Sorrento Girl Read online

Page 9


  “Please, go on!” Mrs. Delzer laughed. “She’s been waiting all afternoon for someone to play with her outside. But when you come back inside, I have something I want to talk to you about.”

  ***

  Filling the tub with hot water and a generous pour of bubble bath, Ann prepared a bath for Sally. Mud covered the little girl from head to toe from her afternoon outside. Mrs. Delzer brought her daughter upstairs and plopped her into the giant claw-foot tub.

  “I can take these clothes down to the washroom,” Ann offered as she gathered up the dirty items from the floor.

  “Oh, thank you. You know, I’ve been thinking ahead regarding next year. I’m excited for you and Paul and your upcoming marriage—but we’re going to miss you when you’re gone!” Mrs. Delzer kneeled next to the tub. “Have you two set a date yet?”

  “We think it will be in June, after Paul graduates. I’m going to miss all of you too.”

  “If you have any friends whose names you’d like to pass along as recommendations for another mother’s helper, I’d be so grateful.”

  Ann blinked back unexpected tears. It was a fair question, but the reality of how fast her life would be changing, once again, hit Ann with a force as she thought about leaving the Delzer family.

  “I’ve always wondered what it would have been like if I would have stayed in school after I married Mr. Delzer. I don’t know …” Mrs. Delzer stopped bathing Sally and focused on Ann. “I’m happy with the way things are, but maybe one day I’ll go back and finish that degree.” She seemed to be thinking out loud as she said the words. Then, she brought herself back to the present. “Alright, we’re just about done here. You’re free to go, Ann. I don’t want you to be late for dinner. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Ann had never told Mrs. Delzer that she wanted to stay in school after she was married, so what prompted the woman to bring up her own doubts about not finishing her degree?

  ***

  After returning to the Sorrento, Ann hurried to her room and put on a clean dress for dinner. She glanced in the mirror and laughed. A streak of mud crossed her right cheek. She wiped it off, applied some powder and lipstick, and closed the door behind her as she went to join her friends in the dining room. When she got to the table, everyone else was already there.

  “So, how did it go with meeting Paul’s parents this weekend?” Peggy poured a glass of water and handed it to Ann.

  Ann made a face. “His mother isn’t too happy about the fact that I’m not Catholic. And I still can’t read his grandmother. I can’t tell if she's only polite or if she actually likes me. His father? I’m not sure about either. He didn’t seem very pleased to be at the dinner.”

  “Ah, well … how’s Paul feeling about you not being Catholic?” Helen asked.

  “He doesn’t mind,” Ann said with a shrug. “We both agree on the big ideas. We have more in common with our Christian beliefs than we have differences. We’re still figuring those things out.”

  “I think that’s a good thing. Your faith should be personal and meaningful to you—not something you follow to make other people happy,” Peggy said.

  “Thank you, I agree.” Ann smiled and picked up her fork, eager to taste the pot roast in front of her. It was comforting to know that her friends understood. “Anyhow, we’re talking about getting married in June.”

  “Oh, yay!” Nora perked up at hearing that announcement. “You can count on us to help you! Where’s the wedding going to be? Wenatchee or Seattle?”

  “I don’t know yet. It will probably be something simple.”

  “Please, let us help, any way we can,” Helen said. The Sorrento Girls were a sisterhood. Having them around was the best part of living in this beautiful hotel.

  Ann knew her friends would help out anyway they could. Choosing flowers, picking out a dress … those things would be easy. But she wasn’t naive. With Paul’s family, navigating through some of the other decisions, like which church, would be a challenge.

  ***

  After dinner, Ann headed to the Fireside Room. She and Paul had made plans to meet there and study, and she found him in a chair facing the fire and reading. Ann paused before going over to him. She just stood there, admiring her fiancé and appreciating what a handsome man he was.

  He looked up and smiled. “Hey, how was the rest of your day?”

  Ann joined him and set her books down on the table next to Paul. “It was good! This wedding stuff is starting to feel more real each day. The girls were asking me all sorts of questions at dinner, and Mrs. Delzer is asking for recommendations so she can replace me.”

