Hello, I have been lax in updating my blog spot. So sorry. My latest book, Miss Goody Two Shoes, w

MISS GOODY TWO SHOES

Chapter One

     Victoria Hamilton parked her car in the Arch Street parking arcade. She considered herself lucky to have a reserved parking spot. This was one of the perks her employer, Conrad Wilkins had given her. She had been a private secretary for Mr. Wilkins for many years; having seniority over all the other girls in the office. She took a deep breath as she entered the hall, leading to her office. It wasn’t even 9:00 a.m. and she felt exhausted. Living on the outskirts of Philadelphia made the Monday morning drive to the financial district more trying. Traffic was always seemed the heaviest on Monday morning. She entered her office, put away her purse, and then went to the ladies room. As she entered the ladies room two of the secretaries were talking about the wonderful weekend they had enjoyed. Seeing Victoria, they became quiet, washed their hands and left the rest room. Victoria had no friends, and blamed it partly on her position in the firm, as well as her appearance. She was tall, with long black hair which she wore parted in the center and drawn into a bun at the nape of her neck. Her eyes were blue, with thick lashes, and an ivory complexion. The only make-up she wore was a little powder, so her face would not shine, and very light lipstick. She dressed in manly suits, and always wore a pair of small pearl earrings. Her shoes were always a comfortable pump, with a one inch heel. On the way back to her office, she stopped into the cafeteria for a cup of black coffee. As she was sitting at the table sipping her coffee, she glanced at the paper, and then tossed it. Why read Friday’s paper, here it is Monday, May 11, 1998, she thought.

      Virginia, the girl from the mail room came in. “Good morning Victoria, bracing up for a rough day?” she asked.

     “It was such a hectic ride into work. Monday’s are always the worst,” she answered.

     “At least we have a job to come to. The way the work force is, we should be thankful for that,” Virginia answered as she left the cafeteria.

     Victoria stood up, walked over threw her coffee cup into the trash and walked out into the hall toward her office wearing a forced smile on her lips.

     “Good morning Sarah,” she greeted the receptionist.

     “Mr. Wilkins said I should tell you to come to his office as soon as you arrive,” Sarah relayed the message.

     “Thank you Sarah,” Victoria said and made her way to Mr. Wilkins office.

     She tapped lightly on the door, walked in and said, “Good morning. I understand that you wanted to see me.”

     “Victoria, come in and sit down please. Every time I have something on my mind that doesn’t seem quite right, I always have the answer after I have talked with you. How is your mother feeling?” Mr. Wilkins asked.

     “There has been no change in her health condition, and I do thank you for asking. I probably should her put into a nursing home, but I can’t bring myself to do that. At least having a live in practical nurse is a good solution for the time being,” Victoria answered him.

     “You are certainly a devoted daughter. If I can be of any help, all you need to do is ask,” he reminded her.

     “I know and I do thank you, but I feel sure you did not call me into your office to discuss my mother’s health issues,” she said to him.

     “No, a prospective customer, Howard Duvall, is coming in from San Angelo, Texas to discuss a business transaction with me. If I can pull this off, it will be a feather in my cap. His family is oil wealthy, and I would like to have some of that wealth come our way. The problem is his plane is scheduled to arrive at 4:30 p.m.  I am scheduled to give a lecture at the university at 3:30 p.m.  I want you to make hotel reservations for him and then go to the airport and meet him. He will be arriving on flight 172. Also make dinner reservations for the four of us. My wife will be joining us.  I will check with you before I leave concerning the restaurant and the time.”

     “Yes sir, I will take care of it,” Victoria answered confidently. “After all, the reason for you providing me with a hotel room in the city is for this type of emergencies.”

     “Yes, you have never complained about having to stay late. I owe much of my success to you. When I have you with me at a business meeting, it always turns out well,” he complimented.

     “Thank you, I will make the reservations. You really should get a hair trim today,” Victoria reminded him on her way out.

     He smiled as he picked up the receiver of the telephone to call the barber shop.

     On her walk back to the office Victoria noticed one of the more recent employees was wearing a tight mini skirt, and low cut blouse. She went directly to her office and opened the top drawer of the file cabinet. After searching for a folder, she removed a sheet of paper and headed back to the office of Mr. Wilkins. The door was completely closed, she hesitated and then knocked.

     “Who is it?” Mr. Wilkins asked.

