Finding Madelyn (8 page)

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.

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 fro
m 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 qu
ite;
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 h
ave 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 h
is 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.”

“Poor Galen.”

“Ha.” Cassie pointed a finger at her.

“Don’t tell Pa. I don’t need either of you protecting me from him.”

“He’ll figure it out.”

“Hopefully not before he figures out what Galen is like.”

“Oh now baby, that’s what you have to do. Boys grow up and they’re not the same.”

“I’ve got that down, but then again I’m not the same either.”

“Only time will tell. Speaking of time, you’d better get back in there before Galen thinks I dragged you home.”

“We will talk more about this tomorrow.” Maddy kissed her cheek.

Snow started falling before Maddy and Galen walked out the door at the end of the dance. Ice cream might not
be
the smartest thing on a cold December
night
, but
everyone at some point would go to
The P
arlor. It seemed the less time they had alone
,
the less people would talk. There would be enough talk about the Langley boy taking out the cleaning lady’s daughter.

They ran the block to the malt shop knowing that parking by the building
wouldn’t work. They were right:
every spot was full
,
but at least the place was warm. They slipped into a booth across from each other, shaking off the snow that had attached to them.

“Al
l
right, it’s too damn cold for ice cream. What would you like?”

“You better not let your mama hear you talk like that.” She wiggled a finger at him. “I want something warm.”

“I’m warm.” His eyebrow
rose
.

“Galen!” She half whispered the admonishment.

“Sorry.” He stared at the table, but she could see him fighting the laugh. “I know what would be good.”

He slid out of the booth and spoke across the counter to one of the busy waitresses. Someone slipped into the booth across from her and she started to object.

“Hey Maddy.” Harland said as he settled into the seat. “No other open seats. I hope you don’t mind.”

Across from her, Rita rolled her eyes and looked around the room.

“Hey Harland.” Galen slipped in next to her. “They’re a little busy, if you want something you might want to tell them like I did.”

“No hurry, they’ll get around to me.” Harland smiled across like he knew a secret.

Her heart flipped as Galen’s hand ran down her leg, settling on her knee. He patted twice and she wondered what shade of red she was.

It took a moment for what Harland said to make it to her ears.
“How did you like your first dance, Maddy?”

“It was fun.”

“You look very nice
,
too.” He added.

Rita huffed and it was Harland’s turn to roll his eyes. Maddy had to bite her lip to stifle the laugh. It was good to know that even he tired of Rita. Of course, they had been dating longer than anyone expected.

“I’m hungry, Harland.” Rita whined.

“I’m sure they will be by in a minute. Someone does have to deliver what they ordered.”

His voice was like honey when he spoke to her. Maddy was thankful Galen didn’t use that tone with her. She’d probably walk away if he tried.

“Did Cassie get to see you all dressed up?” Harland continued to talk to her.

“She came by the dance.”
Maddy nodded.

As long as Rita didn’t speak, it was just like sitting at the house having lunch during the summers. Harland trying to be gentlemanly and convince her to talk more. Galen trying to make her laugh, which he was doing now by running his fingers against the ticklish spot in her knee.

“About time.” Rita ruined the moment.

The waitress looked half ragged sitting down two cups of hot cocoa and a large order of fries.

“Hey Harland, good to see you home.” She was pretty when she smiled. “What can I bring you?”

Rita started, “I want a strawberry milkshake.”

The young woman standing at the end of the table nodded but didn’t take her eyes off Harland.

“Add to that a hamburger and fries, Olivia.” Harland kept the smile.

“It will take a
little
longer than normal, but you got it.” She bounced away.

“If she didn’t talk so much it’d be quicker.” Rita moved her eyes out the window.

Harland closed both his eyes, clasped his hands together, and took a deep breath. Galen took the moment to lean over to Maddy.

“You like the cocoa?”

She smiled at him and nodded, hoping she could pass a look across as well as Olivia had.

“Good. Eat the fries
,
too.” His leg rubbed across hers, but at least his hands were on top of the table.

“What are you two whispering about?”

She shot Harland a look that this time went through as he looked to the table.

“Why would anyone care?” Rita said mindlessly, still looking out the window.

Harland’s hand wrapped around the back of
Rita’s
neck and he pressed his fingers just below her ear, pulling her to face him. It was singly the most abrasive thing she’d ever seen him do, and she nearly cheered him for it. He leaned to the side away from her and Galen. The muscles in his jaw moved and Rita’s face went near the shade of the snow on the window.

“You wouldn’t?” For Rita, it actually came out as a whisper as they stared each other down.

“You know I would.” He kissed her forehead and turned back to Galen. “You two have plans after this?”

“Take her home so her pa doesn’t skin me alive.” Galen cleared his throat.

“Too bad, thought we’d go for a drive by the water.”

“Not tonight.”

She swallowed the last bit of cream out the bottom of the cup feeling much warmer than before. The fact that Galen hadn’t moved his leg had helped. Each time he wiggled in the seat, he brushed against her. That was a new issue she could get used to.