Jennifer Robins Read online

  Grace, on the other hand, still had her girlish figure and her bright red hair. She always looked wonderful, even with her cotton house dress and an apron tied around her waist.

  Rachael went back upstairs to wind up and set her alarm clock and then climbed into bed under the heavy quilt and warm blankets. How good it felt! She pulled her pillow up under her head and closed her eyes.

  ****

  The annoying sound of the alarm clock had her pulling the covers up over her head in an attempt to avoid it, but once the thought of her lunch date entered her mind, she threw the blankets off and sat up. A little shiver and then she rose from the bed and went quickly to the window.

  Morning light had just begun to show its face off to the east and the skies were clear. Below, the snow had not accumulated more than another inch so she was sure she’d be off to work and her date with Stan. With a smile and a sigh, she pulled off her nightgown and began to dress.

  Her mother had a pot of oatmeal waiting on the stove with a pitcher of milk on the table.

  Rachael reached up in the cupboard above the sink for a bowl and went directly to the stove for her share of the hot breakfast. As she scooped some up she noticed her mother had added some raisins. “Umm, I love it when you put something extra in our cereal. It’s so good, raisins are the best.” Then she joined her father at the table.

  She still had to fry up two eggs and make those sandwiches she would take for the lunch with Stan. She never mentioned to her parents that she had a new friend who happened to be a man. That could wait. She was glad her mom and dad didn’t question her about it. She took the eggs out of the ice box and brought them to the stove.

  As she went on frying the eggs, she looked over at her mother. “Mom, did the ice man come yesterday? These eggs feel a little warm.”

  “Yes he did, but he was late getting here. That old mare he has pulling his wagon had to have a nail pulled out of her hoof. It turned out he had only a small piece of ice left for us, so that will have to do until he comes again. Its’ a good thing you mentioned it. I’ll have Dad bring in some snow to keep the icebox cool until the ice man comes back.”

  Rachael finished making the sandwiches, wrapped them in waxed paper and put them in a brown paper bag.

  As she went out the door, she yelled back to the kitchen where her parents were having a fresh cup of coffee, “Bye, see you later.”

  A small pile of snow had blown against the door and when she opened it, she had to plow through it. The snow came almost up to the top of her boots. It was a good thing there wasn’t a heavy wind anymore to pile more of it against the door and over the steps to the sidewalk. She felt bad she couldn’t stay home a bit to shovel some of the snow away from the porch, steps, and sidewalk in front of the house. Her dad would have to take care of it.

  On her way down to the pick up stop for the streetcar, Rachel noticed how many houses had Christmas decorations, some with green wreaths on their doors while others strung strips of garland from pine trees across the front railings of their porch. It would be great to put something up at her house, she thought as she trudged along, kicking at the snow under her feet. Rachael loved Christmas and wanted to enjoy everything about it. Gifts weren’t as important to her as being happy to have whatever came her way as part of the season’s most celebrated holiday.

  Rachael stood at the pick up sign waiting for the sound of the streetcar, holding her coat collar up to her neck. Her free hand held the paper bag with the lunch she’d prepared. From down the street the bell rang, letting her know she would soon be out of the cold, into the car and on her way downtown to the market. With her nickel ready when the car stopped, she hurried to the open door and climbed the few stairs up and in away from the winter with its cold and snow. Luckily she found an empty seat right behind the conductor. That way she could watch out the large front window as the car traveled along to the next stop.

  When the car came to a halt and the door opened, Rachel rose from her seat and stepped down into the cold morning air.

  Thoughts of her impending lunch date swam in her head as she made her way to her job. The market was only a block away so she hurried along with so many others heading for their destinations. She glanced over at the skating rink as she passed by and couldn’t wait until noon when she would meet Stan and spend her lunch hour with him. The sidewalks had been cleared of the snow, making it easier to get around. She looked back at the crowd assembling in front of the department store window with its fine holiday display in full motion. Imagine, she thought, he had been watching her all the time yesterday when she stood with the others admiring the yearly display of toys and depictions of Santa and his elves ready to serve all who believed.

  The market was full of prospective buyers, along with those who came looking for a bargain or a handout. People strolled up and down walkways lined with produce and food of all kinds. Children still not old enough for school hung fast to their mothers’ skirts and with wonder in their young eyes looked up at the people standing so high above them. Rachel imagined visions of candy sticks and sugar plums bounced around in their little heads as they had when she was a child.

  Rachael took her place behind the meat counter where she was assigned for the day. She took a broom to sweep up the sawdust on the floor and replace it with a new clean batch. Then she would join the packers who wrapped the meat as it was ordered. She had hoped she would be working in produce that day so she could maybe snag an apple or two if any were about to hit the leftover box. There was never too much to be exported out of there to either the garbage or the churches but sometimes she made a deal with the owner of that booth. It would be nice to have a little extra something for the lunch with Stan. Maybe she would wander over there at lunch break and ask if there was anything they’d like to get rid of, something still decent enough to eat.

  ****

  Stan arrived at the large department store with his stack of newspapers for delivery. He waited at the door for the manager to open while holding the bundle of papers in his arms. His truck was parked at the curb.