     “It is Victoria, and I just need one minute of your time. There is an issue among the secretaries that should be settled at once,” she announced.

     “The door is not locked, come in,” he invited.

     Victoria walked in and was surprised to see Mrs. Wilkins sitting on his desk. As Victoria entered, she slid off his desk and sat in a chair near Conrad.

     “I apologize for disturbing you, but I noticed one of the more recently hired secretaries is dressed inappropriately. I feel certain the dress code is included in the packet each employee receives when they are hired. Since there is a prospective client coming in, this issue should be resolved at once,” Victoria handed Mr. Wilkins a copy of the dress code.

     “Have Sarah make an announcement over the loud speaker that all employees are to come to the meeting room immediately. You man the phone lines to enable Sarah to also come to the meeting. Dear, please come in with me. I would like to introduce you,” he asked.

     “Mrs. Wilkins is a fine example of the appearance of the professional woman, and again my apologies for disturbing the two of you,” Victoria said, and walked out to the receptionist office.

     Sarah was on the telephone, so Victoria waited until she hung up before giving her Mr. Wilkins message.

     “What is this all about?” Sarah asked as she again picked up the telephone receiver. “Attention, all employees are to report to the meeting room immediately. Mr. Wilkins did say all employees at once.” She walked away from the desk and said, “I hope I am not in any trouble. Can you handle the phone lines?”

     “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Probably one of those things he needs to remind everyone about. You know how it is, if two or three people are excluded they are referred to as brown nosers,” Victoria replied.

     “I hope not, I need this job,” Sarah admitted as she hurried down the hall.

     Victoria went behind the desk and sat down. She picked up the sheet of paper with the name and extension numbers of the employees. The phone rang Victoria picked up the receiver and said, “Good afternoon, Wilkins financial services, how may I address your call?”

     “I would like to speak with Suzanne Miller,” the voice replied.

     “I am sorry but she is in a meeting at this time. If you would like to leave a voice message, I will connect you,” Victoria replied.

     “I suppose I should. I am her father and the message is urgent,” he answered.

     “One moment sir and I will connect you,” Victoria took the sheet she had picked up earlier and found the extension number she was looking for, dialed it, and then hung up the receiver.  As she put the sheet back on the desk she noticed one extension number had handwriting above it. She picked the sheet up once again and glanced at it. The name Victoria Hamilton had a line drawn thru it and Miss Goody two shoes had been written in.

Victoria’s eyes began to smart. She knew she wasn’t well liked but reading this hurt. She said a silent prayer, and once again put a smile on her face. In all reality the name wasn’t malicious, and she realized she had probably been called much worse. She seized this opportunity to call The Hotel Ritz and make a reservation for Mr. Duvall, also making the dinner reservations in the restaurant for 7:00 p.m. She wrote the information on a message pad for Mr. Wilkins, and then called the airline to check the arrival time for flight 172. It was on schedule.

     Sarah returned to the receptionist area grumbling, “Why do we all have to listen to a sermon because a select few decide to break the rules?”

     Victoria stood up, walking away from the desk and answered, “Perhaps to remind each one of the rules. Usually when one person sees another one get away with breaking a rule, they choose to break it also. Look at the bright side, you had a break from your normal routine, and you still got paid for it.”

     “Mr. Wilkins said we had important company coming. Could you elaborate on that?” Sarah asked.

     Before she had an opportunity to answer, Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins were walking to the front door. They stopped at the receptionist desk and he said, “Sarah, I will be out for the rest of the day. Just take any messages that may come in.”

     Victoria handed Mr. Wilkins the message she had written and said, “The arrival of the plane is on time. We will see the two of you later.”

     Maureen Wilkins took Victoria’s hand in hers and said, “Victoria I am so relieved that Conrad has someone as dedicated as you for his right hand. “

     Surprised Victoria answered, “What a kind thing to say, thank you.”

     Mr. Wilkins gave them a wave with the hat he was holding in his hand as they departed.

     “I will be leaving shortly also. I will be going to the airport to pick up our prospective client. I just realized I have never seen a picture of him, what should I do?” Victoria asked.

     “In the movies they always hold up a sign with the person’s name on it. Where is he flying in from?” Sarah asked.

     “Mr. Wilkins said he was from San Angelo, Texas,” Victoria answered, not wanting to elaborate.

