As she stepped out of her room, Sheila heard a faint noise coming from Gladys’s room. It sounded like someone was crying.
Sheila knocked softly.
“Come in.” Gladys called.
When Sheila opened the door, Gladys quickly brushed away tears and turned her face away. “What do you want?”
Sheila closed the door behind her. “I heard you crying. Is there anything I can do?”
Gladys flipped her head back. “You? What can you do? You’ve already stolen my beau.”
Sheila’s shoulders dropped. “No, Gladys, you know I didn’t do that. First of all, Mr. Daughtery assured me he’s never been and had not planned to be your beau.”
Gladys gasped and held a handkerchief to her lips.
“I don’t want to be mean, but you know it’s true. And Dale is not my beau either. He is a nice man, and I think he likes me, but that’s all.”
Gladys sniffed. “I know, it’s true.”
Sheila was surprised by the girl’s words.
“I wanted him to like me. Well, actually, I wanted anyone to like me. You see, I need a beau and a husband, soon.”
“Why?”
“Because if I don’t find one before I get much older, I won’t ever find one, and then I’ll have to go home.”
Sheila looked at the girl curiously.
“I grew up on a farm. It’s a hard life, much harder than working here. When I got my job as a Harvey Girl, Pa didn’t want me to go. He said it would only be worthwhile if I found a husband. He gave me two years to find a husband, or I had to quit. I’ve only got three more months.”
Sheila moved across the room and put her arms around Gladys. “Oh, dear. That doesn’t seem fair. I’m sure Mrs. Jordan can speak to your father, tell him what a great worker you are.”
Gladys sniffed again. “No, he won’t care. He can make more money when I’m home working the fields, even though I send my entire paycheck home.”
Sheila sat on the other girl’s bed. “Hmm, well, we’re going to have to find you a husband then.”
Gladys eyes opened wide. “Dale?”
“No, not Dale. But now that I know how important this is, we can work together to find someone. But Gladys, you have to stop flirting so openly with every man who comes in the restaurant. It pushes away those who might otherwise be interested.”
Gladys looked surprised. “Do you think so?”
“Yes, dear. For instance, three weeks ago, there was a very nice rancher who rode all the way from Lubbock. He gave special attention to you, but I saw his shoulders drop when he noticed you giving the same flirtatious smiles to Dale as you’d given him.”
Gladys stepped back with wide eyes. “He did seem to clam up when I came back to serve him the second time. Oh, what a fool I am! Maybe I missed my chance.”
Sheila patted her hand. “I wouldn’t worry. There will be other ranchers. We will watch for one together.”
Gladys nodded, and the two girls slipped from the room, down the stairs and to their posts. No one was ever told what had occurred between them, but Annie and the other girls noted a new friendship rise between Sheila and Gladys. Even better, Gladys’s flirtations had all but stopped.
~
“Sheila, I’m so glad you’ve come to the library today. One of the railroad hands just brought us a new book. He bought it in Kansas and brought it along with him. I think you will enjoy reading it.”
Dale held out the book for Sheila. She took it gladly, her eyes lingering on his muscular shoulders.
“But, Sheila, you promised not to walk alone. Couldn’t you have waited for another girl to accompany you?”
“Dale, I can’t live in fear of a man who I haven’t seen since the day of the picnic, which was over two months ago. I’m sure he’s long gone now. Remember, before I became a Harvey Girl, I wandered the town alone all the time.”
Dale scowled but said no more. He turned to help a railroad man find a book.
Sheila drifted across the room, settled into a chair and began reading.
Several minutes later, the library door swung open. Gladys rushed in and flew to Sheila’s side.
“Sheila, he’s back!”
Sheila sat up straight. “Who’s back?” Concern etched on her face.
“The rancher from Lubbock, Mr. King.” Gladys’s eyes flashed excitedly.
With a teasing tone, Sheila asked, “Then what are you doing here?”