  When Tom the manager, a short little guy with a mustache that extended out to the ends of his cheeks opened the door, Stan hurried in to make his delivery.

  “How ya doing, Stan?” the man asked.

  “I’m okay, but it’s awfully cold out there.” He set the stack of papers down next to the door where they would be displayed.

  “You need a warmer jacket. That one looks like it’s seen better days.”

  “Can’t afford another one right now. Maybe when things get better, I can find a job that pays more. Then I’ll buy a new jacket and new shoes.”

  “What kind of work would you be looking for?”

  “I’d like to do something with the news… like in advertising.”

  The manager circled around him, his hand cupped around his chin. “Ya’ know what? I have an opening right now in our advertising department. The guy who worked there is moving to another state to help his family out. Would you be interested in giving the job a try? Can’t start you out with a high pay but after some training we can look at improving your wages.”

  Stan stood back, amazed. “I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked. This is a real break for me. I can’t believe you’re making me this offer.”

  “After meeting you on the mornings you come here, I’ve gotten to like you,” Tom said with a smile. “You seem like a nice young man who takes responsibility for his job. If you take the position, it will save me from the long line of people wanting it and having to go through all those applications. So how about it?”

  “When do I start? I’ll have to let the newspaper company know I’m leaving.”

  “Can you stop by later...maybe around noon? I need to check with corporate, but I’m sure it will be by the end of this week.”

  Stan removed his cap and smiled. “I have a lunch date with this girl I met yesterday, right over there at the skating rink. Could we make it right after lunch?”

>   “Well, why not bring her here and use our employee lunchroom? No sense both of you staying out in the cold to eat… and you can have some of the coffee or tea in there; it’s free to our people, and you’re about to be one of us. The room is right next to the lavatories on the second floor. Be my guest, Stan, and then I’ll see you when your luncheon date is over.”

  As Tom walked away, Stan stood there wiping his brow in utter astonishment. A new and better job and a place to take Rachael for their lunch date. Christmas had come early for him. This was the best thing that could have possibly happened and at the right time. Whatever they offered in the way of pay would be better than the measly little bit he got working part time delivering newspapers. And a chance at something he’d only dreamed of. A career in advertising had always been on his mind from when he’d been a small child.

  His gait on the way out the door and down the sidewalk was more of a dance than a walk. Wait till I tell Rachael. She’ll be so happy for me, I just know it. And now I can ask her out on a real date. He got in his truck and drove off, ready to take the vehicle back to the garage for the day and get ready for the best lunch hour he’d ever had.

  Chapter Three

  When the noon hour whistle sounded, Rachael hurried to get her bagged lunch, coat, and purse. The morning had dragged so much she thought it would never end. Her attention was so focused on the clock all the time she almost wrapped a bone up for a lady who'd ordered ground beef. Carl, the man in charge, looked at her with a frown as she’d unwrapped the large blood-stained bone and proceeded to wrap the lady’s meat order.

  Glad the morning was over, she put on her coat, grabbed her purse and the brown paper bag with the sandwiches, and then stopped by the produce stand to ask about a possible handout. She was told nothing was available until closing, so she went on her way to the skating rink.

  The wind had kicked up, but she held on to her collar and hurried across the street. Stan sat on a bench near the entrance. He looked up and smiled when their eyes met. Then he rose and hurried toward her.

  “Hi,” he yelled as he drew close. She liked the sound of his voice, how strong and handsome he looked, and the way that little dimple in the side of his face played at her heart strings. “I just got here a few minutes ago. Glad you could make it. I have a surprise for you.”

  Rachel pushed the hair away from her eyes. “Really, what’s the surprise?”

  “Turn around and let’s head back to the department store and I’ll let you know.”

  “But, what about our lunch?”

  He took her arm before she could say another word and led her back across the street and to the doors of the great store. Then he opened the large glass door for her and ushered her in. “Now let’s get to the second floor and we’ll have our lunch up there in the employees’ lunch room.”

  “What? How can we do that?” she asked, coming to a stop, “Neither of us works here.”

  “Not for long. I just was offered a job in their advertising department this morning and the manager told me we could have lunch in the employees’ lunch room. So, come on, let’s go,” he coaxed.

  He tugged her along the aisle to the elevator. “Are you sure? This is so wonderful.”

  He took her hand off the collar of her coat and looked into her eyes. “It’s for real. I have a new job right here in this store, and I have a chance for advancement as long as things go well,” he told her once they were in the elevator and on their way to the second floor. When the operator opened the door, he held out his arm for her to take and they went on.

  The large lunchroom was filled with the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee on the counter at the back where paper cups, sugar, cream and spoons lay waiting aside the large urn. White walls, a large window at the side and five small tables with matching chairs made up the composition of the room.

  Stan held a chair out for her to sit. “I’ll get the coffee. It’s free so we can have a second cup if we like. How do you take yours?”

  She settled down in the chair and looked up at him, still amazed at his good fortune. “I’d like a little cream, that’s all, but are you sure it’s okay?”

