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sp; Several rocking chairs rested on the wraparound porch. Two young women sat there, enjoying the night air and talking quietly as their fingers flew over pieces of needlework. Sounds of piano playing came from the open parlor window, and a woman’s voice was raised in song.
A warmer and certainly safer place than the one she’d fled a few months ago. “Thank you for walking me home, Mr. Henderson.”
He tipped his hat. “You’re welcome, ma’am. And again, I’m glad to know you didn’t lose your job tonight.”
She turned and hurried up the stairs, afraid of the feelings his kind words evoked. Kindness from a man was something she hadn’t experienced in a long time. And like all men, she had absolutely no reason to trust him.
Chapter 3
Hunter attempted once more to wrap the package of hair goods Mrs. Wainwright had just purchased. His fingers and the string did not seem to get along very well. He grunted with frustration. It appeared his stint in his brother’s pharmacy was not any more suited to him or his lack of skills than any of the other jobs he’d worked since he arrived back in Guthrie.
A slap on his back almost knocked Hunter off his feet. “I’ll take care of that.” Michael slid the package away from him, and with a few swift movements had the entire thing wrapped and was handing it to Mrs. Wainwright. “Here you go, ma’am. Thank you for your business.”
Hunter crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter. “I appreciate this job, brother, but I don’t think I’m much of an asset to your business.”
“Give it time. It’s only been a couple days.” He checked his watch. “Come on. It’s time to close for lunch.”
Hunter shook his head and limped behind him. They walked the short distance from the pharmacy to the Café. Wonderful smells emanated from the doorway before they even took their seats. “Ribs must be the special today,” Michael said as he studied the menu board against the wall.
“Hello, Michael. I missed you the last few days.” A slender, older waitress walked up to them, a small pad and pencil in her hand.
“Honey, this is my brother, Hunter.” Michael grinned at Hunter’s raised eyebrows. “Don’t fret, little brother. Her name happens to be Honey and we’ve been friends for a long time.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Hunter. Why, I’ve known your sister-in-law Heidi since she first came to Guthrie. If Michael hasn’t told you the entire story, you should have a couple of beers sometime and let him fill you in.”
Hunter leaned back in his chair and smirked. “No, I haven’t heard my big brother’s story.” He grinned at Michael. “But if you think I need a beer to listen to the tale, then I sure don’t want to miss this one.”
Honey winked at Michael. “That’s quite a story you haven’t told him. Better get to it. Now what can I get y’all?”
They both selected the catfish special and despite not having beer, Michael filled him in on the rough road he and Heidi had traveled before they’d finally married. Hunter particularly loved the part about his easygoing, quiet sister-in-law hitting her ex-fiancé on the head with her bridal bouquet.
Once they’d finished their meal, Hunter pushed his empty plate aside and drew his coffee cup closer. “Michael, what do you know about the Harvey Girls?”
“You mean the girls who work over at the depot?”
“Yeah.”
Michael shrugged. “Not much. The place opened up about four years ago. It seems a man by the name of Fred Harvey wasn’t too pleased with the food sold along the train routes, so he started a bunch of restaurants. From what I’ve heard the food is good and the girls that work there are from decent backgrounds.”
Hunter stirred his coffee, remembering one Harvey Girl in particular. For some reason he couldn’t get her out of his mind. It wasn’t until he was almost home the night he’d met her that he realized he didn’t even know her name. Since then he’d thought of her as ‘the angel.’
“So the women who work there are single?”
“From what I’ve heard. They have to go through an extensive process to be hired. They must be from good homes, educated, and agree to work for anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the contract they sign. Heidi is friends with one of them, Clarissa something or other. She told Heidi they live in a boardinghouse and have strict rules to follow. Any shenanigans and they’re out on their ear.”
Hunter continued to stir his coffee, deep in thought. He’d known more than a few women over the years, but none of them interested him like the angel had. What was her story? Where was she from? But most of all, why did he get the feeling she harbored deep wounds?
“All right, little brother. Speak up.”
“What?”
“Why are you interested in the Harvey Girls? Or should I say maybe one Harvey Girl in particular?”
“No reason. I heard about the place and wondered about it.” He looked up. “That’s all.”
Michael snorted. “Sure. I guess you figure if the job at the pharmacy doesn’t work out, you can always snatch one of Rachel or Ellie’s dresses and start a career as a Harvey Girl?”