Sorrento Girl Page 16

  “Hi, Ann! Everything is good here.”

  “Are you doing anything special tomorrow?”

  “I’m taking Sophia for a picnic.”

  “That’s great. You should pick some roses from the backyard and give them to her.”

  After talking to her father, Ann was glad she’d stayed in Seattle instead of going back to Wenatchee. It wasn’t that she didn’t miss him, but if she were there, her father would probably spend the holiday with her instead of Sophia. Ann was happy that he was finally dating. He deserved happiness.

  She decided to take a different route back after she hung up and left to head back down the hill to her aunt’s. Ann wanted to walk by her family’s old house and see if it was still vacant.

  The old Victorian looked as stately as ever. It sat back from the street with a series of stone steps leading up to the entrance. The green lawn was still neatly clipped. This time, however, there was a red sign in the front yard that announced the house was for sale. Ann wanted to see inside. Maybe there would be an open house soon. One could hope.

  Back at Rose and Gary’s house, Ann made herself a simple dinner with what she had brought home from the market and sat down at the kitchen table with her plate and her new magazine to keep her company. She didn’t like eating by herself.

  Today, she’d surprised herself, and she was proud. Had she known that a trip to the salon would have led to her meeting with the Dean of Women at Seattle College and to getting back on track with school, she might have avoided the trip out of embarrassment and fear, but she hadn’t allowed herself to back out after making up her mind.

  I’m stronger than I knew.

  Twenty-Seven

  Dear Paul,

  I hope this letter finds you well, and I pray that you are enjoying great success with your new job in Portland. There are no adequate words to convey how much I am sorry for the way I ended things. I won’t blame you if you choose to never speak to me again. It was wrong of me to wait so long to tell you how I was feeling. I did not want to embarrass you or hurt you. The truth is that I love you. I knew it the day we took that boat ride to Kirkland.

  That day when I was standing in the atrium at St. James, waiting to walk down the aisle and become your wife, I knew that it wouldn’t be fair to either of us if I continued to pretend that it didn’t matter how I was feeling. I don’t want to be married unless that marriage is an equal partnership. To me, that means making big decisions as a team on things like where to live. I don’t think I communicated effectively, and for that, I ask for your forgiveness. As much as I love you, I can’t be the kind of wife that I believe you want. It isn’t any fault of your own. I know my views fall outside what is traditional. I wish I could be that kind of woman for you, but in the end, I knew it would be wrong to spend a lifetime pretending.

  I will always remember you with love,

  Ann

  ***

  The last of the wedding gifts from the Sorrento Girls were finally in the mail. Ann had saved the most difficult ones until last—those from Peggy, Helen, and Nora. She wished she could have told them all face-to-face. She missed her friends. Ann had been taking an armload of packages to the post office each day until finally, she’d finished. It had been quite a task to track down all the addresses she needed. Some replies were already starting to trickle in, mostly expressing surprise, with a few questioning if she’d be back at Seattle College in the fall. Not wanting to ring up an expensive phone bill for her aunt, Ann had mostly stuck to communicating the old-fashioned way, through the mail. The benefit was that she could choose her words carefully.

  Ann hadn’t heard back from Paul, and she didn’t dare to hope that she would. She was mindful, when people asked, to place the responsibility for the breakup solely upon herself. Paul had been kind to her.

  The phone rang while Ann was dusting the front room. “Hello, Ann?” asked a familiar voice. “It’s Barbara Delzer.”

  “Yes, this is Ann. Barbara, how nice to hear from you.”

  “I wanted to check on you and make sure you were okay. You expressed some doubts to me about the marriage earlier, so I wasn’t surprised to hear that you had changed your mind about the wedding. I know it took a great deal of strength to follow through on what you knew was the right thing to do.”

  How kind of Barbara to call and offer understanding and encouragement. “Thank you. I’m doing okay. I miss Paul. Maybe we should have just had a longer engagement. I don’t know. I keep thinking, if I had just talked to him earlier, we might have been able to work out our problems …”

  “Honey, I don’t know either. These things are difficult.” Barbara paused. “How about we meet for lunch sometime this week? Tuesday, at noon? My treat. How about Top O’ the Town at the Sorrento? We can talk more then.”