     “Look for someone tall, say six feet, muscular, well-tanned, and wearing cowboy boots,” Sarah suggested.

     “That description could fit Dale Robertson, Rory Calhoun, Matt Dillon, and the list could go on and on, perhaps you are watching too much television,” Victoria teased.

     “I lead a dull life. My parents are very old fashioned,” Sarah confided.

     “If you want to take a walk to the cafeteria for a chocolate bar, I can man the telephone for a few more minutes,” Victoria offered.

     “Thanks but it is almost break time. Suzanne will be coming up to replace me in a few minutes,” Sarah replied.

     Victoria smiled and said, “Then I will see you tomorrow,” as she walked back to her office. She decided she would leave for the day while Suzanne was sitting at the receptionist desk. This would give her time to go by the hotel for a shower and change her clothing. She picked up her purse, locked the office door and walked out front. She stopped at the receptionist desk and said, “Suzanne, I will be leaving for the evening. If any calls come in for me, put them through to my message machine. My extension number is on the sheet by my name, Miss Goody two shoes. Have a good evening,” and she walked out the door. She had a real smile on her face. She had the last laugh. Victoria was glad she had left work early. The traffic was not heavy and she arrived at the hotel in record time. As she turned the key in the lock to open the door she remembered she had not called Bertha, her Mother’s nurse. Once inside she went to the telephone to place her call. Bertha’s sister Sadie answered the telephone. Sadie often came over to help with the housework, do the shopping, or to just give Bertha a break. Sadie said Bertha was giving her Mother a back rub, but she would relay the message to her, and she would also spend the night to help care for her. This information sat Victoria’s mind at ease. She went into the bedroom for her robe and then hopped into the shower. Victoria’s mental image of a six foot hunk got her pulse racing. As she put on her underclothing she decided to wear the new suit she had purchased last week. She had planned to return it, since it was too short, but decided it was time to be daring. She brushed her hair and put it in a French twist, then put on her new light blue suit. She decided to wear a string of pearls to match her earrings. Her pumps just didn’t match her outfit, so on the way to the airport she stopped and bought herself a stylish pair of heels, which matched the purse she was carrying. She glanced at her image in the mirror as she left the shoe store and thought Suzanne should see me now. She was still smiling as she was driving to the airport. She headed for the Delta division and had no trouble finding a convenient parking space. Once inside the airport she made herself a sign. As the airplane landed she walked outside to watch the passengers exit the plane. She did not see a lone man exit until the last passenger came down the ramp. When he came into sight she held the sign in front of her.

      He walked over to her smiling, held out his hand and said, “I am Howard Duvall.”

     “Mr. Duvall, my name is Victoria Hamilton, Mr. Wilkins private secretary. Welcome to our fair city,” she greeted him.

     “It is my pleasure to meet you, please call me Howard,” he requested.

     “Thank you Howard. Mr. Wilkins sends his apologizes for not being here to greet you. He had a previous commitment,” Victoria explained as the two were walking to the baggage department.

     “For that I am grateful. I have never met the gentleman, but I am glad you were there to meet me. I am the envy of every male at the airport,” Howard boasted.

     “That is the nicest thing anyone ever said to me,” Victoria admitted. “If I may ask, how long will you be staying?”

     “That sort of depends. Since this is my first time in Philadelphia, I would like to visit some of the historic sites,” he answered.

     “I made reservations for your room at The Hotel Ritz. It is a nice hotel near the financial district. I also have a room there. There are times when I find it necessary to spend the night in the city, and the hotel is convenient for me,” she explained.

     Howard was watching for his baggage to come around on the turntable. He reached over and grabbed a suitcase in each hand saying; “Now I have what we were waiting for.”

     Victoria smiled at him and said, “If you like you can wait for me outside on the sidewalk, while I bring my car around.”

     “I suppose that would be the logical thing to do. These suitcases are heavy. I packed a variety of clothing since I didn’t know what I would need,” Howard explained.

     “I will return within five minutes,” Victoria promised as she hurried away. She found her car, unlocked the door and started the engine thinking, Sarah were you wrong with his description. Howard was about five feet, nine inches tall, probably two hundred pounds, red hair, which he parted in the center, and a round red face. He was wearing a red and white striped shirt, blue jeans with a leather belt attached to a large silver belt buckle. However, he was wearing cowboy boots.

