Disclaimers: This story belongs to me so I don't give permission for it to be posted somewhere else under a different title, change in names or storyline.
Sex: But of course! :-)
Note: There will likely be somewhat graphic violence in this story, as part of it takes place during war times.
If you'd like to tell me what a wonderful writer I am or that I royally suck, feel free at: XenaNut@hotmail.com .
by
Chapter 9
San Diego , CA 1943
Danni eyed her creation, openly admiring the slick varnish she'd applied to the carved box the day before. She'd considered for a long time what she should cave into its top, but finally had decided on a mountain landscape that she'd seen once in a Sears Roebuck catalogue, a scene that had always inspired her in her woodwork. She studied the carved piece from every angle, hoping against hope that Kate would like it.
With a tired sigh – as Danni had snuck in the shop two nights in a row to work on the two boxes – she wrapped them up and smuggled them to her room. She was exhausted, and hoped that she'd be able to snag good sleep for the three hours remaining that she had before she had to get up and start her day. The worst part was, it would be a day filled with more classroom work, and those were always hard to stay awake through, even on normal circumstances.
“Get it done?” Mike whispered, his head hanging over the side of his bunk, which was perched above Danni's.
Danni nodded with a wide yawn. “Finally.” Without another word, Danni crumpled into her bed and fell asleep, the cloth-wrapped boxes tucked safely under her bed.
*****
Danni and Mike walked to Mike's car, Danni's heart pounding in her chest. They were both in their dress uniforms, both wanting to impress their girl. Danni climbed into the passenger seat, the box, wrapped in brown paper sitting on the seat next to her. She watched as the scenery passed by, her palms beginning to sweat the closer they got to Kate's family home.
“I sure as hell ain't looking forward to all those rich folks,” Mike commented during the drive.
“Yeah, same here,” Danni agreed. She let out a nervous sigh.
Near-agonizing moments later, Mike drove through open and beautifully decorated wrought iron gates, which led to a winding path that ended at the largest house either of them had ever seen. The brick work was superb, the grounds immaculate. There were a number of cars already parked out from of the massive double door entrance that topped four marble stairs. The two SeaBees shared a nervous glance before climbing out of the car.
“Something tell me we ain't in Kansas no more, Sailor,” Mike muttered.
Kate studied herself in her bedroom mirror, turning this way and that in the green dress she and Danni had picked out. She thought she looked good; she hoped she looked good. She wanted to look good for Danni: that was all that mattered. Her hair had been pinned up to expose a long, sleep neck and delicate shoulders. The dress showed off her figure, yet wouldn't offend her parents' antiquated sensibilities. In short, she looked beautiful.
With her heart in her throat, Kate made her way down the winding staircase to the foyer, where the guests were gathered and given drinks and mingling. She saw men and women dressed in their finest, as well as men dressed in their dress uniforms, part of the heralded United States military.
Kate's father found her quickly and just as quickly swept her around the room, introducing her to every single man in the room, regardless of his age. She was even presented to a man that she knew had to be more than 80 years old. Keeping her good manners and good breeding, Kate was gracious and kind to each one, but inside she was not only fuming but also looking for one handsome young man in particular. When Kate saw Danni enter, she wanted to yell out in celebration and happiness.
“I'm glad you came,” she said, looking up into the beautiful blue eyes that she was learning to love so much.
Danni smiled. “So am I.” She looked Kate over, her heart about to explode from her chest. “You look so unbelievably beautiful,” she said softly, only for Kate's ears.
Kate blushed from her toes to her scalp, so happy that she'd accomplished the look that she'd wanted to, all for Danni. “Thank you.”
“Happy graduation,” Danni added. “I've got something for you in the car.” She smiled, feeling unsure and out of her element. “Maybe I can give it to you later?”
“Yes!” Kate backed down from her initial excitement, knowing it had no place in her parents' house. “I'd really like that.” She hooked her hand into the bend of Danni's arm. “Let me show you around and introduce you to some people.”
