The Barnstormer

by Jane Lewis

  Frankie whispered, “I mean, if I wasn’t a gentleman, she would no longer be a lady. I drove her home before anything happened. Then I went to the bar, had a few drinks. After some alcohol and prayer, I decided to follow where she led me, and this is where we are. I’m taking her to the church Christmas play tonight, and she’s my date for the New Year’s Eve party.”

  “Son, didn’t I tell you?” Al’s voice grew louder. “The girl’s in love with ya.”

  Frankie grabbed his arm. “Quiet. Victor’s going to hear you. I’m not going to get my hopes up,. She has to go to school, and she’ll see the dandy every day, she’ll forget about me.” Frankie shuffled toward his desk.

  “If Ruthie loves you, she’ll come back to you when school’s over. If she don’t, she ain’t worth it anyway.” Al followed him.

  Frankie glanced toward Victor’s office. “I know, don’t say anything about Saturday night to Victor.”

  “My lips are sealed son, very pleased to see you happy.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Christmas morning, Frankie wrapped Ruthie’s present in brown paper and tied it with a red ribbon. He hadn’t had a girlfriend at Christmas in years. He arrived at Victor’s house early so he could watch the babies while Victor and Dottie got things ready. He put the babies on a blanket on the floor and played blocks with them.

  Victor sat in a chair and watched. “They love you, you know.”

  “I love them, too. You’ve got some sweet kids.”

  “I want them to call you Uncle Frankie if you don’t mind. You’re like my brother anyway.”

  “I’d be honored.” He stacked blocks, and Jack Andrew shoved them over and laughed.

  Victor sat on the edge of the couch. “Hey man, what’s going on with you and Ruth Ann?”

  He left Jack Andrew and Carol Ann and sat in the chair. “I wondered how long it would take you to say something.”

  Victor smiled at his friend. “I know you’ve carried a torch for her a long time. I know she hasn’t been nice to you. She gave us both hell when she was in high school. I always thought she cared about you but was too stubborn and bull headed to tell you. I don’t want her to hurt you. I know how she can be.”

  Carol Ann crawled to Frankie’s chair, and he put her in his lap. “I like the new Ruthie, and I’ve decided to enjoy this while I can.”

  “You know she’ll be going to school next week.” Victor grabbed his son and glided him through the air. The baby stretched out his arms and laughed.

  “Don’t remind me.” Frankie bounced the baby on his knee.

  “I’m concerned. This year’s been hard for you.” Victor placed Jack Andrew on the quilt and gave him a block.

  “I’ll be all right, no matter what happens.”

  Soon the house filled with family and friends, talking and laughing. The smell of baked ham and yeast rolls mingled with the smell of the bourbon from Aunt Delores’ fruit cake. After everyone finished Christmas dinner, Victor handed out presents.

  Frankie pulled Ruthie’s from his pocket. “Merry Christmas.”

  She put the box to her ear and shook. “What is it?”

  “Open and see.”

  She tore open the paper and lifted the lid on the little box. “Oh, Frankie, how beautiful.”

  He removed the necklace from the box and fastened the clasp behind her neck. “Mr. Price suggested it since garnet is the birthstone for January. I hope you like it.”

  She put her hand on the necklace and traced the heart with her fingers. “I love it.”

  “I hope you think of me when you wear it, you’ve had my real heart for a long time.”

  She opened her purse and retrieved his present. “Merry Christmas.”

  He stared at the small box wrapped in paper with a Christmas tree design and tied with a gold ribbon. “You got me a present.”

  “Of course.”

  His heart swelled in his chest. He didn’t get many presents and one from Ruthie was special. He took his time opening the box using his pocket knife to cut the adhesive tape. “The JN-Four. Where’d you find this?”

  “Price’s Jewelry Store, same place you found my necklace. I’m surprised you didn’t see it.”

  “I had my mind on your gift. Thank you. This is special.” Frankie wrapped the paper around the box and placed it in his pocket along with the gold ribbon. He watched the others open their presents and thanked God for his adopted family. Carol Ann got a baby doll and Jack Andrew a wooden airplane. The girl abandoned her doll and wanted the plane.