“When I saw him ride in, I just dropped everything and ran over here to get you. I need you to keep an eye on me, you know, make sure I’m…”
Sheila stood and shook out her skirt. “I’ll come now.”
The girls dashed out of the library and to the back of the restaurant. They both put on their white aprons and quietly moved to the counter. The rancher was sitting in Gladys’s station.
Sheila watched as Gladys waited on the man. Her once loud, vivacious voice now softened to a gentle and kind tone.
The man lifted his face and met the girl’s eyes with a deep, affectionate smile.
“Looks like she finally found a beau,” Annie whispered to Sheila. “Slaton is going to need two new girls.”
Sheila swung around, “Two?”
“Jon asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
Sheila grabbed the young woman’s hands. “That’s wonderful news! When will it be?”
“I told Mrs. Jordan I’ll stay ‘til the end of the year. Thought a Christmas wedding would be nice. That gives her plenty of time to get another girl. But knowing Gladys, if she can rope that rancher in, she won’t be here long.”
Both of them giggled slightly, but when the train whistle could be heard, they began to quickly straighten their stations, and Sheila turned to check the coffee urn. Even Gladys jumped when the train pulled in, regret in her eyes, as the tall rancher paid his bill and left the restaurant.
Chapter 8
M other, I’ve been so busy, we haven’t had a chance to talk to one another. I’m worried. It’s already the beginning of September, it won’t be long before another winter is here. We can’t allow the children and you to live in the tent another winter. Last year was unseasonably warm, but I’ve heard a few old timers talking about this year being fierce. They expect snow.”
Sheila flopped into a chair in the tent.
Her mother looked up from the dress she was sewing for Susie. “I agree, dear. I don’t think we will have to worry about it though.”
Sheila stared in amazement. “How can we not worry?”
“We won’t be living in the tent.”
Sheila sat up straight. “What do you mean? Where will you be living. We haven’t saved enough money to build a house yet.”
Her mother set the sewing down and scooted her chair closer to Sheila. “Now I don’t want you to get upset, but Mr. Howell has asked me to marry him. He has a nice house in town. I’ll continue to work in the Harvey House.”
Sheila’s mouth gaped open. “Mother, not again.” Her shoulder’s sagged.
“I know, I know, but Mr. Howell is different. He’s kind, he’s established and he loves the children.”
Sheila sat quietly, absorbing the news. She’d never liked Mr. Bennet, and once he began drinking, she’d despised him. Mr. Howell was a real gentleman. She’d gotten to know him, and she really couldn’t ask for much better for her mother, sister and brother.
Finally, she slapped her knees and gave her mother a smile.
“When’s the wedding? Will it be a big church wedding or a quiet event?”
Sheila could see the tension leave her mother’s face. “Thank you, dear, for being so understanding. We want to have a very small church wedding. Mr. Howell has a mother and father he wants to invite.”
It was hard to imagine Mr. Howell having living parents. Although her mother was only in her forties, Mr. Howell looked older.
“We will have the wedding the first week of October. Mr. Howell doesn’t want us to suffer the cold this year either.”
Her mother hugged Sheila, “I will be, and I want the same for you.”
~
On the way back to the Harvey House, Sheila’s mind was whirling. First Annie announced her engagement, now her mother. By the way the rancher kept returning to the restaurant and sitting in Gladys’s section, it wouldn’t be long before she would end up getting married.
I’m not complaining, Lord. I’m glad they’re all happy, and I’ve never been seeking a man. However, the more I think about it, the more I want a husband, a family and a home of my own.
Sheila tried to imagine herself married, caring for a small family. For a short time, she was lost in the fantasy, and strangely enough, the man in her thoughts looked like Dale.
She tried to shake away the image, but it remained.
Suddenly, a dark shadow fell across her. She turned and found herself staring into the dark grey eyes of Mr. Barton.
“Finally, got you alone, gal.” The man’s slick voice grated on her nerves.