Danni felt her chest expand to the point of near explosion with pride as she was led around the room, Kate on her arm. Never in all her life did she think such a wonderful, beautiful woman would want to be near her. Even still, it always ate at the back of her mind that it was all a lie, and a lie that Kate wasn't aware of. If she were to pull Kate aside right now and tell her the truth, what would Kate say? Would she run and scream, crying out that Danni was a fraud? Likely. The only reason Danni could find to continue the masquerade with Kate was that she would soon be overseas, and likely would never return, just like Billy. Kate could go on, the memory of a wonderful man in her heart, never knowing of a foolhearty woman from Nebraska .
Kate, for her part felt like she was a princess and was showing her prince off to the world. Concerned about what her parents might say about her new found love, she tried her best to keep Danni away from them. Soon, she, Carol, Helen and another friend, Trudy would be moving into a home where the four soon-to-be college girls could live and study. At that point, Kate would have substantially more freedom to do what she wanted and with whom she wanted.
She proudly introduced Danni to her friends and classmates, as well as some of her parents' friends. She couldn't help it: she wanted the world to meet Danni and find him as wonderful as she did.
After about an hour, they stopped and each took a glass of champagne, something Danni had never had before. Kate was amused at his reaction. “Not used to champagne?”
Danni shook her head, taking another sip of the bubbly alcohol. “No. It's pretty different from beer or whiskey.”
“Would you like to see the rest of the house?” Kate asked, nibbling on a finger sandwich.
“Absolutely,” Danni agreed with a smile. She finished off the drink and set the empty glass on a passing waiter's tray.
Kate took Danni by the hand and led her through the first floor of the mansion, moving them further away from the guests that talked and laughed in the foyer and dining room, where the party had been set up. She was led into a massive ballroom, marble floors and giant marble fireplace, all of which caused Danni to look around in awe.
“It's so beautiful in here,” she commented, stopping at the center of the room and turning in a small circle to take it all in.
“My parents hold their famous Christmas party in here every year.”
Danni nods. “I can see that.” She turned to Kate. “I'm sure it's a stunning event.”
“Pretty much, though a little ostentatious for my liking.” Kate took Danni's hand again. “Come on. I'll show you more.”
Kate pointed out the richly-appointed game room that her father loved to entertain guests in: a pool table and dart board proudly displayed under special lighting. A wet bar was tucked into the back corner and the entire room smelled of sweet cigar smoke.
“My father brings clients here and schmoozes them to do business with him,” Kate explained, running her fingertips over the green felt of the table. The game room was positioned at the back of the house on the first floor, but the party guests could still be heard in the distance. She looked up into Danni's face and suddenly wanted so badly to kiss him. She knew it was entirely too risky where they were, so instead took his hand and continued the tour, this time heading up the back staircase to the upper floor.
As Danni followed Kate up that narrow case of stairs, she couldn't help but feel like it was nighttime in their own home, and Kate was leading Danni to bed. The thought and fantasy made her blush and feel foolish, but she couldn't help it.
At the top of the stairs, she was led down a carpeted hall, expensive art on the walls, which were dotted by closed doors on either side of the wide space. Finally, Kate stopped at the closed doors – a double set – at the end of the hall to the right and pushed them open. Danni followed her inside the spacious rooms: a sleeping area, private bath and a sitting area. The rooms were decorated in soft pink and ivory colors and decorations. The bed was a large canopy, fit for a princess.
“Is this your bedroom?” Danni asked in awe.
“Yes,” Kate said, feeling slightly nervous, as she and Danni were very much alone in her bedroom. She wasn't entirely sure why she'd brought him there, but knew she wanted him to see her intimate space in the house. Kate makes her way to the center of the room, looking around with new eyes, trying to see it as Danni must be seeing it.
Danni is quiet as she tours the space, fingering a couple trinkets here and there. “It's beautiful, Kate,” she finally says, voice quiet. She looks at Kate. “I bet you've done lots of dreaming in this room. She matches the sweet smile she gets from the blonde. “I have to say, my bedroom back home is about twenty million times different.”