  Dottie scooped her baby girl and grabbed the doll. “Let’s rock your doll to sleep.” She cradled her daughter in her arms and made her way to the quiet of the bedroom.

  Frankie grabbed the boy and lifted him so Jack Andrew could hold the plane in the air. He couldn’t remember a better Christmas. Surrounded by people who loved him and treated him like family made him happy, but Christmas with Ruthie and her attention put the icing on the cake. He wouldn’t think about her in Atlanta with the dandy. He’d enjoy each and every day he had with her and would worry about the rest later.

  Chapter Twenty

  Ruth Ann spent her day avoiding her mother. She didn’t want to listen to Hattie harp that Ronald had more to offer than Frankie. She liked Ronald and Frankie, why’d she have to choose? She didn’t want to get married, she wanted to have fun. The earth tumbling from under her when Frankie kissed her was a surprise. With Ronald, she struggled to keep him at a distance while Frankie acted like a perfect gentleman. She ached to have Frankie touch her in the places no one had before, but since their first kiss and her realization of what could happen between them, she appreciated his approach. She recognized how hard dating her must be when he was used to making love to a woman and now had to restrain himself. If he asked her or even seduced her, she’d let him. She spent most of her days dreaming about the very thing.

  She sat at her dressing table putting on her new necklace when her mother marched in without knocking. “Going out with Frankie again?”

  She dabbed Arpège perfume behind her ear. “Yes, we’re going to a movie.”

  Hattie spat her words like a fire cracker. “I like Frankie, he’s like a brother to Victor but you never liked him. You always called him white trash, and now you’re slipping out with him every chance you get. I don’t like this one bit. You better not be going to his house.”

  She glared at Hattie, rage roared through her. She wanted to slap her mother. “I don’t appreciate what you’re insinuating, I’m grown, and I’m going to make my own decisions. You raised me to be a good person. I know I was cruel to Frankie and Victor, too. I’m not proud of my actions, but lately I find I like Frankie’s company. Now, if you’ll excuse me, he’s here.”

  Hattie grabbed her arm.

  She leered at her mother. “I love you, Ma, but you’re going to have to accept I’m grown now. I’ll decide who I see and where I go, you have to trust me.”

  Hattie let go and started to cry. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to make a mistake. A woman’s good name is all she has.”

  She placed her hand on her mother’s arm. “I know, Ma. I’ll be fine.” She made her way down the steps toward the parlor where Frankie discussed Lisbeth’s flying lessons with her father. “Yes, she’s a natural, like her brother.”

  Jacob nodded. “Of course, she is. How many more lessons will she need?”

  “Forty hours of flight instruction are required before she solos. We could give her two lessons a week instead of one. She’d be done in half the time.”

  “I’ll give that some consideration.” Jacob stood. “You two have fun tonight.”

  Frankie guided her to the car. “Is there a problem?”

  She sat in the car. “Everything’s fine.”

  He climbed behind the wheel. “Doesn’t appear fine to me, tell me what’s wrong.”

  She glanced at the house where her mother stared out of her bedroom window. “Ma gave me a hard time. She can’t understand us goin
g out together. She keeps reminding me of how bad I treated you. She gives me the impression she thinks we’re doing something we shouldn’t. She even made me promise I wouldn’t go to your house.”

  Frankie backed his car to the street, pushed in the clutch and placed the car in first gear. “Your mother doesn’t like you dating a man who’s been married before. She thinks I’m going to take advantage of you.”

  She scooted over in the bench seat. “Well, are you?”

  He smiled and put his arm around her. “Don’t tempt me.”

  She kissed him on the cheek. “I can’t believe I’m here with you and we’re on a date.”

  “Yes, imagine, me and you on a date.” He parked the car on the street in front of the movie house.

  They sat on the back row. Frankie kept the kissing light. Reining in his desire for Ruthie became harder and harder. He craved her. He wanted her sweet body naked under him, but he wanted to love her, protect her, and spend the rest of his life with her. He never felt this way about any woman, even Audrey.

