“I think it would be better if I get out here and walk the rest of the way.”
Violet glanced around. The area was nice. She had expected…less. “You live around here?”
“No, but I can get home from here pretty easily. There are buses. You’re only a mile from your destination. I thought it would be a good place to part ways.”
Violet frowned. “I wanted to see where you live. Maybe meet your family.”
“I think another day would be best for that. You did say you were staying all summer.”
“Y...es.”
Lee handed her a napkin from the most recent truck stop. “I wrote my phone number on this. If you decide you want to talk to me, after tonight, you can call me anytime. I will always be willing to talk to you. I want to see you again. I want to spend time with you, but I think you need to get through tonight first.”
Violet understood. Lee wanted her to find out if she would continue to live the life of a Christian or return to her former lifestyle. She took the napkin and slipped it into her purse. Lee stepped out of the car. He turned back and seemed to want to say something more.
“There are many things I want to tell you. There is one thing I should especially tell you, but I find I’m not strong enough. All I can say is this, no matter what happens tonight, I hope you will still consider me your friend.”
She cocked her head, a question on her brow. “I can’t imagine anything that would change my feelings for you.”
She saw a small frown form on his face.
“I hope that’s true.” Violet opened the trunk, Lee reached in and grabbed his bag. “Take good care of Hopi. If you decide he doesn’t fit into your life, I’ll take him.”
Violet lifted the dog, took his paw and waved it at Lee.
“Hopi will miss you.”
Lee turned and walked away.
I’ll miss you.
Chapter 10
Tears slipped down Violet’s cheeks as she steered the Cadillac away from the corner where she’d left Lee. Even Hopi was upset, making small whining noises.
“Shh, it’s okay, Hopi. We’ll be with him again. He thinks this is a testing time, to see if I’ll really choose to live the new life Jesus gave me, or if I’ll turn back to my old one.”
The dog wagged its tail, and gave a tiny bark.
“That’s right. After a few days, I’ll call him. We can get together. He'll see I’m serious about my new life.” Violet twisted a loose strand of hair with one hand. “My only concern is, will I actually lose all my friends?”
Lee had given her very specific directions and in moments she was pulling into the circular driveway in front of her best friend Gloria’s aunt’s home. It was beautiful, all white, with marble pillars beside the front door.
Violet was used to luxury, coming from one of the wealthiest families in Chicago, but this house made her realize she didn’t come from the richest family in California.
If this is Gloria’s aunt’s home, I can hardly imagine what the Pendegast home will be like.
As she sat, mesmerized by the house, the front door burst open and Gloria, dressed in a summery floral dress with a swing skirt glided toward the car. Her eyes grew large when she noticed the pink Cadillac.
“You got the car? I didn’t think your Daddy would actually buy it. I know you said he would, but…”
Violet could feel a blush burning her cheeks, remembering how she had bragged to Gloria about the way she would twist her father around her little finger and he’d buy her anything she wanted. Was it only a few weeks ago I acted that way?
“Take me for a spin, before the others arrive.”
Violet wanted to object, but Gloria opened the door and slid in. “Goodness, what’s this?” She pulled back the edge of Violet’s scarf and stared at the small dog.
“Umm, it’s a dog.”
“I can see it’s a dog, darling. But, what kind of dog is it? I’ve never seen this breed. Did your Daddy also buy him for you?”
Violet could feel drops of perspiration on her back. “No, I found him on the road.”
Gloria dropped the scarf and pulled back in horror. “Found him? Found him? So, he’s a stray, a mutt?”
Violet wanted to burst out laughing. She had imagined this moment several times, but actually seeing the emotions on her friend’s face, and hearing the tone of her voice, made her realize what a snob Gloria was.
“Yes, Gloria. He is a mutt. But he’s been given a clean bill of health from a reliable veterinarian and I’ve adopted him. Take a closer look, he’s really a cutie. His name is Hopi.”