“Describe it to me,” Kate said, making her way over to where Danni stands, needing to be near him.
Danni looked down at Kate, noting she could see right down into her dress, Kate's cleavage enticing to say the least. She quickly looked away from it, knowing that if she didn't, she'd stare. “Well, it's on the third floor of the old farm house and has these crazy low areas of the ceiling where the roof comes down.” She grinned. “I've hit my head more times than I can count.”
“Do you like living on a farm? You said it's a dairy, right?”
“Yes, ma'am.” Danni shrugged. “it's hard work, but I enjoy it. My father, brother and I built everything on that farm, except the main house and the dairy building itself. All the outbuildings and sheds, the garage for the tractor… All of it.”
Kate reached out and took both of Danni's hands in her own, turning them palms up. “Your hands are so strong,” she murmured, tracing the roughened skin with a soft fingertip, unbeknownst to her, sending a shiver down Danni's spine. She met Danni's gaze again. “Do you miss your family?”
“I do,” Danni admitted.
“Do you like being a farmer's son?”
Danni shrugged a shoulder. “It's all I know how to do. That's why they put me in the SeaBees. I can build, man tractors and all kinds of fun stuff.”
Kate smiled. “I've never been on a farm before. The closet I've ever come is my mom's endless fields of flowers outside. I'll have to show you during the day, sometime.”
“I'd love to see it.”
“And I'd love to see your farm back home. Wayne , Nebraska , right?”
Danni nodded. “It's home. And, I'd absolutely love to show you around there. I can show you where me and Billy used to play and all the crazy things we used to do.”
Kate was charmed by the wistful smile on Danni's face as well as the wistful tone in his voice. “You miss him, don't you?”
“Everyday.”
Kate let one of Danni's hands go, but held the other tightly within her own. She reached her free hand up and cupped a strong jaw. “Can I tell you something and not have you take offense?”
“Of course,” Danni said, though her stomach flipped at the request.
“You are handsome,” Kate said, her gaze sweeping over the features before her. “But more than that, you're … beautiful.” She smiled, adoration in her eyes. “I've never seen anything quite like you before.”
Though Danni's heart was seizing slightly, worrying that Kate would suddenly figure out what was so different about Danni, but at the same time, she was deeply flattered by the compliment, as even back in Nebraska and her life as Danielle, she rarely got compliments from anyone that truly mattered. “And I think you're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen,” she countered, taking Kate's hand from her face and kissing the knuckles.
Kate's smile broadened, her heart reaching out to Danni. It was so strange for her: a young woman who'd never had any desire to marry or settle down suddenly wanted so badly to keep Danni in her life forever, and to give to him all that she was and all that she had. “Please kiss me?” she whispered.
Danni leaned in, claiming Kate's lips with her own. She nearly melted at the small sigh that elicited from Kate. Danni decided she wanted more and knew that Kate did, too. She gently pulled her hand free from Kate's and brought both up to cup Kate's face, gently tilting Kate's head a bit so their mouths fit perfectly as she deepened the kiss. Kate stepped in closer, their bodies pressed together as the kiss continued, Kate's arms sliding up around Danni's neck, her fingers burying themselves in short, dark hair.
Kate felt a whole new world opening up to her as she and Danni kissed, a world that she had never wanted to be part of until she'd met Danni. It was as though her body were coming alive for the first time, her need to explore the world of a woman making its presence known with a scream for more.
Danni's hands left Kate's face and made their way down to her back, pulling Kate as close as possible. She needed to feel Kate against her, needed to feel every curve meeting her own. As much as she was enjoying the kiss, she had to admit that her biggest dream with Kate would be to feel her against her own body, not that of a faked sailor.
The kiss came to a natural end after several minutes, both trying to get their breathing under control. Kate rested her forehead against Danni's shoulder, eyes closed as her heart continued to pound in her chest.
