hands along the padding and tugged on the wood frame. He checked the hidden compartment. After a few more taps, he signaled Peter to help him move the seat back into place. Then he stood.

  “It’s better than the last one.” Vince closed the rear door. “First-rate.”

  “Then there’ll be more work?”

  “Sure thing, kid. I got a few guys interested in this kinda customization.”

  “Good.” Peter grinned. He hoped he looked pleased.

  Vince bought it. “That delivery idea of yours might work out, too. See, I got this other project in mind. A truck that needs some engine work. Sound like somethin’ you can do?”

  “I work on truck motors all the time. What kind of work are you talking about?”

  “Need to install a new engine. The old one gave out. It was never powerful enough, and we got a twin-six that’ll give it more pep.”

  Peter removed his cap and scrubbed his brow. “I could give it a shot. We’ve replaced a couple engines here.” He didn’t mention that Hendrick had done the work.

  “Terrific! Now, the guy who owns the Maxwell—” Vince poked a thumb out toward the car he drove up “—wants it right away. Same kind of compartment. Can you get it done in a week?”

  “A week?” Peter choked.

  “Say by next Friday. He wants to use it for a little weekend tour.”

  Peter couldn’t very well refuse. Agent Fallston’s whole plan depended on him getting this driving job. Now that it was in place, he had to move forward, no matter how difficult. He’d just have to put in extra hours.

  “All right.” He could construct the compartment, but he wasn’t sure how to handle the padding. He didn’t want Minnie involved anymore. Maybe she’d sell him the material and tell him how to fit it properly. “I’ll do it.”

  “Good. Got a piece of paper and a pencil?”

  “For what?”

  “I’m gonna tell ya how to get to the drop-off spot. Why don’t we make it Friday night at ten o’clock? That’ll give you time to close up like normal and still get there.”

  Peter didn’t like this plan. Instead of daylight, he’d have to deliver the car in the dark. “The owner will be awake?”

  Vince laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of business, and then I’ll take you to the truck. Put you up for the night.”

  On the surface it all sounded reasonable, but the hairs rose on the back of Peter’s neck. If this wasn’t completely legitimate, he was stepping into some pretty dangerous stuff. When Vince laid out the directions and Peter realized that he’d have to cross the state line into Indiana, the one lawman he trusted, Sheriff Ilsley, fell out of the picture. Jurisdiction belonged to federal authorities or policemen he didn’t know. That didn’t make him feel any too safe.

  * * *

  After that embarrassing breakdown in front of Peter, Minnie avoided the motor garage. She didn’t even look his way at church on Sunday.

  “What’s wrong?” Jen asked as they hurried home after the service. “Peter was trying to catch your attention, but you walked right past without saying a word.”

  Minnie wasn’t about to tell Jen that she’d made a fool of herself in front of Peter. Moreover, she’d treated him abominably.

  His words still rang in her ears. He cared for her. He wouldn’t ever stop caring for her. No one had ever said such things to her before. The very thought sent her insides tumbling like a stone down a cliff. Maybe he was just saying that because she was upset. Maybe he thought better of it later. She ought to concentrate on helping out the family instead of these crazy feelings for Peter Simmons.

  “Hello,” Jen said, punching her in the upper arm.

  “Ouch! Why’d you do that?”

  “Because I asked you the same question five times and you didn’t answer.”

  “Oh. I was deep in thought.” Minnie shrugged, hoping her sister would let it go.

  “Mired in thought is more like it.”

  “So? Ask the question again.”

  Jen gave her a look of disgust. “I asked if Peter had more work for you.”

  “I don’t know.” That was the truth. She hadn’t asked and hadn’t stopped by to check. After what she’d said to him, how could she? “Besides, he said he could do it all himself.”

  “Even the upholstery?”

  “That’s what he said.”

  “Hmm. Maybe Mariah volunteered to do it.”

  Minnie hadn’t thought of that. “She sews?”

  “I don’t know. Don’t most women?”

  “You don’t,” Minnie pointed out.

  “I’m not like most women.” Jen carried that like a badge of honor. “Maybe that’s why Peter wanted to talk to you today. Maybe he needs your help.”

  Minnie’s pulse quickened. Work beside Peter again? She wanted to, but... “I don’t know if I’ll have the time.”

  “Ruth is arriving today. She’ll take over the dress shop. That should give you plenty of spare time.”

  “I’ll be busy cleaning houses.”