Gloria did not look convinced, however, she reached out and pushed the scarf aside. Hopi glanced up at her, gave a small bark then drifted back to sleep.
“He is rather…cute.”
“Yes, he is.”
“But, couldn’t you have bought a dog with papers?”
“Gloria, I didn’t set out to get a dog. I found this one in the middle of the road, on route 66. It was hurt so I took it into a town called Holbrook. Lee and I took him to a vet…”
“Lee? Who is Lee?” Gloria leaned forward and turned inquisitive eyes toward her.
Lord, now I’ve really put my foot in my mouth.
“Lee was the motel clerk. He knew the vet…”
“Motel clerk?” Gloria’s voice rose to a high pitch, “Motel clerk? Please do not tell me you allowed yourself to be seen with a motel clerk.”
Violet gulped. This conversation was quickly becoming a nightmare. Gloria was her best friend, but she knew there was no way she could explain things and make her see things correctly.
“Gloria, all I can say is I’ve had a very unusual experience and I’m a different person now. The idea of owning a mutt for a pet or driving in a car with a motel clerk no longer bother me.”
Gloria’s mouth opened and closed several times. Finally she hissed, “Violet, I’m not sure what happened to you, but promise me you won’t talk about these things in front of Robert L. Pendegast tonight.”
Violet reached over and patted her friends hand. “I promise. And once I get settled, you and I can have a long talk. I’ll tell you all about mutts, motel clerks and what it’s like to clean a wigwam. Now, where shall we go?”
~
An hour later, a happier Gloria led Violet up the winding staircase of her aunt’s house. Violet had allowed Hopi to go with the gardener, who assured her he had a nice, soft bed in the greenhouse where he’d be warm and happy.
“We have a whole wing to ourselves. My aunt is fairly old now and doesn’t want to be disturbed by our coming and going late at night. She’s really a dear, but her ideas are so antiquated. She actually told me it wasn’t proper for a lady to drink a mixed drink in public. Can you imagine that? And when I asked her how she felt about wine, she pressed her lips together and suggested a sip at the dinner table was acceptable. Speaking of which, would you like a cocktail, I can have one of the servants bring us each a martini ?”
Violet hesitated. “I don’t think so.”
Gloria pushed open the doors which led into a lovely room, decorated with pink rosebud wallpaper. The furniture was painted white and an expensive painting of a garden hung over the head of the bed.”
“This will be your room.”
Violet smiled. “It’s beautiful and bright.”
“Yes, it has a view of the pool.” She moved across the room and opened a door that led onto a balcony. Violet could see the pool below.
“But what about that drink?”
Violet swallowed. It was now or never. “Gloria, I’ve decided not to drink anymore.”
Gloria eyed her suspiciously.
‘My dear, something must be wrong with you.”
“No, nothing is wrong with me. In fact, everything is right with me. You see, I’ve become a …”
Her words were interrupted by a squeal from Gloria as another girl swept into the room.
“Janice, darling. You’ve finally gotten here.”
/> Janice, a tall, blonde, dressed in a smart wraparound dress, set her purse on the bed and turned. “Am I so late?”
“I expected you both hours ago. Violet’s only been here an hour herself.”
The girl glanced at Violet. “Violet, is that your pink Cadillac outside?”
“Yes, she fan-dangled it from her Daddy, just like she told me she would. Isn’t it gorgeous? Just like Elvis’.” Gloria’s words gushed out, giving Violet no opening to speak or deny the statements.
“I’ll have to have a ride, later. But right now, I’m dying of thirst. Can we get anything brought up?”
Gloria nodded. “I was just asking Violet if she didn’t want a martini, but she’s decided to go sober on us.”
Janice’s eyes swept Violet up and down. “Is it true?”
Violet nodded. She could feel tears of frustration building up behind her eyes. She squeezed them shut.
“I’m sure you have your reasons, but for me, bring on the gin,” Janice’s deep voice bellowed.
Gloria sailed across the room and out into the hallway in search of a servant, leaving Violet and Janice alone.