  “Yes, don’t worry. It’s okay. I was told we should enjoy our lunch here and have coffee on the house. Now let me get our drinks while you open that wonderful lunch you made for us.”

  It was warm there; she opened her coat. By the time he’d returned, she had the sandwiches out and the wax paper binding them unwrapped. “Here I thought we’d be sitting by the skating rink watching the skaters and freezing like crazy while we tried to eat this cold lunch I made. This is really great in here.”

  He set the paper cups down and took the seat across from her. “Be careful, the coffee’s hot,” he warned as he stared across the table at her. The expression on his face was that of concern for her, along with a smile that gave her the idea he liked the way she looked. “You know, this means I’ll be able to take you out some time for dinner and maybe even a movie. That is if you would like that.”

  She picked up the paper cup and held it to her mouth in hesitation while she assessed what he’d just told her. “Yes, I’d like that very much.” Then she sipped at the hot beverage and tried to avoid the tripping of her hearts beat.

  The hour zoomed by so fast they hardly knew it was over. Rachael had to get back to work, even though she’d rather have spent the rest of the afternoon and maybe the evening with him. “I’m so happy for you and your new job. I suppose you’ll be working a lot now.”

  “Yes, I most likely will, but that will mean more income and a better life. I can’t wait to get started. I have to meet with the manager right after lunch so you’ll need to leave on your own. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not. You do what you have to, and don’t worry about me.”

  “When will I see you again, Rachael?” he asked as they walked to the elevator.

  “I don’t have to work again until next Monday, so I don’t know.”

  “Can I come by your house some evening? Maybe tomorrow night, say around eight?”

  “I think it would be okay for you to come by. I’ll let my parents know. I’m sure they’ll be all right with it.”

  “All right then,” he said as the elevator doors opened to the main floor. “Thanks for the lunch and the great company. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  Rachael hurried through the shoppers to the front doors and out into the street where she hustled along down the block to the market to get back. It was already past her lunch hour.

  All she could think about the rest of the day while wrapping meat was Stan and his good fortune. She looked forward to seeing him again. He gave her a good feeling. She loved being with him and admired the way he talked, the way he looked, and especially the way he seemed to admire her. Those blue eyes of his had promise, hope, and a future in them, a future which she would like to be a part of. Lately, people had seen so little hope or promise. She had thought there would never be anything other than discouragement, despair, and little to look forward to in her life, but now things had changed. At least she thought so.

  Although she was a grown woman, her parents still tried to shield and protect her from the world. Most likely, they would be concerned about a man in her life. Nevertheless, she would tell them about Stan when she got home.

  Of all the boys who had courted her, she never felt anything like what she was experiencing with Stan. Warmness came over her just thinking about him. Is this what love feels like, she wondered. Maybe this is what they call love at first sight. What if he didn't love her and only wanted company once in awhile? Or, could he be one of those guys looking for a quick thrill? She shook her head and began to clean the wood tables in the meat market as they were about to close up shop for the day. Six o’clock came so fast she hardly realized the day’s work was over.

  A repeat of the snow storm the day before had moved in while a glimpse of light lingered over the western horizon. The sky, now filled with clouds, over
shadowed the sunset and extinguished what little daylight was left. Snow flew past her face as she ran toward the corner where the streetcar would stop. The cold stung her face and hands.

  The streetcar pulled up and came to a stop in the middle of the road. She ran with all the others to get aboard and out of the cold. Once inside, she proceeded to the rear looking for a vacant seat while shaking the snow from her hair.

  She found an empty place beside a mother and her infant wrapped up nicely in a lovely blue knitted blanket. The child whimpered a little, but the mother soothed him by patting his backside as she held him up to her shoulder. The thought of having a child of her own one day entered Rachael’s mind and gave her great pleasure to think about as she settled down next to them.

  Her stop was coming up by the time the baby had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms. Rachael rose and smiled at the woman, then made her way to the door, ready to be let out into the nasty cold and snow. The car stopped with a sudden jolt. The door opened and cautiously she stepped onto the icy pavement.

  Both her parents were busy preparing the evening meal when Rachael entered the kitchen. Speckles of the melting snow in her hair were shed when she reached up to brush them away. Somehow, she thought when they turned and smiled at her, just maybe they suspected she had something good to tell them. Surely they had to see how happy she was, or did she only think she looked that way?

  “Hi, Mom,” Rachael said as she walked up to her mother who was peeling potatoes at the sink, and gave her a nice kiss on the cheek. “I had a wonderful day I’d like to tell you and Dad about.” She turned to address her father, who sat at the table cutting up some carrots.

  Her mother put the peeler down and turned her gaze to her daughter. “You look so happy, it must be something special. Go ahead and let us in on your good day.”

  “You see…” she paused and was surprise to hear herself stutter a bit when she continued, “I . . . met a new friend yesterday, and today we had lunch together. It was supposed to be in the park at the skating rink but he just got a new job at the department store so we were able to have our lunch in the employees' lunchroom. It was warm and nice in there and they even have free coffee.” She danced around the table as she glanced down at her father. “His name is Stanley but everyone calls him Stan. He’s coming over here tomorrow night to meet you.”