     As Victoria was pulling the car alongside the curb, Howard waved to her. She popped the trunk open, got out of the car and waited as he piled his suitcases in the trunk. He lowered the trunk lid and checked to make sure it was closed. He climbed in the front seat, and once she had started the car he asked, “I am not what you expected, am I?”

     “To tell you the truth, I hadn’t given it a thought. However, since we will probably be spending time with each other, I am glad you are easy to talk with, and I feel very comfortable in your presence,” Victoria admitted.

     “That is nice to hear, I feel the same way about you,” Howard confessed.

     “We have dinner reservations in the hotel dining room for 7:00 o’clock. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins will be joining us. I hope the arrangements I have made are satisfactory with you,”

Victoria said.

     “That will give me time to rest up a bit and change clothes. What should I wear,” he asked.

     “A suit and tie will be fine,” she answered. “The traffic is getting heavier so I won’t be talking as much. I will need to concentrate on my driving.”

     “Then I’ll just close my eyes for a spell,” he replied closing his eyes.

     As she was driving along she would glance at Howard on occasion. He appeared to be in a sound sleep. Once she glanced over and he had a smile on his face, showing a dimple in his cheek that she hadn’t noticed before. Upon reaching the hotel, she drove into the parking garage, and parked in her parking space.

     “Howard, we are here,” she said to him. He did not respond, so she touched him on the cheek and again said, “Howard, we are at the hotel.”

     He opened one eye and said, “So we are.”

     “I have parked in my parking space. Let’s get you checked in and then we can take your luggage to your room,” Victoria said.

     “Do you think I could use the bathroom first,” Howard asked.

     “Certainly, then let’s carry your luggage in now,” Victoria said popping the trunk.

     Howard picked up his suitcases and Victoria showed him to her room. She unlocked her door and Howard hurriedly set the suitcases down and asked, “What door?”

     Victoria pointed and he entered the bathroom quickly, closing the door behind him. She went over and sat down in her rocking chair. She closed her eyes to relax. It had been an exhausting day. She heard the bathroom door open and immediately opened her eyes.

     Howard came out of the bathroom, walked over to her and said, “Well, I feel better, but you poor thing, you must be exhausted.”

     “Now it’s my turn to potty,” she smiled at him as she walked into the bathroom. Once she was out she said, “Okay Howard, let’s go get you registered.”

     “Lead the way,” Howard agreed and the two walked to the elevator.

     Once in the hotel lobby, Victoria walked to the desk with Howard and introduced him to the reservation clerk. He put his room key in his jeans pocket and said, “Once I get my suitcases from your room and into mine, I will take a shower and get dressed. I will be knocking on you door ten minutes before the hour.”

     “Thank you Howard, I would like that,” she agreed. She knew she had made her first male friend.

     While walking to the elevator Howard noticed the dress shop in the hotel. He stopped and said to Victoria, “Will you do me the honor of letting me buy you that beautiful lilac dress. It will look stunning on you.”

     “No, Howard, it is nice of you to offer, but I couldn’t accept a gift from you,” she explained.

     “Just why not? You have been so nice to me; it would be a token of my appreciation, nothing more.  There are no strings attached and I won’t take no for an answer,” Howard replied, opening the door of the dress shop for her to enter.

     Embarrassed Victoria walked over to the mannequin and looked at the dress. A sales clerk came over and asked, “What size would you want to see the dress in?”

     Howard answered, “Do you have the dress in a size ten?”

     “If you will just wait one minute I will check,” the sales clerk replied, walking off.

     She returned with the dress, handed it to Victoria and said, “The dressing rooms are behind the service desk.”

     Victoria took the dress and went inside the dressing room to try it on. When she walked out Howard let out a wolf whistle.

     “Victoria, the dress is a perfect fit. The person that designed that dress had you in mind,” he turned to the sales clerk and said, “We will take it.”

     She went back into the dressing room to remove the dress. She knew she wanted it, and couldn’t afford it, but she didn’t feel right about letting Howard pay for it. After she was dressed, she walked out and handed the dress to the clerk. The clerk rang up the sale, put a covering over the clothes hanger and said, “Thank you stop in again.”

     “You’ve got some mighty pretty merchandise in this store,” Howard answered as he held the door open for Victoria.

     The two entered the elevator and Victoria said, “Howard, I am not accustomed to letting men pick out my clothing, much less pay for it.”

