The man behind the wheel though wasn’t the blue eyes that were filling her mind.
“You want a ride the rest of the way?” Galen’s Uncle Will smiled across the passenger seat.
“No thanks, Will.” Cassie answered through the open window. “It’s not that much farther.”
She pushed off the car and put her arm around Maddy’s waist pulling her along.
“And that’s why we normally make it home earlier.” Cassie smiled.
“You mean you are trying to stay away from Will, not keep me from Galen?”
“Oh, baby. Is that what you thought? Will just likes to talk to me and I would rather get home. I like you being around Galen. I don’t worry about him.”
Maddy almost laughed with the relief that Galen wasn’t the problem, but she didn’t want to give away that relief, even to Cassie.
The day of the dance Mama told her to leave early. She ran all the way to the dress shop.
“You’re here early, Madelyn.” Mrs. Vickers said from behind the counter. Her hair was up in a bun, her glasses around her neck, and stray strings hung from her argyle sweater.
“Mama told me to go get ready.” She wiped the sweat from her palms on her jeans.
“You have the rest of the money for the dress?” The lady smiled.
She fished in her pocket, pulling out the change. Mrs. Vickers was sitting her dress on the counter as Maddy put back fifteen extra cents Mama had given her for the ice cream shop. Maddy grabbed the hanger and started for the door, wanting every minute to get ready.
“Don’t forget your shoes.”
She backtracked for the shoes and her manners. “Thank you, Mrs. Vickers.”
The woman waved as Maddy pushed out the door only to bump straight into Rita James. She and Mama cleaned the James home every Tuesday. Rita’s room was always a disaster with clothes, and makeup strung everywhere. More discarded items than Maddy owned, or ever thought about owning.
“Why don’t you watch where you are going?” Rita spat. The girl stood a few inches over Maddy, little more than a year’s worth of growth, plus a slight heel. Her light brown hair curled in ringlets.
“Didn’t see you sorry.” Maddy tried to keep the venom from her voice as she turned to go. Not that she hated the girl, Maddy didn’t hate anyone. Rita just brought out the worst in her.
Rita laughed. “That’s what you’re wearing to the dance? I got my dress from Paris.”
Maddy smiled remembering what Mrs. Vickers had told her. “I’m sure you’ll look very nice, Rita.”
Not waiting for a response, she ran as much as she could on the way home.
“What’re you doing home?” Bellowed from Pa when she walked through the door.
“Mama told me to head home. I need to clean up for the dance.” She edged back to the door. She could run and get ready at Aunt Vicky’s. For that matter she could go all the way back to the Langley home and save Galen the drive out to her.
“The dance isn’t for two hours.” Pa eyed her, but didn’t move to make her feel smaller.
“Yes, sir. I need a bath from cleaning all day and I have to set my own hair.” She tried to reason, keeping her voice calm.
His brows furrowed, “Get to it.”
She took a deep breath and breezed past him. Since agreeing she could go to the dance, Pa had been acting odd. Odd to the point that he had yet to send her running off for the woods. Also he didn’t have his usual alcohol smell. Everything around her seemed to be changing.
Her dress went on the back of the door in her parent’s room and she set water on the stove for a good bath. While the third bucket heated, she washed her hair in what she had. If she waited longer, it would never dry enough to set. The third bucket filled the tub to about half, but it would have to do.
While most homes had running water, they went without. It was far too expensive to change the house for that convenience. Each time she poured water into their tub she thought of someday having running hot water. Showers instead of baths. A new laundry machine like many of the homes they cleaned had.
Her skin was pink by the time she was done scrubbing and she’d nicked her knee when she shaved her legs. First time and only one cut, Mama would be proud. When she was dry, she stepped out of the bathroom, keeping her bare bottom, where the towel didn’t cover, to the wall. There was no need to embarrass her or Pa.
She went to plug in the hot rollers to find them already hot. All she could do was shake her head, it had been years since Pa’d thought about doing anything for her. Today she was probably more grateful than if he did something everyday.
The rollers had been yet another gift from Mrs. Langley. She’d give Mama something with the excuse of “It’d go to the church anyway.” Since the church gave Mama household items, she was just cutting out the middleman. They got an iron that way, and she’d even offered one of the guest beds to them a few weeks ago. If Mrs. Langley could get rid of the old bed, Mr. Langley had no choice but to let her put a larger one in there.
Maddy laughed at that logic while she slipped into her new undergarments. Mama had shown her how to clasp the corset by herself and then turn it around. With the war effort they couldn’t get her stockings so she painted eyeliner up her leg to make it look like they were there. Too bad there was nothing she would be able to do about the cool weather.
The knock on the door caused one burn from the hot rollers, though it wasn’t too bad.
“I’m in here,” she said sucking on the red mark on her thumb.
“You need help?” Pa wasn’t happy to ask.
“I think I’ve got it.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
He mumbled, “Your Mama wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t ask.”
