“I'm on leave, but I'm shipping out in a few days. I'm assigned to the USS Wasp.”
A shadow touched Mattie's eyes. “Oh.” Her partner joined her and slipped an arm around her shoulders. She turned to him. “Uh, Steve, this is my old friend, Luke Hasper. Luke, this is Steve Carpenter.”
The men shook hands. “Good to meet you,” Steve said, his voice deep and booming.
Luke felt small and wished he could disappear.
“Navy man, huh?”
“Yep. Navy.” Luke didn't know what else to say. He had no interest in Mattie's date.
Silence fixed itself between the two men.
“Well, well, well, who's this beautiful boy?” a striking woman with a mane of curls asked as she joined the threesome.
“Oh, Meryl, this is my friend, Luke,” Mattie said. “He's from Alaska.”
“Very nice to meet you,” Meryl said with an open smile. “Mattie never told me how handsome you Palmer boys are.”
Luke could feel his face heat up. “Not all the boys. Just me,” he managed to quip, surprising himself.
Meryl laughed. “And funny too. I like that.” She glanced at Mattie and lifted an eyebrow, then turned back to Luke. “So, what are you doing in town?”
“I'm on leave, but I'll be shipping out in a few days. Thought I'd come by and see how Mattie's doing.”
“Oh. I see.” Meryl's hazel eyes sparkled with mischief.
Luke remembered the old woman on the stairs and her description of Meryl as being full of vinegar. I'd say she's right, he thought.
The music “Starlight” drifted across the room, and couples headed for the dance floor.
When Luke didn't ask Mattie to dance right away, Meryl grabbed her friend's arm and dragged her toward him. “I think you ought to share a dance with your old friend.”
Embarrassed, Luke said, “You don't have…”
“You want to?” Mattie asked.
“Sure.”
Meryl turned to Steve. “How about it? You want to take a twirl? I'm feeling absolutely lonely tonight.”
“I'd love to,” Steve said, seemingly eager. He took Meryl's arm, and the two disappeared into the crowd.
Mattie and Luke stared at each other. Finally Luke broke the silence. “So, you gonna help out a poor lonely sailor?” He held out his hand.
“I wouldn't want to let down a military man,” she said and allowed him to lead her into the throng of dancers.
Luke swung her into his arms, and the two swayed amidst the crowd. He gazed down at her, and unable to restrain his admiration, he said, “I swear you're more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”
“Must be city life,” Mattie said, relaxing her body a little.
“Well, it sure agrees with you.”
“I'm happy here. I like it, even the crowds and the noise. And I've met lots of different kinds of people. In fact, one of my friends is a Negro.”
“Your friend Meryl seems real nice.”
“She is. I've learned a lot from her. She's a good friend.”
Luke twirled Mattie, but not so expertly as Steve. “So, you working?”
“Yes, at the Port of Embarkation. The pay is good, and it's steady work.”
“Must be interesting, seeing the ships come and go. And I suppose it helps with the war effort.”
“I really don't care about the war effort,” she said acidly. “It's just a job.” Mattie pulled away from Luke and walked off the dance floor.
Confused, Luke watched her go, then followed. “Mattie. What did I say?” he asked when he caught up to her.
“Nothing. I'm just tired. And I came with Steve. I don't think it's polite to dump a date. Do you?”
“No. But can I see you tomorrow? Before I go?”
Mattie wouldn't look at him. Instead she studied the dancers, her arms folded over her chest and her expression glum. “No, I don't think that would be a good idea.” She dropped onto a sofa and crossed her legs. “I have a new life here, and I like it. I don't need or want anything or anyone from my past.”
Luke stood over her. “If that's how you want it, I guess I can't change your mind. I...I just wish—”
“No. My answer is no.” Mattie stood and walked away.
