by June Tate
Early the next morning, Rick drove to his brother’s flat and stood with his hand on the doorbell, keeping it there until he heard footsteps.
With bleary eyes Jeff opened the door. When he saw his brother standing there he was not pleased.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’ He had hardly got the words out when he was sent flying backwards as Rick punched him on the nose.
‘You son of a bitch!’ Rick yelled at him before hitting him again. ‘I had to take your wife to hospital after you beat her up.’ He held Jeff by the throat. ‘You go near her again, I’ll kill you!’
Chapter Twenty-One
Gracie spent the next three days in hospital. The swelling around her eye was going down. Fortunately there was no damage done to her sight but she was badly bruised. The hospital staff were very solicitous, treating her kindly as she was so shaken mentally by the attack and terrified in case Jeff came to the hospital to see her. Rick soon put a stop to that by informing the hospital reception that Mr Rider was not in any way allowed to see his wife. He wanted Gracie to report the incident to the police, but she refused.
‘I don’t want to have to go to court and face him,’ she said, ‘I couldn’t do it.’
Rick assured her if that’s what she wanted it was fine with him. ‘You’ll come and stay at my place,’ he told her.
‘Won’t that cause more trouble?’
‘Jeff won’t bother me I can assure you!’
The venom in his tone made her question him.
‘How can you be so sure?’
‘Because I called on him and gave him a taste of his own medicine,’ he said. ‘He won’t want more of the same.’
‘Oh dear, Rick, that wasn’t very wise, it will only make things worse between you.’
With a derisive laugh he said, ‘I never got on with him so he’s no great loss.’
‘What about your family?’
‘Now you listen to me, Gracie honey, stop looking for trouble. We need to get you well, that’s more important.’
She lay back on her pillows, exhausted, wondering what would happen when she’d recovered. She certainly didn’t want to stay around Barton. She wanted to get as far away as possible, but she still didn’t have quite enough money to get her home. But Rick came up with a solution.
‘When you’re better, why don’t you go visit with your friend in New York? Take a break away, give you time to think?’
She loved the idea but knew, having read the newspapers, that Valerie was going through a divorce and this was not the time to accept her invitation, she thought. She’d wait until her bruises had gone and she’d recovered, then she’d think about it again.
The day his brother had given him a hiding, Jeff called his employer saying he was unwell. He was sporting a black eye, his face was cut from the punches he’d received and his ribs were sore. He bathed his face in cold water and filled a bag of ice, holding it over his eye. He realised that he was in trouble. He didn’t remember what had happened, he’d been too drunk, but Rick had made everything very clear and when he’d had time to think, he was full of remorse. Poor Gracie, she hadn’t deserved that. He knew his gambling was addictive, he’d often tried to stop, but the draw of the cards had beaten him every time.
What would Gracie do? Would she come home? He doubted it, why would she? But in his heart he knew where she would find comfort – with his brother! During the many spats he and Rick had in the past, Jeff had never ever seen him so angry and he knew it would be most unwise to cross him again. Jeez, he’d threatened to kill him and Jeff was convinced he meant every word.
During the two weeks convalescence, spent with Rick at his apartment over the garage, Gracie gradually recovered. Rick had insisted she sleep in his bed, whilst he slept in the spare bedroom. Not once did he make a pass at her, just made sure she was comfortable, took the tablets the doctors gave her and made sure she ate. She was overwhelmed by his kindness.
Milly had been told what had happened and helped Rick choose some clothes for Gracie as she’d left her home with just a nightdress and a blanket. She called on Gracie with a further selection of clothes a couple of times, bringing flowers and cookies as well. She’d made no comment about Jeff or what had transpired, but had just sat drinking a cup of coffee and chatted.
‘Gee, Gracie, we all miss you in the shop. All my customers are asking when are you coming back, I don’t know what to tell them,’ she said. ‘They think you’ve not been well, that’s all.’