  After the movie, he drove her straight home. “How about going with me to a dance at the community center tomorrow night?”

  She jumped in her seat. “Sounds like a lot of fun. I love to dance.”

  He enveloped her hands in his. “I know you do. I remember seeing you dance around your house when I visited Victor.”

  “And you still want to be seen with me?”

  “I sure do. We can practice our dancing for the New Year’s Eve party.” He opened the door and helped her out of her seat.

  She noticed the silhouette of her mother in the window. “Ma’s watching us.”

  “I know.” He led her up the steps. “I’ll be here at seven tomorrow evening.”

  She gazed into his eyes and smiled. “Can’t wait.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Frankie buttoned his red striped shirt and tucked it in his pants. He took extra care tying his red tie with a diamond design and attached his new tie clip. The gift reminded him of the Jenny and his precious Ruthie. Two things he cherished.

  He arrived at Ruthie’s house and Hattie met him at the door. “Good evening Mrs. Douglas.”

  “Come in, Ruth Ann’ll be here in a minute.”

  He took the opportunity to set the record straight with Ruthie’s mother. “Mrs. Douglas, you don’t have to worry about me taking advantage of your daughter.”

  She crossed her arms and unsettled him with a hardened glare. “I don’t like this, but it appears Ruth Ann’s made up her mind.”

  “You don’t have to explain. I know I’m not the type of man you wanted your daughter to date. I’m taking her to the dance, then we’ll come straight home. You have my word.”

  “If you want to see her again this week, you’ll do that.”

  Ruth Ann eased down the stairs. “See you later, Ma.”

  He started the car, and when they were out of eye sight, she scooted to the middle of the seat. “I heard part of your conversation. I’m sorry she gave you a hard time.”

  “I told her the truth. I’ll never take advantage of you, no matter how much I want to.”

  She rubbed her hand over his cheek. “You want to take advantage of me?”

  He loved the feel of her soft fingers on his skin. He half closed his eyes and memorized her touch. “No, I want to do things to you, but I wouldn’t call it taking advantage of you. Believe me, you’ll like it.”

  “If it’s anything like our first kiss, I’m sure I will.”

  He put his hand on her back and led her into the community center. Balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling. A small orchestra had their instruments set and ready to play. He noticed the two punch bowls and guided Ruthie toward the one without alcohol. He poured a cup for her. “This is the punch bowl we’ll drink from tonight. Do not drink from the other bowl.”

  She raised the glass to her nose and sniffed. “What’s wrong with the other bowl?”

  He couldn’t believe how naïve she was. “Is this your first dance here?”

  “Yes. Ma never allowed me to go to a dance.”

  “The other one has whiskey mixed in, and I’ll be damned if I’m taking you home splifficated.”

  She drained her cup of punch and placed the cup on the table. “Why not?” She rubbed her body against his arm and tiptoed, trying to reach his ear so no one could hear. “Easier for you to take advantage of me.”

  He bent and whispered. “If I ever, you know, take advantage of you, I want you to remember every moment.” He refilled her cup.

  They finished their drink and placed the cups on a tray. He put his hand on her back and led her to the dance floor. The orchestra played an upbeat number with the clarinet blaring the melody. Frankie pulled her in his arms and held her close while their feet moved to the music. He’d never had a better shag dance partner. She knew just when he was about to twirl her or push her away so their kicking legs wouldn’t get tangled. She jumped in the air, and he caught her and spun around with her in his arms. He released her, her body slinking down his until her feet touched the floor. He drew her close as the music changed to a slow number. The feel of her breasts rising and falling against his chest pulsed in his core. His trousers tightened with his erection. He sang along with the band leader to “The Shadow Waltz” to take his mind off his arousal. When he got to the part, “Let me feel that I mean everything to you,” he bent his head and kissed her.

  When the song ended, she said, “I didn’t know you could sing. You have a beautiful voice.”