  “Ah. Well, my grandmother called. She was asking lots of questions too.” Paul sounded tired.

  “What sort of questions?”

  He didn’t answer directly. Instead, Paul rummaged through his book bag and pulled out his reading glasses, buying time to think, Ann presumed. “She’s from another generation. She’s very traditional. It might take her some time.” He paused. “I told her that you wanted to continue with school after we got married—and I told her that we hadn’t yet decided if we wanted to get married in the Catholic church.”

  “Oh.” How should she respond to that news? She wasn’t surprised. She had suspected these issues could cause some problems with Paul’s family. Ann twirled her engagement ring on her finger, thinking. “What did she say?”

  “She’s not happy if I’m completely straight with you. I’m going to see her tomorrow evening for dinner, just the two of us. I’ll bring her around. I know she likes you. How could she not? It’s just a lot for her to take in.”

  “She loves you. I know she’s important to you. I don’t want to cause problems.” Ann’s voice quavered as she spoke, betraying the hurt she felt.

  “Don’t worry. You’re worth it. I knew you were a different kind of girl when I asked you to marry me—and I love you, exactly the way you are. I don’t want you to go and change yourself just to fit in with my family.” Paul grabbed Ann’s hand and kissed her palm, finally coaxing a smile from her lips.

  Paul’s words were sweet, and she knew he was sincere. But she was still worried. Would his family come between them?

  Fifteen

  Spring had finally arrived in Seattle. Ann loved how the breeze smelled like saltwater and sunshine. It was finally warm enough to sit outside on the seventh-floor terrace at the Sorrento. She could see Elliot Bay from there, along with much of the city. The hotel staff had uncovered the lounge chairs after the long winter, and several of the coeds were using them as their new study spot on that Sunday afternoon.

  Ann had finished her homework already, so she planned to sit there and enjoy her book. It had been a long time since she’d had the leisure to read, just for fun, rather than for a school assignment. But instead of reading, her mind was wandering.

  March was her birthday month. She was turning twenty on Thursday. Ann had found out from Peggy earlier that morning that she shared not only a room but the same birthday as Helen. What could she do for her friend to celebrate?

  Helen was an incredibly generous friend, and the two of them were always finding something to laugh about. Ann was grateful that she had such a great roommate. She liked to bake cakes, but that was kind of hard to do when one lived at a hotel. Maybe Mrs. Delzer would allow her to use her kitchen so Ann could surprise her friend with a cake. She’d ask tomorrow.

  The other thing on her mind was Paul. He had left for Portland after Mass, as he had a job interview first thing Monday morning with the newspaper editor at The Oregonian. “Just a backup plan, in case the Seattle job doesn’t come through,” he’d said.

  Ann picked up her book once more, trying to focus on something else. She was reading, Gone with the Wind. She didn’t want to think about any need for a backup plan. Maybe June was too soon. That nagging idea had been intruding upon her thoughts lately. It wasn’t too late to push it off. They hadn’t sent out any invitations yet.

  “Is that a good book?” Helen
sat down in the chair next to Ann. “Here, I brought you some coffee,” she said, as she handed the steaming mug to Ann.

  “Oh, thank you! Yes, it’s a good book. I’m not getting through it very quickly, but I want to finish it before the movie comes out.”

  “Peggy just told me that you and I share the same birthday,” Helen said.

  “Yes—Peggy … she’s the one who always seems to know when someone is having a birthday. What would we do without her?” Ann put on her sunglasses. “Hey, Paul and I were talking about having a picnic in the arboretum next Saturday, if the weather cooperates. It would be even more fun if we made it a party and celebrated both our birthdays! What do you say we invite a bunch of people? I’ll make a cake!”

  Helen practically bounced in her chair. “I’d love that! Let’s plan on it.”

  ***

  Mrs. Delzer had informed Ann earlier that week that she wouldn’t be needed after school on Friday. The family would be taking a long weekend getaway with the children at Lake Quinault Lodge. Then she had generously invited Ann to use their kitchen for baking the cake while the family was gone—and the picnic baskets stored in the basement.