She heard him limping through to the front room making a mental note to make sure and tell Mama he asked. Now for the hard part, she opened the makeup case wishing Mama was here. By the time she was done, she had less than thirty minutes left, and the towel she had from her bath had multiple colors smeared on it. The curlers still in her hair were starting to make her wonder if she’d be ready on time. Not being ready when Galen knocked wouldn’t do.
Now she just had to get past Pa with the way she looked. The protective bag slid off her dress, revealing the pale pink sparkles in the fabric. The skirt and the cuffs where trimmed in a small white faux fur that felt good against her skin. The long sleeves would keep her warm though she wasn’t sure what Pa would think of how it fit to her form or the fact it stopped just short of her knees.
Mama had okayed it, so she hoped that was good enough for him. She tried three times to zip it before she figured out she couldn’t do that alone. She slipped on the shoes and walked out of the comfort of the bedroom.
“Cassie said okay to that dress?” He was sitting in the chair listening to football on the radio.
“Yes, sir.”
He took a deep breath. “She knows more about these things than me. Glad to see you don’t have skin everywhere.”
“No sir. I do have a problem with it though.” She hoped she didn’t look as scared as she was.
“Spit it out.”
“I can’t zip it.”
He stood up and she turned around. When he went around her and headed to the back of the house she wondered what she did wrong now, but knew better than to ask. She heard the water turn on and cringed. He was going to come wash off her face.
She was fine with that, as long as she was able to go. The towel was drying his hands when he came back in the room.
“You went and washed your hands?” It was her turn to be confused.
“I’ve been cleaning chicken houses and just wanted to make sure I didn’t leave a spot on that dress. You will probably wear it more than once.”
She turned around again. “Thank you. I will probably wear it a lot.”
“I might not always think. Sometimes I do.”
“The curlers, too,” she smiled, thankful he couldn’t see.
> “Now that just kinda happened.” The dress zipped tight but she kept her back to him, afraid if she turned, he’d stop talking to her like a grown up. “I do it for Cassie every Sunday.”
She cleared the smile off her face before she turned around.
“You look alright, girl.” He watched the floor steadily.
“I’ve got a coat, too.” She tried to keep him talking to her.
“Good, keep it on all night.” He glanced at the wall behind her. “Go get those things out of your hair.”
She didn’t try to hug him when she went by—he’d just get mad—but she felt it.
The knock on the door this time was from the front door. She was just spraying some of Mama’s perfume. The mumbling from the front room made her grab her coat. She didn’t want Pa scaring Galen, or Galen saying something stupid.
She stepped through the doorway and almost tripped over the heeled shoes. Galen looked very handsome. His suit was dark gray, the tie had red and green specks in it, his hat circling in his hand. His eyes widened for a moment, but he recovered as quickly as she had.
“You’re in a dress.” He smiled. “And grew a little.”
“What’d ya expect me to wear?” She set the scowl to her face and swallowed the laugh.
He didn’t answer and Pa looked thoroughly confused.
“We better go.” She added quickly.
Galen held out his hand. She felt petrified. He couldn’t want her hand now.
“Your coat.” His eyebrows rose.
She handed it over, turning red because she missed that step. He slid it on and she buttoned it up.
“Bye, Pa.”
Galen turned for the door.
“Wait a minute.” Pa didn’t sound happy.
She cringed, they were so close, just a few steps and they’d be out the door.
“Cassie said I had to be nice.” His voice wasn’t set to a very good start. “You be careful with her. She’s her Mama’s heart and I don’t want her hurt.”
That was more like the man she’d grown up with for a father. More concerned with Mama’s feelings than hers.
“I understand, sir.” Galen looked perfectly serious.
“I don’t think you do, but this is Cassie’s doing. Get out of here.”
Galen didn’t have to be told twice as he reached for the door. She still smiled at Pa as she went out the door and waved.
“Your pa can be very frightening.” The door had barely shut.
“That he can.” She grinned trying not to blush.
They stepped off the porch, Galen lowered his voice. “You look fabulous.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She bumped into him trying to make him laugh.
“Don’t let your pa hear you say that.” His brows rose.
He held open the car door and shut it when her dress wasn’t in the way. Pa’s silhouette was visible at the edge of the front window. She waved, not expecting one back. She didn’t get one either. Still, the difference in him was something she would have to think about.
Galen slammed the door on his side and then started the car. He pushed a few levers and heat poured out. “Do you want it warmer?”
“I’m fine,” she laughed.
“What are you laughing at?”
“This is all so odd.” Pa as much as being on a date with Galen.
He put the car in reverse and pulled out of the drive. “It might take a little getting used to, but I’ll wait.”
He smirked going down the road.
Did he mean getting used to the fact they were growing up and growing together or possibly something else? Her younger self would have asked, now she just blushed, wringing her fingers together.
She felt the car slowing and pulling to the side of the road.
“Is everything alright?”
“Fine.” He stated, putting the car in park. “I think it’s safe for you to slide over here now.”
A sort of muscle cramp started in her stomach as she carefully slid across the bench seat.
“You look like I’m going to bite you.” His arm went around her shoulders.
“That’s ‘cause you look like the cat that ate the canary.” She settled into the new seat. “Whatever you’re thinking can’t be good.”