“Oh, Danni,” she whispered, unsure what else to say. She'd never experienced such a kiss before, and felt herself falling deeper and deeper where Danni was concerned.
Danni pulled Kate to her in a warm and strong embrace, both simply absorbing the other for long moments. Finally, Danni spoke. “Will you write to me when I go overseas?”
Kate felt a strange combination of thrill at the request and dread at the reason. She pulled out of the hug just far enough to be able to look into Danni's face. “Of course I will. I wouldn't want it any other way.”
Danni leaned down and delivered another breath-stealing kiss, though this one shorter, as she knew they'd be missed soon, considering she was making out with the guest of honor at the party. “Let's get back,” she whispered against Kate's lips. She gave her a final hug then pulled way altogether, taking Kate's hand in her own as she led the way out of Kate's bedroom.
Chapter 10
San Jose, CA 1968
Kate lay in her bed in the guest room of her house, having lain awake for hours. She stared up into the shadow-ridden ceiling, her mind a long way away. She'd spent the day cleaning out the bedroom she'd shared with George, long ago abandoned. Carol had come over in the afternoon, and together they'd carried out every single item that had once belonged to her husband, and had gone through all of it.
During the search, she had found the green dress that's she'd worn for her graduation party back just before she'd turned 18. This of course, brought her mind right back to Danni. Kate blew out a breath, running her hand down between her t-shirt covered breasts to rest on her stomach, slightly rounder than it had been that night. She remembered the kisses in her bedroom the night of her graduation party and just how much Danni had taught her: she'd taught her everything she ever needed to know about sex, but more importantly, love.
San Jose, CA 1949
Kate lay on the motel bed, the cheap, scratchy comforter chaffing against her bare lower back and behind, as her dress had been shoved to her waist, the remnants of her torn underwear on the floor. None of that mattered as Danni lay atop her, buried deep inside her. Kate looked up into Danni's eyes, so filled with pain and sorrow. Her alcohol-laden breath washed over her face.
“Why didn't you come?” Kate asked, her hands buried in Danni's hair as they exchanged desperate kisses, both lost in a sea of emotion.
“I was there,” Danni whispered, stealing a deep kiss. Tears glittered in her eyes. “I was there, and I saw you.” A sob tore through her throat as she buried her face in Kate's neck.. “I saw you with him.”
Kate's eyes squeezed tightly closed, even as she held Danni to her. A wave of dread washed through her. “I waited for you. Damn it, Danni. I waited for you for so long.”
San Jose, CA 1968
The memory came to Kate so fast and so unbidden it nearly took her breath away. She could still hear Danni's words echoing in her head:
“I still love you, Kate. I still love you…”
Kate turned to her side, the tears streaming from her eyes faster than she could wipe them away. Soon, an all out sob tore from her throat and the pain and sorrow that she'd been holding in for 19 years let loose. She slammed a fist into the mattress beneath her, regret so heavy she thought she might choke on it, filling her and making her cry harder.
*****
San Diego, CA 1943
Kate lay in her bed, the box Danni had made for her lying beside her. She couldn't take her eyes off it, so touched by what he'd done and his creativity. After the party, they'd headed out to Mike's car where Danni had presented the wrapped gift to her. Not only did she receive the beautiful box, but Danni had filled it with three red roses, as well. It was the most amazingly wonderful gift she'd ever received.
Kate's excitement over the graduation gift Danni had made for her became a distant second as she remembered the kiss they'd shared outside of Mike's car. She sighed, taking the wooden box in her arms and holding it to her chest as she moved onto her back. The wooden box – as wonderful as it smelled – was no replacement for Danni, who she so wished to hold in her arms, but for now, it would do.
With a smile on her face – and in her heart – Kate set the box on her nightstand and went to sleep.