  “Yes! That would be wonderful. I’ve missed you. How are the children?”

  “They miss you! We all do. I’ll see you on Tuesday. Got to go now. Sally is asking for something.”

  Could she dare to hope that she might get her old job back?

  ***

  Dear Ann,

  Thank you for your letter. Being a reporter for The Oregonian has kept me busy, and the job is satisfying but not nearly as much as I had anticipated. I miss you. I was angry at first, but I have had a lot of time to think. You have my forgiveness, though I think it is I who owes you an apology. I ask for your forgiveness for not considering your feelings more. I see now, how presumptuous my actions were. I messed up. You tried to tell me how you felt, and I didn’t listen. I did not work hard enough to find a job in Seattle, and I was selfish. How I wish I could go back and do it all differently.

  I will always love you. Though it was a painful experience to be left at the altar, I have nothing but respect for you.

  Based on the return address of your last letter, I assume you are still living in Seattle. Are you returning to Seattle College this fall? I hope so. You will be an excellent teacher one day.

  With love,

  Paul

  ***

  The letter dropped to the floor. Ann grabbed a handkerchief. She wasn’t one to cry often, but his words and his kindness were a balm to her broken heart, and she was suddenly very emotional. What now? He had asked her about school. Did that mean he wanted her to write back? Would that be wise? Wasn’t a clean break healthier for both of them? She didn’t know. Ann tucked the letter away in her hatbox. She would wait to decide what to do.

  Today was Tuesday. With a quick glance in the mirror, Ann applied a touch of powder to her nose and smoothed her hair. She needed to leave soon if she wanted to make it on time to meet Mrs. Delzer at the restaurant. Ann was excited to be returning to the hotel, if only for lunch, and she was even more happy to be meeting with a friend. Living alone for the past three weeks had been lonely. She was ready for some company.

  Andy, the doorman, gave Ann a big smile when she came through the front door of the Sorrento. “Miss Brooks! Welcome back. Are you checking in?”

  “I’m just meeting a friend upstairs today. It’s good to see you, Andy. I’ve missed this place. What’s new?”

  “Well, it has been pretty quiet around here without the students around.”

  “Enjoy the peace while you can. We’ll be back before you know it!” Ann was sitting in her favorite spot by the fireplace, feeling like she was at home again, when Mrs. Delzer came through the front door and spotted her. “I have so much to tell you,” Ann said when she saw her friend.

  “You sure do. I want to hear everything,” Barbara said with a sympathetic nod.

  While they dined on Waldorf salad, Ann did her best to recount the events of the past month. She even told Barbara about the letter she’d received from Paul, just that morning. “What do you think I should do?” she asked.

  “Hmm … I guess, maybe a quick, cordial response wouldn’t hurt. But be careful. You’ve both been through so much heartache. You need time to heal.”

  Ann appreciated the advice, but sh
e was starting to feel uncomfortable with the conversation centering on her, so she switched topics. “You know, I saw a place in Portland called Jantzen Beach that looked like fun. There’s a huge roller coaster. Have you ever been there with the children?”

  “No, but I’ve heard of it. It’s a place I’d like to take them. I’m afraid we probably won’t be able to take our usual vacation this August. Mr. Delzer has a new project at work that’s keeping him busy. They’re down to a bare-bones staff at his company right now, trying to cut expenses. I’m just thankful he’s still got a job.”

  There wasn’t a person who’d not been touched by the economic fiascos of the past ten years. Ann learned while they chatted that Mrs. Delzer had not hired another mother’s helper after her departure. Her friend was probably cutting back on her staff and expenses as well. Ann didn’t ask about coming back, either, knowing that to do so might cause embarrassment.

  “I hope you know that I would be happy to watch the children every once in a while, when you need a break, strictly on a volunteer basis—as a friend. You know I miss them, and it would be a pleasure.”