  Helen and Ann had been inviting friends to join them for their Saturday afternoon birthday picnic at the arboretum all week. And now, they were taking the streetcar to Pike Place Market to pick up some supplies for the party. On their actual birthday, they’d been too busy to do much of anything besides school and homework—but still, it had been a beautiful day. The women were excited to visit Pike Place Market and to prepare the food.

  Paul had surprised Ann at the newspaper office at lunch on Thursday with roses, chocolates, and a homemade card. They had avoided any talk of the Portland interview. Much to Ann’s delight, she had also received a beautiful card in the mail from Paul’s grandmother.

  The streetcar stopped at First and Pike, and Helen and Ann got off and looked around. The place was crowded, as usual. The smell of fish, the shouts of vendors, and an array of produce greeted the shoppers. The giant red letters next to the big clock said Public Market Center. They towered above the building at the entrance.

  “We have fourteen people who have confirmed, so we’ll need a lot to eat!” Helen said.

  “We could get some bread and eggs and make egg salad sandwiches, but what do we need to make mayonnaise?” Ann asked. Helen just stared at Ann with confusion. She was the wrong person to ask, as she didn’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen.

  Fortunately, an elderly lady standing nearby had been listening to them. “All you need to do, dear, is combine some egg yolk with lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and a little salt. Whisk those ingredients together first—then slowly add some oil, whisking as you go, until you’ve got the right consistency,” the woman explained.

  “Thank you!” the younger women said in unison.

  “Do you want me to write it down?” the lady asked.

  “I think I can remember it,” Ann said.

  “Very well, dears—have a nice day,” the lady said as she moved on to a stall that sold cured meats.

  “Okay, then. That was nice.” Helen grinned and pointed ahead. “Let’s go find some eggs.”

  The women found the sandwich ingredients, apples, cheese, and everything they needed to make a cake. Their baskets were heavy as they made their way back to the corner where they could catch a streetcar back to the Sorrento.

  Ann’s arms were aching from carrying the load. “We can take all of this food to the Delzer’s house and store it there.”

  “Do you want some help baking the cake? Or maybe just some company?” Helen asked.

  It was unusual for Helen to be free on a Friday night. Ann gladly accepted the offer.

  ***

  “The guest of honor isn’t supposed to be doing the work for her party!” Nora said as she took a basket from Ann. They were setting out lunch in the picnic shelter.

  Ann laughed. “I’ve had a lot of fun planning this party. I’m just happy that so many could make it today!” The skies were gray, but at least it wasn’t raining, and it wasn’t too cold. The gathering of those celebrating Helen’s and Ann’s birthdays included Nora, Peggy, Ethel, and Shirley—all friends from the Sorrento. Paul, his best friend, Joe, Harry, Celeste, David, and Mary (from the newspaper) also joined them.

  “I’m going to miss all of this after I graduate,” Paul said, glancing around at their friends.

  Joe handed Paul a bottle of Coke. “Hey, don’t be getting all sentimental yet! We still have a couple more months.”

  Ann listened and said nothing as she spread out the tablecloth. She tried to push away the irritation she suddenly felt. Paul had enjoyed his four years of college, but Ann was only finishing up her first year. Sure, Paul was doing his best to find a job locally so they could get married and she could still stay at Seattle College. But so far, his only interview had been in Portland. Hopefully, something else would come along—and soon. “I think everything is ready. We can eat now!”

  The lunch was a success—and the chocolate cake—even more so. Ann got over her momentary bad mood and enjoyed the time with her friends. After eating, Helen suggested they explore the large park and its trails weaving through a beautiful, tree-filled landscape. Paul held Ann’s hand as they meandered through the park, and Ann felt happy and content. They watched in amusement as Peggy and Joe, off in the distance, tried to maneuver a rowboat around the pond.

  “Joe told me he’s joining the navy when he graduates,” Paul said, with a hint of concern.