     “I suspected as much since you were so embarrassed, but is just my way of showing my appreciation for what you have and are going to do for me,” he explained.

     “Just what do you mean by what I am going to do for you?” Victoria was visibly upset.

     “You are going sightseeing with me, aren’t you?” Howard asked.

     “Of course I am, but I don’t intend to go to bed with you,” she retorted.

     “If that is why you are so upset forget it. That is not at all what I had in mind. There are no strings attached, I swear,” he answered sheepishly.

     “Now that we have that little matter straightened out, we can be friends, but just friends,” Victoria told him as the elevator stopped at her floor.

     They walked to her room and she handed Howard her key to unlock the door. He unlocked it, stepped aside for her to enter and walked over to pick up his luggage saying, “See you at ten of,” and walked out the door.

 

Chapter Two      

     Conrad and Maureen Wilkins were waiting at the bar when Howard and Victoria approached them. Victoria made the introductions and Howard acknowledged them by saying, “Wilkins, you did me a big favor by sending this little lady to the airport today. She is one in a million.”

     “That I know. She is my right arm,” he replied.

as released by Rebel Ink Press today. I will try to post Chapter One for you.

                                              

IT’S OVER NOW

Chapter One

 

The sun was shining brightly and the rays were casting golden highlights in the blonde hair of Alexandria Brantley. Her husband Walt was looking at her adoringly and said, “Your life will probably be so boring after the busy last few weeks you have had,” he commented as he was preparing to leave for work.

“Oh no, I still have so much to do. Our new home will be completed soon, and I still have so much shopping to do,” Alexandria corrected him. “We do want to be moved in by Labor Day week-end.

     “We went furniture shopping Saturday. The drapes and carpeting have been picked out, what else will we need?” he questioned.

     “Dear, you seem to be forgetting that the dishes, linens, and all the things we are now using will stay in the apartment. Once we move this will be rented out as a furnished apartment. We need to buy all the essentials,” she reminded him.

     Walt smiled and teasingly asked, “Between deciding on what color towels and wash cloths you buy, if you think of it will you buy me a couple of pairs of socks. Mine are full of holes and are rubbing blisters on my feet.”

     “I will make that my priority. You sure are hard on socks. Why don’t you cut your toenails?” she asked.

     “Lieutenant Swartz said his wife cuts his toe nails for him,” Walt hinted “It’s is getting late, I need to get to work.”

     Alex walked to the car with him and as she kissed him goodbye and said, “Have a good day love, eat lunch out, and I will cook you a special dinner, and if you play your cards right, I may just trim your toenails later.”

     Walt looked at her and said, “The day you came into my life was the best day ever,” and walked out the door to go to the police station.

     Alex got a faraway look in her eye as she sat back down at the table for a second cup of coffee. She was thinking to herself, “Yes, I remember the first day I met Walt. He picked me up from the train station and gave me a ride here to meet with Aunt Elizabeth. Mary Beth was missing. She hadn’t thought of Mary Beth in sometime.” She finished drinking her coffee, cleared the dishes from the table and walked over to the telephone. She picked up the receiver and said, operator please connect me with 87651. She listened to the ringing of the telephone and finally heard a “Hello.”

     “Good morning Marie, it is Alex. Do you have anything special planned for today?” she asked.

     “Not really,” Marie replied, “what’s up?”

     “I have so much shopping to do and thought perhaps you would go with me. I sure could use the company,” she answered.

     “I would enjoy that. We haven’t seen each other in such a long time. What time will you pick me up?” Marie asked.

     “In half an hour, if that is convenient for you,” Alex replied.

     “That will be perfect. I will want you to come inside for a moment. Dad has made many changes in the building, and my younger sister Virginia is now living with us. Just park out front and come on in. Dad is remodeling the first room,” Marie explained.

     Alex hurriedly washed the dishes and left them to drain. She picked up her purse and hurried out the door. As she started the car she remembered the reason she became friends with Marie was to satisfy Aunt Elizabeth. She had made a classy lady out of Marie, who at one time was a prostitute. Now Marie was her best female friend. She pulled up in front of Marie’s Place and thought to herself, No one would ever think that at one time this building was The Green Door. She could hear the pounding of the hammer as she walked up the steps to the front porch. She opened the door and hollered, “Hello.”