*****
Kate was showered and dressed and headed downstairs, ready to meet Danni for breakfast when she heard a familiar voice in the foyer, talking to her father. She froze, dread sweeping through her. She contemplated turning back around and hurrying back up to her room to escape out the window, but knew that wasn't a viable option. Taking a deep breath and trying to figure out what to say, she continued down the stairs where she was met by her father and George Hannigan, dressed in civilian clothing. Admittedly, it was strange for Kate to see him out of uniform.
“Good morning, Kate,” Percy Adams said, a hand on George's shoulder. “Look who's here to see you.”
Kate walked over to her father and gave him a peck on the cheek and a wish of good morning, though for more of a stall tactic than because it was routine. Finally, she turned to George. “Hello, George. It's nice to see you again.”
“Good morning, Kate,” George smiled, eyeing Kate's dress quickly before his gaze returned to her face, which he took in eagerly. “I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your party last night, but I had some training I had to complete.”
Kate froze a smile on her face, though inside she was enraged. She hadn't invited him to her party, so who had? She'd spoken to her mother about George at one point, which had been a mistake, as once her parents found out he was an officer in the Navy, as well as son of a wealthy attorney, that was it: they were sold.
“Oh,” she said, unsure what to say to this. “That's alright.”
“I invited George over today to spend the day with you, Kate,” Percy announced, one hand on George's shoulder the other on Kate's, almost as though trying to make that connection for his daughter, trying to become the bridge.
Kate's heart fell. “I have plans today, Dad,” she said, her face growing pale.
“They can wait. George was kind enough to come all the way here to see you, and you're going to return that kindness and spend some time with him.” Kate's father made it clear there was no room for argument.
Kate lowered her eyes in deference and nodded. “Alright.” She fought back her tears of frustration and deep disappointment and put a smile on her face. She turned to George. “Let me just grab my handbag and I'll be right down.”
Kate hurried back up the stairs, her stomach in knots. She was supposed to meet Danni and spend the day with him. The disappointment was palpable and she had no idea what to tell him. She ran into her bedroom and threw herself across her bed and reached for the phone on the nightstand next to it. Handset in hand, she took several deep breaths then dialed Danni's dorm.
Eyes closed, she felt the sting of tears behind her eyes and did all she could to hold them in. She knew she only had a few moments before her father would come up to drag her downstairs and into the arms of George Hannigan.
“It's not fair,” she whispered. Just then, someone picked up on the other end of the line. “Hi, can I speak with Danni Felts, please?” She waited while the man on the other end of the line went to see if Danni was still in his room, as Danni had explained that all the guys on that floor had to share one phone placed in the hall. “He's left already?” Kate squeezed her eyes shut. No! “Alright. If you see him, can you tell him that Kate called and have him call me? … Thank you.”
Kate sat up on the bed, burying her face in her hands as the tears came.
*****
Danni, dressed in civilian clothing with baggy slacks and a button up shirt, stood outside Puck's Diner, her palms sweating and heart pounding. She glanced again at her grandfather's pocket watch, which she'd taken with her for good luck. The plan had been to meet at 9 a.m., and it was nearly 10:15 a.m. With a nervous sigh, she closed the pocket watch and stuffed it back into her pocket, continuing her vigil lookout.
*****
Kate sat at the table of the restaurant, a nearly uneaten breakfast in front of her. George sat across from her, his omelet packed away in a voracious appetite. Kate listened as he spoke about his childhood in San Jose, which in truth, she could care less about. Her mind kept leaving the table and heading in the direction of Danni. She prayed that Danni got her message, as ambiguous as it was. At the very least, Danni would know that she'd called him and had tried to talk to him earlier that day.
*****
As the minutes ticked away, Danni's heart fell more and more. She shoved her hands into her pockets, her gaze scanning the cars that drove by and the people who wandered. At first she was concerned then flat out worried and now she was beginning to get angry. As the hour approached 11 a.m., she let out a defeated sigh and started to head back to the base.
*****
Kate looked out the window of George's car, feeling like a prisoner as he drove them to the beach. The car came to a stop, which grabbed Kate's attention. She smiled politely at George and allowed him to help her out of the sleek vehicle.
