Clarence reached in his pocket, took out a bill and tossed it on the bar. He poured a drink, and taking a sip, turned to observe the room. A haze of smoke hung in the air, along with the strong odor of liquor. An older man in a white shirt, with red garters wrapped around his sleeves played a tune on the piano. Several of Miss Lizzy’s girls wandered the room, sitting on men’s laps, leaning over the poker table. A young, dark haired whore giggled, red-faced, when a customer pulled the top of her dress out to peer at her generous charms.
In a little while, he’d lead one of them upstairs, and afterwards play a few hands of poker. Grateful for him finding his daughter, Mr. Lester told him to enjoy a couple of days off from his manager’s job. One day he would no longer be a manager in one of Lester’s business, but the owner of all the companies. But now he’d enjoy his little vacation, and see the idiot girl returned home with her parents where she belonged.
He frowned at the actions of the man she’d identified as her employer. She hadn’t been here long enough for him to be so protective. What did that mean? Best to convince her to return home before Mr. Henderson staked a claim. Although with her illness and delicate frame, he couldn’t imagine any man seriously considering her worth his attentions.
“Ready for a little fun?” The young whore sashayed over, one slim hand resting on her hip. Although barely out of the school room, her eyes were as old as time. As long as she willingly sold her young, lush body, he didn’t really give a damn.
He grinned. “Sure, honey. You gonna show me what that poker player got a peek at?” Pushing away from the bar, he strolled up to her.
“That and lots more.” She turned and headed for the stairs, her hips swaying. Clarence joined her, the whiskey bottle clutched tightly in his hand.
****
Heidi put the finishing touches on her hair, adjusted the barrettes holding her unruly blonde curls off her face, and stared in the hall mirror. She pinched her cheeks to add some color, and then bit her lips. Hurrying from her bedroom, she chided herself. Michael didn’t care what she looked like. She felt grateful he kept her on. Between her asthma, and the interruptions yesterday from Clarence and his mother, he could have easily dismissed her.
Mrs. Wilson had given her permission to use her kitchen, where she’d made coffee and oatmeal with bits of raisins and brown sugar. Right here sat the proper breakfast she’d promised Michael. Even though her stomach fluttered with excitement, making her wonder if she could even eat, she’d made enough so they could share breakfast. Her face flushed. Had she been too forward? Would he think badly of her? Before she could talk herself out of it, she screwed the lids on the jars with the coffee and oatmeal. Then she wrapped a tea towel around each one to keep them warm, tucked them carefully in her shopping bag, and headed to the door.
Bright sunlight warmed the cold, crisp air. She’d never been to Guthrie before her adventure. In fact, she hadn’t been anywhere. Mother and Papa always told her travel would damage her lungs. Now as she hurried to work, clutching her precious bundle, she admired the new buildings and numerous businesses. As she passed the brand new library, she promised herself to obtain a library card-her very own, not Mother’s-and borrow some books to read in the evenings.
She hurried around to the back door of the store, and entered the small kitchen. She poked her head around the curtain.
“Good morning.” Michael waved in her direction as he removed the dust covers from the counters. Heidi wanted to surprise him, so after returning the greeting, she let the curtain float closed. She quickly hung her coat and scarf, and hunted through the cabinet above the small refrigerator for two bowls and two cups.
Once Heidi poured the coffee and dished out breakfast, she ran her sweaty palms down the front of her dress, and searched for Michael.
“I have a surprise for you.” The excitement affected her breathing, so she slowed her steps as she walked toward him.
Michael smiled. “What surprise?”
“I made breakfast.” Her heart beat so fast, he must have heard it.
“You did?” His eyes sparkled.
She nodded, and ran her tongue around her dry lips.
“Well, let’s have breakfast.” He held his arm out, and she giggled as she placed her arm in his. Feeling much better at his reaction, she took a deep breath as he escorted her to the back area.
“I made oatmeal and coffee.” She waved her hand over the table, willing her heart to slow down.
He pulled out her chair, and then took his own.
“I made the coffee differently than you do. Tell me if you like it.” She twisted her hands in her lap as he took a sip.
“Delicious,” he said after he took a large swallow. “The best coffee I’ve ever had.”
For the most bizarre reason, Heidi felt tears rush to her eyes. Michael had made her feel good about herself more times in the last two days than everyone else in her entire life.
He took a mouthful of the oatmeal and moaned. “This is wonderful. You are truly a good cook.”
She continued to stare at him until he pointed at her bowl with his spoon. “You need to eat, too.”
“Oh, yes. Of course.” Heat rose to her face. The man seemed able to fluster her so easily.
****
Michael called Heidi over to where he worked on prescriptions. The store stood empty, a good time to discuss her asthma.
“I spoke with Dr. Kane last evening. He agreed Belladonna would be a good treatment for you.”