  Frankie’s gaze drifted to her lips stained with red lipstick. He longed to kiss her until the red disappeared into juicy, healthy pink lips. He licked his lips and sucked his bottom lip into his mouth. He gave her a wicked smile. “There’s lots of things you don’t know about me, Ruthie. I hope I have a chance to show you all of them.”

  “I hope you do, too.” She gazed around the room. “I need to sit a moment.”

  He guided her to a chair and made his way to the punch table.

  Several girls approached him, but each time he smiled and pointed to his date. They drank their punch and listened to the music. “Let’s drink this and head home. The dance isn’t over until midnight, but I want to get you home early.”

  She gulped her punch and handed him the cup. “Are you trying to make points with my mother?”

  “Yes, reckon I am. Gonna see you every day before you leave, if I can.”

  “That would be swell.” She put her arm through his, and they left the community center.

  He escorted her to the door and spotted Hattie peering out the window. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I had a great time.”

  “Don’t I get a kiss goodnight?”

  “Not with Mrs. Douglas watching.” He stopped Ruthie from turning her head. “Don’t. Trust me, she’s watching.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Okay, but you owe me a kiss. I had a great time. Thanks, Frankie.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ruth Ann chose a pink sweater and a gray wool skirt and placed them on the bed. She sat in her chair, her vacation would be over soon, and she’d return to school. She hadn’t thought about Ronald, but her mother talked about him non-stop. He was the intellectual, and they had a lot in common. She could marry him and live the life she’d dreamed, married to a handsome actor, both of them performing on the New York stage.

  Frankie was smart in a way Ronald would never be. He wouldn’t let anyone run over him or anyone he loved. She felt safe with him, safe and loved. Ronald and his kisses and fondling never made her feel like Frankie did. She could practically see love coming from his pores. His emotions were sincere; he loved her and had for a long time. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she had to be sure. The next few months in Atlanta would give her time to decide.

  She heard the knock on the door and walked down the stairs.

  Frankie stood at the door holding a corsage. “This is for you.”

  She took the pink carnation and pinned it to her sw
eater. “How’d you know what color I was wearing?”

  “Just a lucky guess.” He saw Hattie standing off to the side. “Happy New Year, Mrs. Douglas. I’ll bring her home as soon as the party’s over.”

  Hattie folder her arms. “See that you do.”

  She put her arm through Frankie’s, and they entered the hangar. She gazed around amazed at the transformation. Frankie, Victor, and Al cleaned the space and placed chairs around the walls and left room in the middle for a dance floor. Victor settled his large radio from home in a corner. A punch and food table lined the back wall. About thirty people milled around. Al and Ethel met people at the door as they removed their coats and placed them in Victor’s office. She handed her coat to Al. “Thanks, Mr. Gregory.”

  “Call me Al. I’m glad to see you and Frankie together. You’ve played quite a game of cat and mouse.”

  She opened her mouth but couldn’t think of anything to say.

  Al continued, “Frankie’s a tough nut to crack, I know he loves you, but he may not tell you. Pride, you know.”

  “We’re just dating.”

  Al chuckled and gave her a knowing look. “Is that what it is? You be careful. I don’t wanna see my boy hurt. You’re returning to the big city, but he’ll be here waitin’. You remember that.”

  A wave of nausea rose from her stomach. Al was right; she didn’t have a clue what she did to Frankie. “I won’t forget.”

  “Good, now you have fun tonight.”

  She found Victor and Dottie. “Lots of people here. This is going to be fun.”

  Victor placed his arm around his wife and kissed the top of her head. “Yes, we’re going to dance and ring in the New Year with a champagne toast at midnight. Ever had champagne?”

  She’d never tasted wine. “No, I haven’t.”

  He studied his sister. “I figured you used to drink with your friends in high school.”

  She remembered the hard time she gave her brother. “I wasn’t as wild as you thought.”

  Victor placed Dottie so her back was against his chest and hugged her around the waist. “Good, I’m glad. The champagne is sparkly and cold. Don’t drink too much. Ma will never let me hear the end of it. I’m glad to see you and Frankie getting along.”