Violet noticed her suitcase had been placed on the bed. She moved toward it, thinking to hang her clothes. She could feel Janice watching her. After several minutes, Janice finally broke the silence with, “You’ve gotten religion, haven’t you Violet? I can see it in your eyes.”
Violet stepped back, her eyes wide. “What? What do you mean by that?”
Janice leaned closer. “I’ve seen it before. My sister got religion and before we knew it she didn’t want to drink or attend dances.”
“Is there anything wrong with that?”
“No. In fact, I respect her for making the decision she did. I’ve never understood it, but she’s happy. She met a young pastor. They live in a small town and she helps serve in the church.”
Violet was silent. Was that a life she could look forward to? And why didn’t Janice’s sister go to dances? Was there something in the Bible against dancing?
Oh, I wish Lee was here so I could ask him these questions.
“I’m interested in knowing how you got religion.” Janice interrupted her thoughts.
A small blush moved up Violet’s cheek. She wasn’t sure she wanted to share her story of cleaning wigwams with this girl.
“Do you read the Bible?”
This was safe enough. “Yes. At least I started to. I hope to read it everyday, but I don’t understand much of it.”
“How long have you been…?”
“A Christian?”
“Yes, if that’s what you are called.”
“Only a few days.”
Janice’s jaw dropped open. “Are you telling me, you became a Christian while driving from Chicago to California?”
Violet nodded.
“I want to hear how that happened. I’m very interested.”
Violet shrugged, “I’m not sure I want anyone to know about it.”
Janice frowned. “I won’t tell anyone. My sister never shared any information with me. She just came home one day, announced she was a Christian and began living differently. But she never told me anything about how or why. I’d like to know how to become a Christian.”
Violet wasn’t sure she believed the girl. “It’s all new to me. I’m not sure I can tell you. But, later tonight, if you come to my room, I’ll tell you what I can. Lee could do a better job of it.”
“Who’s Lee?”
Violet held a hand over her mouth. She hadn’t meant to mention Lee. Janice may seem interested in the Bible, but she wasn’t going to understand about Lee.
Lord, I can’t worry about what people think of Lee. Just because his family doesn’t make the same amount of money as my family, that has nothing to do with me, or with him. Help me, Lord. I want to have Lee in my life, even if it means giving up my own friends.
Violet could see Janice watching her. “I'll tell you about Lee when I tell you about becoming a Christian.”
“After the party, tonight?”
“Yes, tonight.”
~
Just then Gloria returned, a delicate glass in her hand filled with blue liquid. She held it up with a smile. “Just look, Mother is serving Bikini Martinis. Janice, run down and get one. It’s made with Malibu Rum, Vodka, Pineapple Juice, and Grenadine.” She took a sip. “It’s heavenly.”
Violet turned and saw the emotion flood Janice’s face. “No…no, I don’t think I will.”
Gloria stepped closer. “What? You just told me you were dying of thirst and didn’t I have some gin. This is much better than gin. Just take a sip and you will see.” Gloria held the glass out.
Janice avoided Violet’s searching gaze, reached out, took the glass and lifted it to her lips. “Mmm, it is wonderful.” She handed the glass back to Gloria, turned and walked out of the room.
So much for her interest in religion.
“What about you, Violet. Just a little taste and you’ll be hooked.”
Violet felt shaken. She did want to try the drink. It looked so yummy, but somehow she knew Lee would disapprove.
His head dropped. “No thanks. I want to rest for a bit, get ready for the party.”
Gloria eyed her curiously, then shrugged. “Suit yourself.” She lifted the glass once more and finished the blue liquid. She waved over her shoulder and closed the doors as she left the room.
Violet stood alone, wondering how she would handle the evening party. She would be offered any number of drinks, and now Janice had given her an indication that Christians didn’t dance.
What’s wrong with dancing, Lord? What can I do?