  “That’s only part-time,” Jen pointed out. “And the rehearsals are in the evening. You’ll still have plenty of time to work on upholstery.”

  Minnie hadn’t y
et told the family that she’d refused the role in the musical revue. Part of her hoped Ruth’s arrival would indeed give her back the evenings, but deep down she knew that wouldn’t be enough. She couldn’t do everything. “Daddy needs me.”

  “Daddy?” Jen slowed her pace. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that work comes before pleasure.”

  Jen nodded thoughtfully. “Then why don’t we stop by the garage on the way to the train station to see if Peter has another car for you to work on?”

  “It’s Sunday,” Minnie pointed out. “The garage is closed.”

  Jen linked her arm through Minnie’s. “Then why is Peter heading that way?” She nodded toward the other side of the street. About a block ahead, Peter strode away from them and toward the garage.

  Minnie felt her stomach flip-flop again. “Maybe he’s dining out.”

  “Instead of eating Sunday dinner with the family?” Jen laughed. “Besides, Lily’s is closed on Sundays.”

  “He might be expecting a shipment on the train.”

  “Good.” Jen grinned triumphantly. “Then we’ll be able to talk to him at the station.” She tugged Minnie forward. “Come along. You have a date with destiny.”

  “I have no such thing. I’m going to meet Ruthie. That’s all.”

  “Sure you are.”

  “Stop it, Jen.” Minnie playfully punched her sister’s shoulder, but she still watched Peter Simmons with a flutter of eager anticipation. If he’d tried to catch her attention at church, maybe he wasn’t sore at her after all.

  * * *

  When Peter paused to look in the mercantile window, he happened to see Minnie and her sister headed his way. After the way Minnie had ignored him at church, he was surprised to see Jen waving at him. Even a block away, he could see the blush in Minnie’s cheeks.

  Naturally he waited for them.

  “We’re on our way to the depot,” Jen said when they drew near. “Ruthie’s supposed to arrive either today or tomorrow morning.”

  Minnie cast her gaze downward but peeked up at him once or twice. Each time her cheeks got pinker.

  Peter tried to concentrate on the conversation, but he kept noticing Minnie’s perfume and the pretty stitching on the collar of her dress.

  “We’ll help with her bags,” Jen continued.

  That caught his attention. “Won’t her husband do that?”

  “Sam’s staying in New York. Apparently he’s close to making a deal on Ruthie’s designs.”

  Peter offered to help with the luggage. Jen refused, but he didn’t hear anything else because Minnie chose that moment to smile at him. The shy glance and anxious nibbling at her lip meant she was worried. Maybe that was why she’d snubbed him, not from anger but from fear. The realization rolled through him with tremendous strength.

  “I hope you can help me with another car,” he blurted out in the midst of Jen saying something.

  The older sister stopped talking and backed away.

  Minnie looked at him tentatively. “You still want my help after what I said?”

  Oops! He hadn’t said that right. He’d only meant to ask her how to pad the boards, but she clearly expected to do more.

  He forced a smile. “Of course.”

  “I said awful things.”

  “Forgotten.” Not entirely, but holding her close had wiped most of them away.

  She blinked rapidly. “I’m sorry.”

  His throat swelled. “It’s all right.” He wanted to hold her hand but didn’t dare, not with her sister standing right there. “I’ll stop by the dress shop tomorrow and show you what needs to be done.” At least he could keep her away from the garage.

  “I won’t be there. I’m going back to housecleaning.”

  “Oh.” He couldn’t seem to keep her out of this. “Stop by the garage, then, when you’re done.”

  She flashed him a dazzling smile, and he plumb forgot to tell her they had a tight deadline. Considering the bounce in her step as she hurried toward the train depot, she must be pleased to work with him again.

  Peter plucked a yellow daffodil and hurried after her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Something had changed in Peter. Minnie first noticed it on Monday at noon, when she stopped at the garage. The door was propped open to let in the balmy spring air. Peter sat at the desk in the office reading what looked like a telegram. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice her enter.

  After waiting a moment, she cleared her throat.

  He looked up, and his frown deepened. He stood and shoved the piece of paper into his overalls pocket. “Oh. You’re here for the first board.”

  Without even saying hello, he walked out of the office and into the work area. Puzzled, Minnie followed. Something on that piece of paper must have bothered him. Maybe he’d gotten bad news from New York.