Sheila pulled her shawl closer to her body, as if a chill had just caught her. She looked around, hoping to see a familiar face, but the back street was empty.
“No fancy gent to take you walking away from me.”
She swallowed the gall, which had suddenly formed in her throat, and croaked out. “I’m on my way to work. I don’t have time to talk.”
She watched as the man’s countenance changed to anger.
“So, you do think you’re too good for me. You think that sissy librarian is a real man. Let me show you what a real man is.”
Sheila screamed as Barton grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. She tried to turn her head, but he forced his lips down on hers.
All the animal instinct she had made her squirm, scratch, push and kick at the man. Her hand came up and with her fingers, she slashed at his face. Barton stepped back.
“You little she cat,” he yelled as he held one hand to his cheek and with the other swung back as if to slap her, but his arm was suddenly held firm in a steel grasp.
Sheila had cringed back, waiting for the blow, but when it never came, she warily lifted her eye, to see Dale firmly twisting Barton’s arm behind his back.
Barton tried to turn, but Dale rammed his arm further up his back making the foul man wince.
“You’re going to the sheriff with me,” Dale’s voice was strong and demanding. “But first, apologize to Miss Hobby.”
For a second the man only glared at her, but when Dale twisted again, the man gasped out a slurred, “Sorry, Miss.”
Dale turned him around and pushed him away from Sheila but called out, “Get to the Harvey House, and stay put.”
Sheila didn’t have to be told a second time. With bruised lips and shaky legs, she rushed down the dried mud street and slammed open the back door of the Harvey House. What she didn’t expect was to run head long into Mrs. Jordan.
“Sheila, what’s this all about? Why are you running in here as if a band of Indians were after you?”
Sheila stood with slightly fidgeting hands in front of the older woman. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Jordan. I’ve had a bit of a run in with Mr. Barton. I was frightened so I ran back to the restaurant.”
“Billy Barton? That boy is always bothering my new girls when he’s in town. I advise you to have nothing to do with him. He’s dangerous.”
Sheila’s hand touched her lips as she nodded.
“Now, get up to your room, and freshen up. We can’t allow the customers to see you all disheveled.”
Sheila turned gladly towards the stairs. “Yes, Ma’am. Thank you, Mrs. Jordan.” She scurried up the stairs and straight to her room. Once inside, she flung herself on the bed and allowed herself a good cry.
A few minutes later, she heard a soft knock on the door. Sheila sat up and swiped at the tears.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Annie slipped into the room.
“I saw you rushing up the stairs. What happened? Dale broke your heart?”
“No, it was Mr. Barton.”
Annie flopped on the bed beside Sheila. “What, Barton broke your heart? I didn’t think you even liked him.”
Sheila shook her head furiously. “No, he accosted me on the street. He dared to… to… kiss me.”
Annie’s hands went to her hips, and she stomped a foot. “The devil, he did! Why, I’ll scalp him next time I see him, or at least pour a pot of blazing hot coffee on him. How’d you get away?”
Sheila’s lips trembled as she spoke. “Dale grabbed him and led him away. I’m worried though. I’m not sure Dale can handle him.”
Annie patted Sheila’s hand. “Don’t you worry about Dale. He may have one useless arm, but he’s still as strong as an ox and a half. What he can do with his good arm would put most men to shame.”
“I’d hate for him to get hurt on my account.”
Annie leaned in and examined Sheila’s face. “Your lips are bruised. Must have been a violent kiss. But what I mostly see is love. You’re not just worried about Dale; you’re in love with him.”
Sheila stood up and turned away. “That’s ridiculous. He’s a friend. He saw Barton press himself on me and came to my rescue, as any true gentleman would do.”
She moved to her dresser, picked up a brush and began to run it through her long hair, staring at her reflection. Could Annie actually see something in her face that showed her blossoming feelings for Dale?