     The room got quiet and Mr. Taylor said, “Good morning Alex. Marie said you were coming over. How are the plans for your new home coming along?” he asked.

     “Just great,” she answered excitedly, “we will be moving in soon.”

     “I wish the two of you much happiness. After what you have done for this town, you deserve to have a wonderful life together.”

     “Thank you sir,” Alex answered and at that time Marie and her sister entered the room.

     “Hello Alex, this is my sister Virginia. We call her Ginger,” Marie said calmly.

     Alex was spellbound as she replied, “Ginger, welcome to Baltimore. I understand you are going to college here.”

     “Thank you. Baltimore University is noted for offering higher education to females. I plan on studying law,” she continued.

“You have certainly set high standards for yourself. It is my belief that a person can do anything they want to, if they want it badly enough to work for it,” Alex remarked and said, “Marie, intestinal fortitude must run in the family.”

Mr. Taylor laughed and said, “Unfortunately my girls have had to work very hard for what they have and want. None of my girls are afraid of hard work.”

“I am sure they aren’t. You have done a wonderful job with Marie, and I feel sure the other girls are just as resilient. I am looking forward to meeting all of your girls,” she added.

“Let me show you how daddy has remodeled the place,” Marie said and ushered her into the dining area. A wall had been knocked out making one large room. The wall between the kitchen and dining room had been cut down and made into a counter top. “We are converting to a bed and breakfast,” Marie explained.

“An awesome idea,” Alex agreed. “Out of curiosity, do your other sisters resemble you or Ginger?”

“I am the only one that doesn’t have the dark hair and eyes,” Ginger answered.

“Ginger you resemble my dear departed cousin, Mary Beth. The same size, coloring and even some of the same mannerisms, don’t you think Marie?” Alex asked.

“You would notice it more than I. Perhaps we should be leaving, I will need to be home to cook dinner,” Marie answered as she picked up her purse and motioned for Alex to follow her out.  “I’ll be home soon Dad,” and the two walked out to the car.

Once inside the car Alex started to speak, “Marie I apologize if I offended you before. I know the subject of Mary Beth brings back so many unhappy memories for you. I did not stop to think.”

“I am wondering what Otto will think when he meets her. I am afraid I have fallen head over heels for that big lug. I think he loves me too, and truthfully, I have been expecting him to propose. When we first started dating we made a pact that we would not have sex during our dating period. I no longer want to feel like a prostitute, and he and Mary Beth had a satisfying sexual relationship. Please don’t think I am silly,” she begged.

“No, Marie, you are the most honest person I know. I know how you feel. I promised myself I would stay a virgin until I married, and I did,” Alex answered. “I just had an idea. Let’s shop for a couple of hours and then go to the diner for lunch. I haven’t seen Hilda in sometime.”

“If Otto is there, perhaps you could prepare him for meeting Ginger. I want to see his reaction,” suggested Marie.

“It will probably be better if he is told of their resemblance ahead of time,” Alex agreed as she pulled into a parking space in front of the dry goods store. “We have everything for the house but the basics. Perhaps we should shop for the bedroom items, then bathroom essentials, go to lunch and then shop for the kitchen supplies. Please don’t let me forget to buy Walt new socks.”

“Then buy the socks first. I am not sure I should ask, but how is the Grigsby family getting along?” Marie asked.

“You do know he resigned from the police force. His Aunt gave him her farm, and that will keep him busy. Their baby is due any day now. His little boy is so precious. I hope Walt and I are blessed with many children,” Alex confessed as they walked over to the men’s department to buy the socks for Walt.

Once the purchase was made they walked over to the bedding department. I plan on buying a solid color and a print sheet set and pillow cases for two bedrooms. The other two can wait for a while. Two sets each should be fine, don’t you think?” Alex was asking Marie for advice.

“I would think so. You will also need pillows, a light blanket, a quilt, a bedspread with curtains to match and the curtain rods,” Marie reminded her.

“I am glad you came with me. I did not think of pillows, or curtain rods,” she admitted. “Let’s buy the bedding first, take it to the car and come back for the spreads and curtains.”

“What color are your walls?” Marie asked.

“Today I will buy for the one with white and one with light green walls,” she responded.

Marie picked up a set of sheets that were white with small purple flowers. “I like this set, what do you think?” she asked.

“That’s a definite. Find the pillowcases to match and I will find a set of a solid color I like,” she said picking up a light purple set, with pillowcases to match.

