Posted by hummingbird on 4/30/2014, 8:40 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Now that you know where I'm going with this-that Nora, in her unconscious state, has a very vivid dream-it's time to add my disclaimer... Just in case any of you out there is a history teacher or something . Although I am doing research along the way, it is minimal, and a few things I've changed to fit my story. So please bear with me.
Chapter Two
The following evening, Nora arrived at work a few minutes early. The new Chicago subway system made the journey from home both faster and easier. As she approached the door to the Aragon, a soldier approached.
“Excuse me, but I think this belongs to you.” He slipped her purse from beneath his coat and handed it to her.
“Oh, thank you! So, you must be the one who intervened on my behalf last night. I can’t thank you enough…” she said shaking her head. Upon closer perusal, she noticed some scrapes along his cheekbone right below a blackened eye. Her mouth dropped open as she raised a hand to touch his cheek.
“Did he do this to you? Oh, I am so sorry…”
“Don’t even worry about it. I was glad to be of service.”
“I felt terrible about the way I handled things. I should have tried to help you rather than running away like that…”
“Oh no,” he smiled shaking his head. “It wouldn’t have looked good to have a man in uniform defended by a woman with a purse, would it?”
“Well, I suppose not…” she replied.
“It also wouldn’t look good to see a man in uniform carrying a purse. That’s why I had it hidden under my coat,” he whispered conspiratorially.
She smiled back at him. “Well, thank you again,” she said softly, “for coming to my rescue and for returning my purse…I really appreciate it.” She hesitated before continuing, “Are you coming in tonight,” she said indicating the door. “If so, all of your dances with me will be free of charge...as a thank you.”
The soldier looked at her appreciating the red-haired beauty. “Well, I guess I’ll have to come in then. Can’t let that opportunity pass me by. After you,” he said opening the door for her.
“Thank you. So...do you dance?” she asked as she slipped in the door before him. She was hoping he wasn’t one who would leave her half crippled by night’s end.
“A little,” he said.
“Well, look for me in a few minutes. I need to put my wrap and my purse in the dressing room.”
“Will do,” he said smiling. “Sounds great.”
* * * * * * *
When Nora returned and before she could locate the soldier, a man slipped her a ticket and escorted her to the dance floor. After dancing with this man and two others, the soldier finally claimed her as the lively tune of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy began. She was relieved to find him swift on his feet and able to dance very well.
Following this, dancers lined up linking arms for the Palais Glide, a simple line dance of sorts which had originated in London. The soldier caught on to the steps very quickly although he claimed he had never done the Glide before.
Throughout the evening he claimed her hand for a dance whenever she was free...which wasn’t often. She did not lack for offers.
When the last dance of the evening was announced, the soldier held his hand out to Nora as the band struck up the exotic sounds of a relatively new song, Sentimental Journey.
“One of my favorites…” he said, “shall we?” She slipped her hand into his as he placed his other hand at the small of her back.
Gonna take a sentimental journey Gonna set my heart at ease... Gonna make a sentimental journey To renew old memories...
They were swept along by the jazzy sway of the music feeling quickly comfortable in each other’s arms.
“So...with whom do I have the pleasure of dancing?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Sorry, Soldier. I’m not supposed to share personal information...company policy.”
“Ohhh...I see. He perused her for a moment then said, “Well, I guess I’ll have to give you a name since you won’t share yours with me. Hmmm...how about...‘Red’ for your beautiful red hair? What do you think, Red?”
She smiled at him. “I guess that will work.”
Their eyes met and held for a moment. She noticed that he was holding her much closer than she should allow, but she felt very at ease with him...almost as if she belonged there. As they continued to dance, the crowd parted for them, then stood to the side just to watch.
Seven... That's the time we leave At seven... I'll be waitin' up for Heaven Countin' every mile of railroad track that takes me back...
Finally Nora spoke, “You misled me, Soldier,” she said peering up at him.
“In what way?” he asked continuing the dance while getting lost in the depths of her brown eyes. Nora was all too aware of his closeness as they talked together. He was really very handsome...his voice was kind and his eyes were smiling.
“You said you could dance ‘a little’, but you really dance quite well.”
“Well, thank you. So do you.” He smiled as he twirled her again. Then he pulled her closer and just swayed to the music.
Never thought my heart could be so yearn-y Why did I decide to roam Gotta take that sentimental journey Sen-ti-men-tal jo-ur-ney home...
Nora glanced aside before speaking again. “You know, I’m going to get into trouble if you hold me any closer…” she said quietly.
“Funny,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I was just thinking the same thing...that I'm going to get into trouble if I hold you any closer…”
She lowered her head as if embarrassed at his words; but he was smiling big with that sparkle in his eyes, and she couldn’t help smiling back.
“You know...a lady would have pretended not to understand my last remark or she would have been appalled and slapped me before walking away.”
“You, sir, have read too many books or seen too many movies…” Then, “Wait a minute! Are you accusing me of not being a lady?!”
At her question, he threw his head back and laughed as he twirled her again to the music.
“Shhhh...You know we’re being watched.”
“Certainly,” he said putting on a serious look. But when he glanced at her, she could still see that underlying sparkle in his eyes. As the song came to an end, he twirled her one last time and dipped her low in his arms. Those who were watching applauded as Nora and her partner nodded their thanks.
As they left the dance floor, the ballroom was beginning to clear. People were gathering their wraps from the coat check and hailing cabs outside.
Nora turned to the soldier, “Thank you,” she said. “That dance with you to Sentimental Journey was...unsurpassed.”
“For me too,” he said quietly. “So...do you need a ride home. I could hail us a cab…?”
“No need,” she said. “I take the subway.”
“That’s how I got here tonight too. Maybe we could share the ride…?
Their eyes met and she smiled. “Sure. I’d like the company. Let me get my things.” As she walked back to the dressing room, she noticed her heart fluttering...maybe the butterflies in her stomach were trying to get out.
I LOVE this era...the 1940's. I love the songs, big bands, clothes, hats, hairstyles, movies, cars. And, although war isn't romantic, there is an intensity to the times that I hoped would work well with Bo and Nora. Thanks for stretching your imaginations for this one.
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