  “You’re a dear, Ann.” Barbara smiled gratefully. “I hope you know that you’re welcome in our home anytime.”

  While riding the streetcar back to her aunt’s house, Ann thought about the people in her life that she’d come to know over the past year. Some, like Mrs. Delzer, had been like angels sent from heaven. God was watching out for her.

  ***

  Dear Paul,

  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness and understanding you communicated in your last letter. Thank you. In answer to your questions—yes, I’m still in Seattle. I have been house-sitting for my aunt over the past few weeks. I have had a lot of time to read and work in the garden. I will be returning to Seattle College in the fall after a short visit back to Wenatchee.

  I went to the library yesterday, and I saw the article you wrote in The Oregonian about the riots. It was very well written. Portland is lucky to have you.

  Sincerely,

  Ann

  ***

  Dear Ann,

  My sweet, dear friend! You did not need to send back the mixing bowls. My goodness, I was surprised when I received your letter. You have my full sympathy and support for what I know must have been a tough decision to make. That must have created quite some drama! I want to hear all about it. But seriously, it was better to call it off when you did then to get married, knowing it was wrong. Selfishly, I’m rather glad to find out you’ll be sticking around.

  I’m excited to see you when school starts! You are coming back to school. Right?

  Your friend,

  Helen

  p.s. Do you have a roommate yet?

  Twenty-Eight

  The fall of 1939 started much like the previous one. Helen and Ann were roommates, once again, as were Nora and Peggy. They’d quickly resumed their comfortable routine of gathering in each other’s rooms to gossip, listen to the radio, and get ready together before going out on the weekends. It was Friday night. They were all going to a dance held at the school.

  Ann was arranging Nora’s hair for her when the music they were listening to suddenly stopped, interrupted by a news bulletin. The German army had attacked Poland. The announcer talked about the possibility of a large-scale conflict throughout Europe.

  “That’s awful!” Helen said as she walked over to the radio and moved the dial. “But I don’t want to hear about that tonight. What else is on?”

  “Let’s put on a record instead. I have a new Billie Holiday one that I haven’t played for you yet. I’ll go get it from my room,” Nora said.

  Ann put the last of the pins she was using into Nora’s hair. “Done! You’re ready for a night of dancing.” She twirled Nora around so she could see the mirror.

  “I love it! Thank you!” Nora said, admiring her reflection. “Hold on, ladies. I’ll be right back.”

  “Ann, let me do your hair for you tonight.” Peggy gestured toward the chair. “Here, sit down. My Marcel Waver is hot. I’ll give you some waves.”

  “Do you think there will be another war in Europe?” Ann asked as she sat down. She was still thinking about the news bulletin.

  Peggy shrugged. “I don’t know. I hope not. I don’t think we’ll get involved though, even if there is.” Peggy leaned against the front of the dressing table. “By the way, I got a letter from Joe today. They’re sending him to Hawaii. It sounds like a vacation to me.”

  “Oh, yeah? Are you two still staying in touch?” Ann asked.

  “We are.” Peggy smiled. “He writes such sweet letters.”

  Ann thought about Paul. Would she ever hear from him again?

  ***

  The next day, Saturday, Ann woke up early. She was ready to get back to her volunteer work at the soup kitchen. They weren’t expecting her, but hopefully they’d welcome her help and have a place for her. Did Mr. Ferguson already know about her broken engagement? He was, after all, friends with Mrs. Lewis.

  At school, she hadn’t needed to do nearly as much explaining as she’d dreaded. Word traveled fast. Most people didn’t say anything directly to her, but she knew they were talking, and she could feel their stares when she passed by. She was no longer writing for The Spectator. It was too uncomfortable.

  Ann walked down Fourth Avenue, past the University Bookstore. It was still closed at this early hour, but she paused to peek in the window. Her aunt’s book was due to be released any day now, and Ann had been keeping an eye on the store, excited to see it in print for the first time. Quickly scanning the display, Ann nearly moved on, but then she saw it—A History of Cathedrals in Great Britain by Rose Fairbanks Francis. There it was! Ann was so proud of her aunt. She couldn’t wait to get her hands on that book and to congratulate Rose.