‘Thanks for that,’ said Gracie, grateful for Milly’s diplomacy. ‘I’m thinking of going to New York to see my friend for a few days, but after that I don’t know.’
‘You know that Rick’s in love with you don’t you?’ Seeing the surprise on Gracie’s face she chuckled. ‘I’m surprised you didn’t guess. I’ve never seen him like this with any woman. If you leave for good, you’ll break his heart!’
After Milly had gone and she was alone, Gracie thought back to the beginning when she’d called Rick for help and the days that had followed and realised that he had shown how he felt about her in a million little ways and she’d been too blind to see. This only complicated matters even further. She needed to get away to give herself time to sort out her future … away from here. She found Valerie’s telephone number and called her.
Valerie had been delighted to hear from her. Gracie had been completely honest and told her what had happened.
‘Oh Gracie, how dreadful! Of course you must come. Max and I aren’t planning to be away for some time, we’d love to see you – especially me! Let me know the date you are coming and what time the train arrives and I’ll meet you at Grand Central Station.’
‘I can’t thank you enough, Valerie. I know you’ve got your own problems. I read about you in the papers.’
‘Damned press!’ Valerie exclaimed. ‘However they have left us alone at last. As for my problem, it pales into insignificance against yours. When we get together, we’ll try and sort out your future.’
Gracie felt as if a weight had been taken from her shoulders, remembering how very capable her friend was. Her spirits lifted immediately.
When Rick had finished work, Gracie told him of her plans as they sat down to a meal. ‘I just have to book a train ticket and she’ll meet me.’
‘I’m happy for you honey. I know how fond you are of your friend, she’s just what you need right now, a touch of home.’ But there was such a look of sadness in his expression that Gracie was filled with concern.
‘What’s the matter?’
‘I just have this awful feeling I’m losing you. I know you won’t want to stay around here and I wonder just where you’ll settle. I’m gonna miss you so much.’
She looked over at him with an overwhelming feeling of tenderness. Rick had been wonderful, he’d treated her with gentleness and understanding, had cared for her every need and she suddenly realised she’d miss him too – and told him so.
‘His eyes brightened and he smiled. ‘Honestly? You wouldn’t kid a boy, would you lady?’
‘No, I wouldn’t. I don’t know what I’ve had done if you hadn’t been around.’
‘I’d kinda like to be around permanently, how does that appeal to you?’
What could she say? If things had been different, if he had been the GI she’d met in Southampton … but he wasn’t.
‘Oh Rick! Another time, another place, maybe we could have had a future together, but here in Barton, it would never work, there are too many complications.’
He looked disappointed but he didn’t press her further. ‘I guess we’d better fix your train ticket then,’ was all he said.
A week later, Rick drove Gracie into Denver. He’d insisted on paying for her fare.
‘You need whatever money you have for your stay in the Big Apple. Just give me a call when you get to your friend’s house so as I know you’ve arrived safely.’
He walked her to the train and found her a carriage, put her case on the rack then, put
ting his hands on her shoulders, he drew her close.
‘You take care, you hear!’ Then he gave her a long lingering kiss. ‘I’ve wanted to do that from the moment I picked you up all bruised and battered,’ he said.
Gracie just looked at him, her emotions in turmoil. ‘Oh, Rick, it all could have been so different!’ She gently held his face and kissed him before he left the carriage, and as the guard’s whistle blew, she leant out of the window and waved goodbye, wondering if she’d ever see him again.
Rick walked out of the station, feeling desolate. He’d never felt like that about any of his many girlfriends. He’d always declared forcibly that marriage was for fools, but now he’d just said goodbye to the only woman with whom he’d love to spend the rest of his life. His hatred for his brother swelled inside him like a balloon.
When he arrived back in Barton, he drove to his mother’s house and walked into the kitchen to see Velda.
She was surprised to see him. Since he’d moved out, his visits had been infrequent.
‘Well, the prodigal returns,’ she said sarcastically. ‘Where have you been?’