Annie laughed. “I’m sorry about that dirty dog Barton, but it sure has opened your eyes.”
Sheila shrugged and nodded.
Annie left the room, laughing the whole way.
Chapter 9
T he month of September flew by, between working long ten-hour days, trying to read when she had any spare time and helping to plan her mother’s wedding, Sheila was literally exhausted.
She didn’t mind the schedule. She’d always liked being busy, but she didn’t get to see much of anyone outside of work, especially not Dale.
She’d given up going out of the Harvey House alone, and when one of the other girls would venture out with her, they didn’t usually want to go to the library.
There was a nice mercantile in town now, and the girls loved to pour over the merchandise. One afternoon, she and Annie were in the mercantile, looking at material for Annie’s wedding dress. Annie wanted to have red and green trim on everything since she was having a Christmas wedding.
“Jon and I have decided to go into business,” Annie surprised Sheila with the announcement.
“What type?”
“We plan to open a confectionary.”
Sheila cocked her head. “What’s that?”
“A candy store.”
Sheila grabbed her friends hands enthusiastically. “Then you’ll be staying in Slaton?”
“Sure. Jon’s father is an important man around these parts. Jon doesn’t want to leave, and I surely don’t want to go back home.”
Sheila’s eyes sparkled. “I’m so happy. I thought I was losing you. And now that my mother is marrying Mr. Howell, it will be different. I won’t feel as if I can just run home whenever I need a shoulder to cry on.”
Annie laughed. “You can always feel free to stop by and see me. I’m sure Jon and I will eat at the Harvey House at least once a week. We’re both interested in seeing Slaton grow into a big city.”
Suddenly, Annie’s back stiffened. She turned abruptly away from the window and propelled Sheila to the back of the store.
“What’s wrong?” Sheila turned her head, trying to get a look at whatever had spooked Annie.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Annie tried to get Sheila to look at some of the items on the wall, but Sheila knew they weren’t why Annie had dragged her back there.
After a minute or two, Sheila stepped out into the main aisle. She glanced up, and her eyes locked with Dale’s. However, she noted immediately, a woman holding onto his arm, much the way she had walked with
him before.
Sheila backed away and bumped into Annie.
“I tried to keep you from seeing that, honey,” Annie whispered.
“Who is she?” Sheila bit her bottom lip.
“I don’t know. Never saw her before.”
Sheila wasn’t sure what to do. She wanted to rush up to Dale and demand to know who the woman was, but the reality was that she hadn’t seen Dale in over a week. Plus it wasn’t as if they had any kind of spoken agreement between them.
They were only friends. She had no right to wonder about him being with another woman. However, she felt her heart sink.
For someone who wasn’t looking for a man, she was terribly disappointed to find out the one man she liked was interested in someone else.
“Come on, Sheila. Let’s get out of this store.”
Sheila nodded without thought and followed the other girl. She kept her face turned away from Dale and missed it when he waved, trying to get her attention.
Sheila had to scurry to keep up with Annie, who was stomping across the street, mud splashing all over her skirt hem.
“Men! You just can’t trust them. I only hope Jon can be trusted. So far he hasn’t so much as winked at another woman while I’m around, but if I ever catch him at it, wham!” She flung her arm in a punching fashion.
Even though Sheila was upset, she couldn’t keep her smile from twitching at her friend’s antics. She followed Annie all the way up the stairs and then moved to her own room.
I’ll spend some time in prayer. I’ve allowed my thoughts to dwell on Dale too much. It’s time to renew my mind.
Sheila spent time reading her Bible and then turned to a book Dale had given her several weeks ago until she found tears slipping down her cheeks. She brushed at them angrily.
I can’t be upset about him being with another woman. I have no claim over him.
Still her heart ached.
~
As October began, Sheila didn’t go to the Reading Room, and Dale didn’t come to the Harvey House for meals.
Harvey House Bride (Harvey Girls Book 1) Page 5