“What a beautiful day,” George commented, looking out over the beach with its white sand that nearly glowed in the late morning sun.
Kate said nothing and fought from pulling away as George grabbed her hand and placed it in the bend of his arm. As they walked, however, she knew she had to say something, had to stand up for what she and Danni were creating between them. “George?”
“Yeah?” George said, happy as a clam as he escorted Kate. He had been thrilled when Kate's mother had phoned him the day before, inviting him to the party and assuring him that it would be a wonderful surprise. The only problem was, as his day with Kate continued, he wasn't so sure about that.
“I enjoyed the letters we sent back and forth,” she began, “but, those were letters between friends.” She looked over at him. “Nothing more, George.”
He kept them walking, not wanting to have to see the rejection in Kate's eyes. He let out a heavy sigh, watching as a group of seagulls “Your heart belongs to another fella,” he said, more of a statement than a question.
“It does.”
George was silent for a long moment, allowing Kate's hand to slip back to her side. “Who is it?”
Hand freed, Kate hugged herself, George's question bouncing around in her brain. She wasn't sure if she should tell him, as it was likely the two men knew each other, or at least knew of each other. “Does it matter, George?”
“Yes it does,” George said, stubbornly crossing his arms over his chest as he turned to face Kate, stopping their stroll. “I've wasted part of a day out here with you, and a great deal of thought in how I'd could get you to be my girl, and now I find out that you're already somebody else's, girl, so yes, I think I have a right to know.”
Kate looked down at the sand at her feet, an image of Danni coming before her mind's eye. “His name is Danni, George,” she finally said, her voice quiet with reverence for the man she was falling in love with. “That's all you need to know.”
*****
Danni threw open the door to her room, one of her roommates there changing. “Hey, Henry.” She hurried over to her bunk, throwing herself down on the bed.
“Hey.” Hank tugged his shirt over his head, walking over to Danni in her bunk. “Soooooo,” he drawled, eyes twinkling. “Want to earn a few bucks?”
Danni glanced up at him from where she lay, hands tucked behind her head. “Doing what?”
“She's got an attic she wants cleaned up and she wants me to do it.” Henry walked over to a mirror mounted on the wall, making sure his hair was in place. “I got plans,” he grinned over his shoulder. “So, she told me she'd pay one of you fools to do it instead.”
Danni smiled, despite her mood. “Yeah, I'll do it.” She figured it would get her mind off Kate, as she desperately needed something. As it was, she felt like crying every other second.
“Great!” Henry was beyond excited, able to get out of his chores. He quickly scribbled a name and address on a piece of paper. “Here's where she lives,” he explained, thrusting the paper at Danni. “You're the best, man.”
Twenty minutes later, Danni was headed downstairs, heading out to see if she could hitch a ride to Henry's grandmother's house. To her relief – and dread – she ran into Mike as she headed out.
“Hey, Danni!” Mike exclaimed, a smile for his friend. “I thought you were out with Kate all day?”
Danni sighed, nodding. “Yeah, well it didn't work out today.”
Mike studied Danni's face, brows drawing. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” Danni kept walking, forcing Mike to follow.
“Hey! Wait a sec,” he called out, jogging after his friend.
Danni whirled on Mike, in no mood to be social. “I've got somewhere I need to be, Mike.”
“Fine. Let me drive you.”
The two friends piled into Mike's car, Danni quiet as she watched the scenery go by and Mike glancing over at his friend from time to time, concerned. “So, you gonna tell me what's up or do I gotta pull it out of you?”
Danni sighed, feeling foolish as she turned to her friend. “She didn't show.”
“That's it?” Mike asked, expecting to hear Danni's father was dead or something.
“That's it?!” Danni exclaimed, furious. “What do you mean, ‘that's it'? Kate and I made plans for today and she didn't show, Mike.” She turned back to the passing scenery. “I should have known better,” she muttered, more to herself than to Mike. Who was she to think that anyone, let alone an incredible, beautiful woman, would want anything to do with her? She was a freak of nature and nothing would change that.