‘I’ve just put your daughter-in-law on a train to New York,’ he told her, ‘and I’ll doubt she’ll be returning! And before you start cheering, Ma, you might as well know that your beloved son Jeff put her in hospital.’
‘Hospital? What are you talking about?’
‘He forced himself upon her and beat her up. He’s darned lucky she didn’t report him to the police. Had it been my choice, I’d have seen him up in court and paying for what he did.’
‘I don’t believe you!’ She glared at him. ‘You’re making this up!’
‘Believe me, I’m not, but he didn’t enjoy a taste of his own medicine I gave him I can tell you, and if he ever crosses my path in the future, he’ll get the same again, you best tell him so!’ He walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
Gracie’s journey eventually was at an end and as the train pulled into Grand Central, she grabbed her case and stepped onto the platform, slowly walking towards the exit, searching for a familiar face.
‘Gracie! Gracie!’ Valerie came running towards her and the two women embraced.
‘How are you?’ Valerie asked quickly. ‘Are you completely recovered?’
‘I’m fine,’ she replied. ‘God! You’ve no idea how wonderful it is to hear an English voice!’
‘Come on, we’ll get a cab and go home. You must be feeling weary.’
‘Where are you and Max living?’
‘Greenwich Village, it’s quaint, you’ll love it!’
As they were driven through the city, Gracie remembered spending her first night in America here, with Jeff. It seemed such a long time ago.
Max greeted her warmly when they arrived at his apartment. He’d obviously been working and his clothes were splashed with paint.
‘Come on in, Gracie, it’s good to see you. I’ve got some coffee on the go, or would you like something a bit stronger?’
‘Oh, Max, a drink is just what I need right now.’
He poured her a gin and tonic with ice and lemon, then discreetly left the two women alone to talk. Gracie told her friend her sad tale and how Rick had cared for her.
‘He sounds a really nice man,’ Valerie remarked.
With a slow smile Gracie spoke. ‘He wanted to be around permanently, but I can’t stay there with him, not with Jeff still around, I’d be a nervous wreck!’
‘What do you want to do?’
With her voice trembling with emotion, Gracie said, ‘I want to go home, but I haven’t enough money saved yet to pay for the fare.’
‘Are you sure this is what you want do, Gracie?’
‘I’ve never been so certain of anything in my life. I want to see my family, my mother and leave all this behind.’ With a grimace she added, ‘Before I got married, Mum asked me if I was really sure I wanted to go ahead with the wedding because, as she said, living with a man is very different to being courted. How right she was!’
With a shrug, Valerie agreed. ‘Those were wise words, however, we didn’t know did we? I too found that out, but I’m so lucky to have met Max. At least I know where my future lies – after the divorce.’
Max reappeared and said if the girls would like to wash up, he’d prepared a meal.
Valerie grinned broadly. ‘I’m only with him because he can cook!’
Max looked at Gracie and pretending to be mortified said, ‘Sadly this is true!’
The evening was a joyful one with much laughter and banter and for the first time in an age, Gracie relaxed. It thrilled her to see just how close and happy were these two together. But the long journey had taken its toll and after a meal and a few glasses of wine, Gracie asked to be excused.
Valerie showed her to her room and the bathroom saying she was to sleep in and not rush to get up in the morning. ‘Max and I will be working so just wander in when you’re ready.’ She gave Gracie a hug. ‘Sleep well,’ she said and walked back into the living room.
She and Max discussed Gracie’s situation. ‘She just wants to go home, that’s all but she doesn’t have enough for the fare, so I’m going to get her a passage out of here, after she’s enjoyed the city for a few days. It’s the least I can do for a friend.’
Gracie had a shower then slipped beneath the sheets with a sigh. ‘Thank you God,’ she said quietly and immediately fell asleep.
When she woke in the morning, she was surprised to see it was past ten o’clock. She stretched then lay still, thinking of Rick. Then she sat up remembering she’d forgotten to phone him to say she’d arrived. Gabbing a dressing gown she ran out of her bedroom in search of Valerie.