  Just then, Mr. Ferguson approached. “Hello, Ann! What a pleasant surprise to see you here.”

  “Hello, Mr. Ferguson. That’s my aunt Rose’s book!” Ann couldn’t contain her excitement.

  “Look at that! How wonderful. You must be so proud of her,” he said with a smile. “I’m headed to the soup kitchen.”

  Ann smiled. “So am I.” The two walked on, together, the rest of the way. Ann was grateful for the opportunity to explain her unexpected presence to Mr. Ferguson in private before they reached the soup kitchen. He was kind and supportive, just as she knew he’d be.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  “So am I,” Ann said, unable to completely hide the sadness in her tone. “But life goes on.”

  “Yes, it does, and I know your help will be welcome at the soup kitchen. Everyone will be happy to see you.”

  The rest of the morning, Ann stayed busy making coffee and cleaning tables. It was good to feel useful.

  On the way home, she stopped by the bookshop and bought a copy of Rose’s book. She made sure to tell the sales clerk that the author was her aunt.

  ***

  “Pete Haskins asked me if I could introduce him to you today,” Helen said on Monday night.

  Ann, who was putting her clothes away in the closet, stopped and laughed. “Oh? I’m not interested in dating right now if that’s what he means.”

  “He’s a nice guy, Ann, and cute too! You’re not engaged anymore. It’s time to get out there and have some fun!”

  “I don’t want any distractions. I’m trying to finish school a year early, so I’ve got an extra full load of classes.” She was doing it to save money.

  “Okay. Fine. But will you still let me introduce you if I make it clear that you’re just interested in being friends?”

  Ann studied her friend, knowing Helen was going to keep asking until she relented. “All right. When?”

  “Tomorrow. Meet us for ice cream at Jack Frost after school. Four o’clock.”

  “Helen, I don’t know …” Ann sighed, not wanting to say yes, but not wanting to seem like a stick in the mud either. “Okay.”

  “Great! I didn’t want it to be aw
kward. I’m meeting Pete’s friend, Andrew, there. I think I like him, but I don’t know …”

  “Ha! I get it. Listen. I’ll be your chaperone, but not Peter’s date!”

  “You’re the best, Ann!”

  Ann just rolled her eyes and sat down at the desk. “I’ve got some studying to do.”

  ***

  September must be the most beautiful month of all in Seattle. Ann took off the cardigan she was wearing and put it over her shoulders. It felt like a perfect late summer day. As she walked from her science class toward the Sorrento, she remembered her promise to meet Helen at Jack Frost that day.

  The ice cream shop was crowded, as usual, when Ann arrived. It was a favorite hangout for the students at Seattle College. Every one of the red vinyl booths was full. She spotted Helen toward the back.

  Her friend looked up and waved. “Hi, Ann! Andrew, Pete, hello!”

  Ann turned around to see the two students—Andrew and Pete—who had just arrived behind her. Andrew wore a Chieftain letterman jacket and an adorable, friendly smile. Probably a basketball player, judging from his height. Pete had red hair, freckles, and glasses. His shy smile was endearing.

  Introductions were made, and they all squeezed into the booth. Ann ordered a cherry lemon sour and relaxed. Helen was enjoying herself. Both Pete and Andrew were charming company, and it seemed both men were vying for Helen’s attention alone. Ann didn’t need to worry.

  Several booths away, a couple of guys that Ann used to work with on The Spectator were watching her. They were Paul’s friends. It probably appeared like she was on a date. What did it matter? But still, she hoped they wouldn’t say anything.

  After an hour, it was time to say goodbye. Ann couldn’t help but tease Helen a little on the walk home. “Pete wanted to meet me, huh? I don’t think he took his eyes off you the entire time. I’d be jealous if it weren't for the fact that I’ve decided to swear off all dating for a year.”

  Helen gasped. “A year! Oh, honey, no. Why? Are you still in love with Paul?”

  “I’ll always love him, but I did the right thing. I know I did. Still, it will take me awhile to get over the loss.”