Marie had already picked out a set of light green plaid, and a light green with white flowers, “What do you think?” she asked.

“Perfect, at least now we know what color of spread and curtains to look for,” Alex agreed. “I just thought of something. I can’t buy curtains for the kitchen until I measure the windows. Let’s buy the curtain rods and then take a ride out to our place. Earl can put the curtain rods up for us when he has a few minutes to spare.”

“I think that is a great idea. I have no idea where you will be moving to,” Marie agreed.

“Now if you can hold all these sheets and pillow cases, I will pick out the curtain rods, and we will be on our way,” Alex suggested.

Marie just smiled, remembering what a true friend Alex had ben to her, as she followed her to the cashier counter. There was no one waiting in line, so Alex was checked out quickly.

“Now, I can carry a few of those packages,” Alex commented as they went outside to the car. Alex slid in under the steering wheel, waiting for Marie to go around to the other side of the car.

Once inside she commented, “Alex we are certainly lucky weather wise. It is an absolute gorgeous day.

“Yes, I agree. The sky is so blue and those fluffy white clouds floating by makes me feel so relaxed and that all is right in the world,” Alex commented.

“I have never been on this road before,” Marie commented. “The farm buildings are so beautiful.”

“The next place we pass will be where the Grigsby’s live. I am proud that you have no ill feelings toward Grigsby. That alone shows what a compassionate person you are,” Alex commented.

“How could I?” she asked, “He was forced into doing what he did. It is water over the bridge, so please for my sake, put it out of your mind, I have.”

Alex drove a little slower as she passed by the house. Danny was in the front yard playing with Sparkey, and Patricia was sitting in a lounge chair shelling peas. She did not look up as the car passed by. Alex drove a little faster and smiled as she looked at Marie. She was as excited as a child seeing farm animals for the first time.

 Alex pulled into the drive way and spotted Uncle Earl. He was transplanting flowers near her house. She honked the horn as they got out of the car.

Uncle Earl stood up, and started walking toward the girls. He had a broad smile on his work worn face. “Alex, I am so glad to see you, and you are certainly traveling in beautiful company. Hello Marie, and welcome to our part of the world.”

“Thank you Earl. I can’t believe how peaceful it is here,” she answered modestly.

“Alex, I have so much to tell you. The carpeting has been laid, and I have the drapery rods up, but the drapes were so wrinkled I took them to the tailor shop to get pressed. I took the liberty of installing the hardware on the outside doors. I didn’t like the idea of having a stranger know what key you used to get into your house. Let me show you how nice everything looks.”

“That sounds like a great idea, but shouldn’t we carry some of our packages in with us?” she asked.

“Later. I have a big box we can store everything in. Let’s check out the house and then I will set the box up for you,” he was eager for her to see how beautiful her new home was. He led the way up to the front door, took out a ring of keys, selected one and opened the door. He stepped aside and let them enter first. 

Alex and Marie stood inside the door and looked around. Alex walked over and stood in front of the fire place. The fire place was large and made from stone. The mantle had a glossy finish. The hearth had been made from matching stone. Alex immediately visualized Walt and her cuddling in front of the fireplace.

Marie had wandered into the dining room. “Alex, come quickly,” she called.

Alex walked over and joined her. She was standing in front of a huge window overlooking the side yard. A mother deer and her fawn were standing at the edge of the pond, drinking.

Earl joined them saying, “I thought perhaps you would place the dining room table here. A vast flower garden will be planted outside this window.”

Alex looked at Marie and explained, “My Father and Uncle Randolph drew up the plans for the house and yard. They have a detailed description of how and where to plant the flowers, shrubs and trees. I actually feel it is too extravagant, but the house is a wedding present for us, so I will consider us fortunate to have it. Actually, I consider myself so lucky to have Uncle Earl to help make all my dreams come true.”

“Aw shucks, you know how I feel about the two of you. I consider the two of you my kids I never was lucky enough to have,” Earl said, shuffling his feet.

“I think it is a win win situation all around. Alex, I am happy for you, and so proud you consider me a friend,” Marie commented.

“Come on in and let me show you the kitchen,” Earl said leading the way in.

“That reminds me, we need to measure the windows for curtains,” Alex said as she walked into the kitchen.

“I will get my yardstick,” Earl said leaving the room.