Chapter 11
Violet stood before a floor length mirror and admired her dress. It was a Givenchy, red silk, evening gown with a low cut back and short sleeves. She wore her hair up in a lovely bun, and carried long white gloves. Her white floor length fur coat lay across the bed.
Violet eyed the coat with satisfaction, then worry.
What about my lovely things, Lord? Will I have to give them all up to live as a Christian?
Her prayers were halted when Gloria stepped into the room, wearing a floor length black evening dress and a mink stole. “Darling, is that the Givenchy you told me about? It’s gorgeous!”
Violet nodded.
“It’s not fair, you know. My family is just as wealthy as yours, but my Daddy won’t buy me half of what your Daddy will.”
Violet swallowed. Thinking of the tantrum she had thrown to get this dress, made her cheeks burn with shame. At the time, it seemed the natural way to get what she wanted, and her mother had helped, but now she recalled the event with embarrassment.
“I think this will be the last dress he'll ever buy me.” Violet told her friend, determined not to press her Daddy for such things ever again.
Gloria laughed gaily. “At least until the next one comes along. Now, shall we go? The chauffeur is waiting and we can’t be late to the Pendegast’s home.”
Violet cocked her head slightly. “I think we’ll be too early if we leave now.”
Gloria took her hand. “Isn’t that the point? We want to be the first beauties Robert L. Pendegast sets his eyes on. Once he sees us, no one else will compare.”
Violet gasped slightly as her own thoughts from several days ago, were put into words.
And to think, I said something just like that to Lee.
~
Janice was standing by the door, waiting. When Violet and Gloria joined her, she pulled Violet aside.
“I really meant what I said, about talking tonight. I’m not sure if I can ever give up drinking or parties, but I want to know why anyone would. Are you still willing to talk to me about it?”
“Of course. However, let’s see how well I do at fighting off temptations tonight. This new way of life isn’t easy for me. Half the time, I’m not sure what I should or shouldn’t do.”
“Well, I can tell you all the things you shouldn’t do. Those, at least, my sis
ter made clear to me.”
“Yes, but the way it was all explained to me, what we do or don’t do should be a reflection of how much we love God, not how well we can follow rules.”
Janice’s eyes were full of longing. “If that’s the truth, it would be much easier to do things out of love.”
~
The Pendegast home, or rather mansion, loomed ahead as the chauffeur pulled into the circular driveway. There were several servants lined up by the front door. When the car stopped, one of the men stepped forward, opened the door and held a hand out for the ladies to grasp as they exited the car.
Violet followed Gloria and Janice followed Violet. All three moved toward the front door which was opened by a second servant. They stepped through, into a huge foyer. They each made small gasping sounds at the sight of the two winding staircases, one on each side of the hall.
Gloria whispered, “One just to go up and one just to come down.”
Although Violet was used to luxury, this home was more grandiose than she could have ever imagined.
A maid scurried by them and disappeared into a side room, in a few minutes, a striking woman in her late forties, came from the room. Violet could see the irritation on her face.
“Ladies, you are a bit early, but we are glad to have you join us. I’m Mrs. Lucille Pendegast.”
“I’m Gloria Richland, this is Violet Beauchamp and Janice Chambers.” Gloria moved toward the elegant woman, but Mrs. Pendegast stretched out a hand to Violet.
“Violet Beauchamp, how lovely. My husband knows your father well. We were so glad to have you attend our little soiree tonight.” She glanced at the other two girls. “And glad you brought your friends.”
Violet saw Gloria’s eyes light with anger and a red hue flush Janice’s cheeks. They had both been invited because of their family names, but it was obvious Mrs. Pendegast had no idea who they were.
“Won’t you girls follow me to the parlor? We can have a bit of tea until the other guests arrive.”
“Oh, isn’t anyone else here yet?” Gloria asked, trying to make her voice sound innocent, but her eyes were searching the room for a glimpse of Robert L. Pendegast.
Enchanted Encounter (Get Your Kiss On Route 66 #3) Page 6