  “Oh? I thought he was going on to graduate school at UW. Are you worried?” Ann asked. Peggy would be disappointed in that news. She didn’t hide her feelings well and talked about Joe often.

  “Germany seems to be preparing for war in Europe, but we’ve got the Neutrality Act. We’ll stay out of it, I think.”

  Ann nodded, hoping he was right.

  ***

  On Sunday morning, the sky unleashed its floodgates. Ann peered out the window from her third-floor room. Did she want to go outside in that mess? She usually walked the short distance to Mass at St. James, but it was raining so hard that it was hard to tell if the water was coming down or sideways. Maybe it will calm down while I eat breakfast.

  In the dining room, Ann ate her pancakes with strawberry jam and enjoyed her hot coffee while watching the scene on the street below. Helen, Nora, and Peggy eventually joined her at the table.

  “Ugh— do you think your fiancé might come by and give us all a ride to Mass this morning?” Peggy asked.

  Paul lived in a spartan dorm room and shared a phone with an entire floor of men, so there wasn’t an easy way to reach him at the last minute on a Sunday morning. Maybe he would come by to pick them up, but there was no way to be sure, so the women decided to take their umbrellas and brave the elements.

  Ann finished her breakfast and told her friends that she would meet them in the lobby in thirty minutes. She stopped by her room to gather her overcoat, her hat, and an umbrella, then went downstairs to wait.

  When the elevator doors opened, she spotted Paul chatting with the doorman. What a guy.

  Paul looked up, saw her, and smiled. “Good morning! I thought you might like a ride this morning. It’s kind of soggy out there!”

  “Thank you—and yes! Do you mind waiting for a couple of minutes and giving my friends a ride too?”

  “Of course not.” He led her toward the adjoining Fireside Room so they could sit and wait. He seemed like he was thinking about something. “You always come to Mass with your friends and me, which is great, and I appreciate it, but I wondered if you miss attending the kind of church you’re accustomed to—the Presbyterians? They have those here in Seattle too.” He smiled. “Would you like to visit next Sunday?”

  Ann nodded gratefully. “I’d like that, thank you. Don’t get me wrong. I like going to Mass— especially with you, but it would be nice. My parents got married at the First Presbyterian Church here in Seattle. My mother a
nd her family attended there until she met my father and moved to Wenatchee.”

  “Well then, let’s go pay a visit—next week.”

  Helen, Peggy, and Nora walked in at that moment, voicing their relief and gratitude that Paul had, indeed, come to rescue them from a walk to Mass in the rain.

  “Oh, good! You’re here! I can leave this old thing behind,” Peggy said to Paul as she set her umbrella near the door. Umbrellas, Ann had learned since moving to Seattle, were something the locals rarely used—except in the worst downpours.

  Nora laughed. “Ann, you’ve got a good guy here— a real keeper.”

  Yes, she did, Ann thought with pride. It was true. As they left the Sorrento together, Ann said a silent prayer of gratitude—and then she added a request. Please God, may this plan not cause problems with Paul’s family

  Sixteen

  The coffee was ready and so was the soup. It was time to open the doors to the crowd waiting outside. Mr. Ferguson nodded toward Ann, indicating she could do the honors. When she unlocked the front door, one of the regulars, a gentle giant of a man named Sam, was first in line. It was raining again, and his clothes were soaked, but he was smiling.

  “We missed you last week, Ms. Brooks! It’s good to see you again,” Sam said. Then, as if he was telling her a secret, he added, “You make the best coffee of anyone here.”

  “Thank you,” Ann said, smiling. “It’s good to be back!”

  Ann had been coming back to the soup kitchen on most Saturday mornings, ever since her first visit last December. She had become the person they relied upon to make the coffee, and she took a certain amount of pride in the fact that people were always telling her how good it tasted. She often brought along one of her friends to help, and Paul had come a few times too. But today, she’d come alone.

  As usual, the time went by quickly, and Ann was busy the whole time, grinding coffee beans, getting more water, pouring, and chatting with the many people who came through. When at last, when everyone had eaten, and the room was empty except for the volunteers, Ann got herself a cup of coffee and sat down.