Alex walked over and started opening the cupboard doors. The shelves had been neatly lined with a white oil cloth. Opening a drawer, she noticed they had also been lined.

Earl walked in just as Alex was closing a drawer. “I hope you don’t mind that I lined the shelves and drawers. I just want to make moving in as easy as I can for you.”

“On the contrary Uncle Earl. I think you are next to the most wonderful and considerate man I know,” Alex gushed.

“Since you put it like that I will show you what else I took the liberty of doing.” He walked over and opened the door to the pantry, showing shelves lined with white oil cloth. “Now take a gander at this,” he said opening the door next to the pantry door. Inside was a wringer washing machine, set up with tubs for rinsing. He opened an outside door and said, “All you have to do is step outside and hang the clothes on the line.” He had the line connected to a clothes pole with a pulley by the top of the door. A bag filled with clothes pins hung within arm’s reach.

Alex was overwhelmed. “Uncle Earl, I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”

“I am not looking for pay. Alex you and that man of yours is the nearest I’ve got to kin. Just say it is okay for me to continue doing what I’m doing, and I will be a happy man,” he answered. “Now let’s measure for those curtains.”

Alex pullet a tablet and pen from her purse and said, “I am ready anytime you are.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but while you have the tablet out add an iron and ironing board to your list,” Marie said smiling.

“Little lady, you have such a sweet smile, if I wasn’t so old, I would come a courting,” Earl surprised her by saying.

“What a nice thing to say. May I call you Uncle Earl also?” Marie asked.

“Of course. Now I forgot what I measured, I will have to measure again,” he remarked.

Alex and Marie exchanged glances smiling, then Alex started to write down the numbers Earl called out to her.

“Thanks Earl. We will need to leave now. I have so much shopping to do. We will be stopping in again in a couple of days,” Alex said as she kissed him on the cheek.

“I’ll walk out with you and bring the bundles in the house for safe keeping,” Uncle Earl said. “Young lady I do hope you come out for another visit. It gets kind of lonely out here,” Earl said to Marie.

“Thank you Earl, I hope to,” she replied.

“In a few days you will never feel lonesome again, I promise,” Alex said as they walked to the car. Once inside the car, Alex started the engine and was driving down the road.

“I am getting hungry. Perhaps we could get a bite to eat before we finish shopping,” Marie suggested.

“Marie, did you hear my stomach growl?” Alex asked. “Let’s go to the diner. Perhaps Otto will be there.”

“Earl is such a nice man,” Marie commented.

“He is one in a million. I feel so blessed that we will have him living on the property with us. I know once we have a baby he will spoil him rotten,” Alex confided.

“I wonder if you realize how fortunate you are.” Marie asked.

“Yes, I do. The first thing I do every morning when I wake up is to thank god for his blessings,” Alex answered as she pulled into the parking lot of The Home Plate. The two got out of the car and walked inside. Otto wasn’t there so they sat at a table near the front.

Letitia walked over and said, “Well hello, I haven’t seen the two of you lately. May I take your order, or do you want a menu?”

“I will have a hot ham on rye, no cheese and a little mustard, French fries and an iced tea,” Alex spoke up.

“I will have the same, but with cheese and no mustard,” Marie said.

“Coming right up,” Letitia smiled and walked into the kitchen.

Soon Hilda came out beaming. “It is so good to see you girls. How is life treating you?” she asked.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Alex replied.

“I know Marie is making a great life for herself. Her Daddy stops in occasionally and is always bragging on her,” Hilda confided. “I need to get back to the kitchen, enjoy your meal.”

“Daddy plans on getting the food for our bed and breakfast here. Hilda has a marvelous catering service,” Marie said.

“Yes, I remember,” Alex was thinking back to Mary Beth’s memorial service and the meal after that Hilda had catered.

Letitia came out with their plates of food, and started placing the plates on the table.

“Has Otto been in?” Alex asked.

“He and Stubby were in earlier. They were expecting a tanker to come in around noon,” she explained as she placed the bill on the table. “If you want anything else, please let me know,” and she walked back into the kitchen.

Marie and Alex were quietly eating their sandwich when the sound of breaking dishes got their attention. They looked up to se LHung standing in the doorway of the kitchen, broken dishes on the floor staring at the door.

Alex followed his gaze in time to see a very large man open the door and walk out. He had a peg Leg.