“Yeah, that's it. Man, there are so many other women around who would love nothin' more than to make her acquaintance with a young sailor like yourself.” When Mike got no response, he turned and looked at Danni. Suddenly, it hit him. “Uh oh. You fell in love with this girl.” Danni said nothing, just continued to watch the passing scenery. “Did I teach you nothing, Danni? These girls are like the seagulls, looking for a handsome warrior to make them feel special before we march off to war.” Still nothing. “did you really think she wanted more than that? More than to be made to feel special?”
Danni turned her head and faced her friend, her eyes hard and penetrating. “Are you telling me that if Carol stood you up, you'd take it as she was simply looking to be made to feel ‘special'?”
Mike turned away, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to brush it off like that. He certainly wouldn't after the last couple of nights they'd had together in the rumble seat of his car.
A silent ten minutes later, Mike pulled up in front of the address he'd been given by Danni. He turned to his friend, arm running along the back of the bench seat. “You need anything buddy, you let me know.”
Danni nodded and muttered her thanks, pushing out of the car.
*****
George dropped Kate off at home, at which time she immediately snuck in and grabbed the keys to her father's extra car, the one that was promised her once she moved into her own house with her friends the following week. Pulling off the property, she wasn't sure where to head, but decided that outside Puck's was a good place to start. She knew in her heart that Danni probably wouldn't be there, but figured it was worth a shot. Besides, maybe she'd run into his friends who could shed some light on where he'd gone.
As she made her way towards Puck's Diner, her nerves began to pick up speed and volume. She felt like she was about to vomit and her hands were nearly sweating off the steering wheel. She slowed her speed as she neared the diner. There was no one outside waiting for her, as in say, Danni, but then again, it was nearly 1 o'clock in the afternoon.
Kate found a place to park but before she got out of the car, she took several deep breaths and sent a little prayer up to make everything okay. She climbed out of the car and made sure her dress and hair was straight, applying a fresh layer of lipstick before clicking her way up to the diner. As she got closer, her stomach fell when she saw Carol and Mike sitting at a table eating, but no sign of Danni. As she neared their table, the couple looked up at her, a glare in Mike's eyes and accusation in Carol's.
“Hey guys,” Kate said, trying to stay as upbeat as possible.
“Hey,” Carol said, but Mike had nothing to say.
“Have you guys seen Danni?”
Mike made a show of looking at his wrist watch and then turning hard eyes on Kate. “He's long gone, Kate.”
Kate lost her composure. “I know, I know. I need to know where he is.” Mike said nothing, instead made a show of turning back to his lunch. “Mike, please. I know what you must be thinking, I know I'm four hours late, but you don't know what happened-“
“He doesn't want to see you,” Mike interrupted.
Kate stared at him with wide, pained eyes. “I don't believe you,” she finally said. When it looked as if there was nothing more forthcoming, Kate crouched down next to his chair. It was completely unlady-like, but she didn't care. “Please, Mike. I need to find him.”
Carol glanced at her friend then at her boyfriend. She knew Kate well enough to know that something big must have happened or she would have ran away and hidden in a hole like a scared fox. “Mike,” she said, voice soft.
Mike glared at her but finally relented. “One a you dames give me a pen.” He tugged a napkin out of the dispenser and took the pen Kate dug out of her handbag. He quickly drew out a map to how to get to Henry's grandmother's house and shoved it at Kate with a glare. “You hurt him again, sister and I won't be so nice next time.”
“Thank you, Mike!” Kate enthused, giving him a lipstick mark kiss on his cheek before hurrying from the diner, followed by Carol.
“Wait a second,” Carol called out, stopping her friend.
Irritated at being stopped but knowing she had no room to complain, Kate turned to face her friend. “I know, Carol.”