‘Whatever is the matter?’ asked Valerie seeing the look of alarm on the face of her friend.
‘I forgot to call Rick! I promised to do so when I arrived. Oh Valerie, how could I do such a thing?’
Relieved that it wasn’t something serious, Valerie showed her where the phone was. ‘There, make your call and I’ll fix you some breakfast.’
Left alone, Gracie dialled the number and was relieved to hear Rick’s voice on the other end.
‘Rick! I’m so sorry! In all the excitement I forgot to call you!’
She heard him chuckle. ‘There you go, you’ve forgotten about me already.’
‘No I will never forget you, it was just that I was tired, then seeing Max and Valerie …’
‘It’s fine, Gracie honey. I guessed that was the reason. Is everything OK with you?’
‘Yes thanks. It was lovely to see Valerie, and Max cooked us a meal, but when I went to bed I think I died!’
‘Don’t you dare go and die on me, you hear? We have unfinished business.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean that I’m not going to let you walk out of my life, no how! I’m not sure just what I can do about it, but I aim to find a way.’
With a deep sigh she said, ‘That’s a wonderful thought, but it’s just a pipe dream.’
‘Ah well honey, if you don’t have a dream, you ain’t living! Let me know your plans when you’ve made them will you?’
‘Yes Rick I will, I promise.’
‘Just remember that I love you. Call me again soon.’
Gracie replaced the receiver, her mind spinning. Rick loved her! What a hell of a time to be told that!’ She wandered into the kitchen in a daze.
Max had already eaten so the two women sat and ate breakfast together. It was then that Valerie told Gracie of her plan.
‘The Queen Elizabeth has just sailed but she’ll be back in New York in two weeks. I plan to book you a passage on that ship.’ At the look of amazement on Gracie’s face she said, ‘Don’t worry, I can well afford it and it’ll give us two weeks together in this wonderful city. What do you say?’
Gracie was too shocked to speak for a moment. ‘I don’t know what to say,’ she eventually blurted out.
‘You don’t have to say anything, just enjoy the
time we have together. But when I’ve made the booking, if it’s all right with you, I suggest you cable your mother and tell her you’re coming home.’
Gracie burst into tears.
Valerie rushed to her side and hugged her. ‘This is no time for tears!’ she chided, ‘just think of the things we can do before you go.’
‘I don’t know how to thank you. I’ll pay you back one day.’
‘Indeed you won’t! This is a gift. One day, Max and I’ll come back for a trip and you can put us up, that’s fair exchange.’ She wouldn’t listen to any argument and as Gracie was dressing, Valerie booked her a passage in cabin class on the very next voyage. Delighted that she’d been able to sort her friend’s problem for her.
The following two weeks seemed to speed by. The women went shopping, to Radio City Music Hall, to the movies. They walked in Central Park, had lunch at Tavern on the Green and were treated to dinner by Max at the Hawaiian Room at the Hotel Lexington. Here Gracie was in her element as each diner was draped in a paper leis as they entered the dining room. They drank cocktails out of coconut shells, with little paper umbrellas tucked into the rim, and drank the rum-based liquor through straws, and watched the cabaret of Hawaiian dancers perform, with a running commentary as to what each move depicted. She watched the graceful movements carefully, trying to make her hands do the same, to everyone’s amusement.
During the day, Valerie took her around Greenwich Village, introducing her to her shopkeepers and watching the colourful characters who made the Village such a fascinating area pass by.
‘I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave here,’ she remarked. ‘I would think all this is pure gold to an artist and I’ve seen some of your paintings that prove my point!’
‘I guess it is bohemian,’ said Valerie, ‘but I love it. Here I feel I belong!’
Max and Valerie drove Gracie to Pier 90 on sailing day. They were able to go on board with her and see her settled. Valerie had arranged for flowers and a bottle of champagne on ice to be in the cabin and a tray of canapés so they could have a little celebration of their own.