“It is.”
Surprised, she turned to him fast enough the curls came around her shoulder. His finger gently going across her chin took the words from her mouth just before his lips skimmed hers. He pressed harder and the tension in her body melted. Their lips skimmed again as he pulled away.
“How did you learn to do that?”
He cleared his throat, the words coming out raspy. “Do what?”
She shook her head. How could she explain to him what those kisses did. “Are we going to stay here all night?”
“No ma’am.” He straightened in the seat. “We’re going to a dance.”
He put the car in drive and put his arm back around her.
Seven
Streamers and balloons filled the rec-center from ceiling to floor, with tables around the dance floor for those who needed a rest. The music poured from the band—still at a reasonable level, though to speak to anyone she would have to be close. People spun around the room in beautiful dresses and handsome suits. They checked their coats at the front door with one of the Sunday school teachers, and Galen had her change for the ice cream shop in his pocket.
No one she could see looked as good as Galen. Then again, she hoped everyone thought that about their date. The hope that Galen thought that way about her had the butterflies waltzing in her stomach. She’d hardly looked around when he grabbed her hand and pulled her out to the floor.
“You do know how to dance don’t you?” He looked playfully concerned.
“I think so.” She jested back.
He spun her around, her skirt flowing up with the motion. She came softly against him, laughing. The first few times around the floor she’d stepped on his toes, but she was busy looking at the other people. A few times he even pointed out someone.
The whole county seemed to be there. Didn’t matter what your social standing was, the Winter Dance was the place to be. Some of the girls were in homemade dresses, others from Mrs. Vickers’ shop, then there was Rita in her Paris exclusive.
Harland looked happy with Rita as they joined the movement on the dance floor. It was good to see him home from college. He was someone other than Galen for Fredric to harp on. And there would be plenty of that before the Christmas season passed.
Harland looked nearly as handsome as Galen, but not quite; he was still too skinny for his height. And Maddy had to admit, Rita’s dress was beautiful. The dark green fabric hugged her body all the way down, but Maddy was very happy with her own dress. Mostly because of the way Galen’s eyes twinkled when he looked at her.
“You look like you’re having fun.” He pulled her a little closer.
“I am. At least as much fun as you are.”
When one of the chaperones moved their way, Galen would put a few more inches between them, once gone, he’d pull her back close.
Galen crinkled his nose, “You smell like a girl. You look like a girl too.”
“I should. Are you going to forget that fact again?”
“Never.” The smile eased out.
Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Even Rita smiled as they passed by and Harland winked. She wondered if he would watch her legs as they went around.
As good as her imagination was, actually dancing with Galen was better. There didn’t have to be a cloud, or moonlight; it was perfect without all that.
After a few dances, Galen agreed to stop for a drink. The punch was in a large glass bowl like Mrs. Langley used for special occasions. This was special, at least for Maddy. Harland waved them over to a table and Galen refilled her drink before pulling her that way. His hand stayed firm around hers even after they made it there. However, he was keeping their hands behind his back away from Harland’s view.
They sat down their cups and she saw someone waving from an outside door. On her tiptoes, she leaned to Galen.
“Mama’s here.” She pointed to the door that was now closed.
He nodded rather than yelling over the band and they headed that way. Mr. Berber stopped them just short of the door and Galen explained to him what they were doing, Maddy stayed behind him. The chaperones were taking their job very seriously, Pa would be happy to hear that.
Galen held open the door for her and smiled his best. “Good evening, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Oh Galen, don’t you look handsome.” Cassie ran her hand across his arm then turned to Maddy beaming. “Baby, you look so grown up.”
Maddy thought Mama was about to cry, and did a spin for her so she could see the skirt float up.
Galen spoke quick, “I’m going back, I’ll be just inside the door. Don’t want Mr. Berber thinking things aren’t right.”
Once he’d shut the door, Cassie grabbed her in a hug to crush ribs. “Is Galen being a good boy?”
“Of course, Mama.”
Cassie raised an eyebrow. “You can say it as innocently as you want, but I’ve seen the looks.”
Maddy fidgeted.
“I don’t want you getting too attached to him, but I’m sure I’m far too late.”
Maddy shook her head, “It’s just Galen, Mama.”
“You still don’t convince me, but there’s nothing I can do to stop it. Just remember to be a good girl.” Cassie kissed her cheek.
“Pa helped me get ready.” Maddy smiled bigger.
“He did?” Cassie’s eyebrows moved again.
“Turned on the curlers like he does for you and helped me zip my dress. Even washed his hands to not leave a stain.”
Cassie laughed. “I’ll have to fix him a good supper.”
“Why did he help?”
“‘Cause you gave him a purpose.” Cassie looked more serious.
“What do you mean, Mama?” Maddy half-laughed as if it didn’t mean much.
“When no one would hire him ‘cause of his leg, Pa lost his purpose in life. He felt useless. When he saw Galen chase off after you that night, he found a new purpose in life. He realized I wasn’t going to be able to keep the boys away from you like a father was supposed to.”
Finding Madelyn Page 5