“No, you don't, Kate.” Carol walked over to her friend, eyes filled with compassion. “I know you well enough to know something had to have happened, but you really hurt Danni. Mike said he was pretty devastated and confused.”
Kate felt tears prickle at the backs of her eyes. “I know, Carol. My mother called George to the house this morning and I had no choice. My father made me go with him. I tried to call him, Carol. I swear, I did.” Carol only stared at her, arms crossed over her chest. “Forget it.” Kate turned to walk away. “I was there and I had to deal with this creep following my every move.”
Carol watched her friend go, worried as she had a bad feeling where this George guy was concerned.
*****
“You remind me of my son,” Helena Costner said, her voice filled with the wistfulness of a mother missing her dead child.
Danni sat at the kitchen table, having already done three hours of hard work for the old, sweet woman. She stuffed her mouth with the endless courses of food that had been prepared and sat before her. She studied the picture that Helena set before her, indeed seeing a few similarities.
“Byron,” she supplied, standing beside Danni's chair. “He died in the war, the Great one, that is.” She sighed. “Nineteen seventeen, all the way in France.” They were both surprised when the doorbell rang. Helena looked down at Danni then headed off to the door, her shuffled footsteps heard on the old plank hardwood of her old house.
Danni continued to eat, her appetite nearly sated when she was stunned to hear a familiar voice. She finished the bite of scalloped potatoes she'd just shoveled in, leaning back slightly in her chair to see if she was right. Sure enough, walking behind Helena's short stature – and headed her way – was Kate.
“Danni,” Helena announced. “This lovely young lady has come to see you.”
Danni pushed to her feet as she finished chewing the bite in her mouth, her gaze unable to meet Kate's. “Let me help you with this, Helena,” Danni offered.
“No,” Helena batted Danni's hands away. “You young people go talk.”
Danni sighed, hoping for a bit of stall time in helping, but now knowing she had to face Kate and the bad news that likely Kate brought with her. Without a word, she left the room, Kate following silently behind until they'd reached the front porch, Danni's hands buried in the pockets of her pants. With one final deep breath, she turned and faced an uncertain Kate.
“Mike didn't make it easy to find you,” Kate began.
“No, I'm sure he didn't. I'm sure he knew I didn't want to be found.”
Kate looked down at her feet. “He said something along those lines,” she murmured, then garnered her courage and met Danni's gaze. “But, I was determined and here I am.” She felt she had a very small window to convince Danni of her sincerity before all would be lost. Looking into his eyes, she saw a very lost soul, which confused her as Danni was such a proud, good person. There should be no reason for him to doubt anything. She stepped up to him and cupped his proud jaw in her hands. “Danni?” she said, her voice soft.
“Yes?”
“Please spend the rest of the day with me. Please let me make it up to you. I swear, I wanted nothing more today than to spend as much time with you as we possibly could.”
Against her better judgment, Danni placed her hands on Kate's waist, her soul breathing a sigh of relief at the physical connection, as well as that made when she looked into Kate's eyes. “I have to finish what I'm doing here.”
“Then I'll help you. Together we can knock it out,” Kate begged, beginning to feel a bit of hope fill her heart.
Danni grinned, unknowingly filling Kate with sunlight with its brightness. “I don't know… Helena is a slave driver.”
“Oh, I think I can handle it,” Kate said, taking on Danni's playful tone. “I bet I can out work you.”
“You think so, huh?”
“I think so.”
Danni smiled, her world righting itself. She knew that she would find out what had happened that morning, but at the moment it didn't even matter. All that mattered was that Kate was there with her.
“Fine. Let's go to work.” Danni turned towards the house but was stopped by Kate's hand on her arm. She turned to look at her.
“Danni,” Kate said softly, all teasing aside. “I'm not joking with you: I really want our day together.”
Danni looked into her eyes and saw nothing but the truth. She turned to Kate, so badly wanting to take her in her arms but she stopped herself for reasons she wasn't sure about. “Alright,” she finally replied. “Then we'll have it.”