  The work area was full. Mr. Evans’s car occupied the spot inside the work-bay doors, and Peter had squeezed an unfamiliar sedan into the area next to it.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “Nope.” He skirted around the first car. “Wait there. I’ll get the board for you.”

  She paused at the front of Mr. Evans’s car and looked over the dusty sedan. It must be the one Vince had dropped off. “This car’s not as pretty as the last one Mr. Galbini had us work on.”

  “Pretty?”

  “You know. Shiny and all. It doesn’t even look new.”

  “Probably not.” Peter headed for the wood-shop worktable in the back.

  Minnie edged closer to the sedan. “It’s not a Pierce-Arrow, is it?” Maybe she could sound knowledgeable enough to impress him.

  “Nope. It’s a Maxwell.”

  “Maxwell. I never heard of it, but I don’t like it as well.”

  “It doesn’t cost as much as a Pierce-Arrow.” Peter picked up a board off the worktable. “A regular guy might be able to afford a Maxwell if he works hard enough.”

  The way he’d snapped that out, she must have offended him. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I could never afford either one. We don’t even have a Model T.”

  “Yeah. I know.” He sighed. “Sorry. I got a lot on my mind these days.”

  “Like what?” Minnie surveyed the uncharacteristically messy work area. Sawdust and scraps of wood littered the table and floor. He’d already cut three of the boards. One was ready for her. The other two lay on sawhorses and reeked of fresh varnish. “You’ve got a lot done already.”

  “Yeah, we’ve got a tight deadline. The owner wants the car Friday night.”

  “This Friday?” she gasped. “That’s impossible.”

  “If you can’t get the padding done, we’ll have to do without.”

  “No, I’ll do it.” She wasn’t about to give up this job, not after throwing away her dream of the stage. “But why Friday? Mr. Galbini always shows up on Saturdays.”

  “Not this time.”

  Minnie had missed seeing Peter’s friend when he dropped off this car. The way Peter was moping around, she had to remind Mr. Galbini how much they needed the work. “When do you expect him?”

  Peter frowned. “He’s not coming here. I’m delivering the car.”

  “You?”

  “I can drive,” he snapped.

  She cringed. “I know you can drive, but why do you have to deliver the car? Doesn’t your friend usually drop off the next car when he picks one up?” She sucked in her breath as a thought occurred to her. “Is this the last job he’s giving us?”

  “Let’s get this one done before we worry about the next. I’ll carry the board to the dress shop for you.”

  “Actually, Ruthie wants me to do the work here.”

  “What?” He drew up short. “But your father ins
isted you work in the dress shop or with a chaperone. Is Jen going to come here with you?”

  “No. Ruthie says she doesn’t have to.” Her sister’s pronouncement had come as a surprise to Minnie, too. Ruth had always been so strict, but she’d come back from New York both radiant over the coming baby and filled with shocking new ideas. “She said as long as you keep the doors wide-open and you put a table out front for me to work on, it’ll be all right.” Peter did not look convinced, so Minnie explained further. “She needs all the work space in the dress shop for customer orders and some new designs she’s working on.”

  He set the board on the worktable. “It’s quite a change.”

  “It surprised me, too, and that’s not the only change. Apparently Sam ordered a telephone for the dress shop. He says it’s so he can keep in touch with suppliers and so Ruthie can reach him until he gets back from New York, but we’ll also be able to contact Mother and maybe even talk to Daddy.”

  “That’ll ease your mind.”

  She sighed. “I hope it’s installed soon. I’d like to hear Daddy’s voice.”

  “No word from your ma yet?”

  Minnie shook her head.

  “Maybe that’s good news. Maybe he’s getting better.”

  “I hope so.” But she didn’t want to talk about her father’s illness when she was still irritated about Peter delivering the car. He’d managed to avoid answering her question about more work. She had to emphasize how much she needed this work. “I’m just glad you asked me to do the upholstery. The extra money is going to help a lot with the medical bills.”

  He bowed his head, but not before she caught the distressed look on his face.

  Her heart sank. He must think this customization business was over, but it couldn’t be. She’d given up so much for this. Daddy needed it. The whole family needed it. “You have to tell Mr. Galbini that we can get the work done a lot faster. Now that Ruthie’s back, I can easily finish one job a week.”

  “I can tell him, but he’s the customer.” Peter not only looked downright miserable, but he also wouldn’t look her in the eye. He glanced at the car, the boards, pretty much anything but her. “This job might be the last.”