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Benjamin sat at his desk with his suit jacket draped on the back of his oxblood leather office chair. He turned the dial on the copper calendar to display the month and day of the week—June and Wednesday. The last trainload should arrive sometime this afternoon. The timing varied depending on how many rail cars the switch car needed to bring into the docks. He checked his open orders as he expected the supply of hay, grain, and feed along with flour, potatoes, coal, lime, and lumber. In recent months, the Ebbe Company advertised they would arrange the financing as part of FDR’s New Deal program on lumber for home building and remodeling projects. As a result, he’d increased inventory counts several times per week to accommodate the ordering demand.
The second hand on his pocket watch had stopped moving. It read four-forty. He turned it over to open the back. On his first day with the company his father had given him the timepiece with an inscription on the cover—Time spent wisely is time well spent. As of tomorrow, on the fifteenth, it would be ten years.
Back then, he almost didn’t accept the position since he’d wanted to go out on his own like his older brother Robert who’d become a traveling salesman. Being the last son in the family, the odds were against him choosing his own path. Any attempt would have earned him the same distress his brother went through. More than eight months passed before his parents and brother reconciled. Benjamin didn’t have the heart to cause them added pain. Neither had his younger spinster sister when she’d assumed her role in the bookkeeping department several years later. Despite his parents’ demand, working at Ebbe turned out to be good for him. However, their insistence on courting Vivian four years ago wasn’t turning out so well.
Benjamin inserted the key hanging from the watch chain into the hole and wound the pocket watch clockwise. Familiar shuffling footsteps echoed in the hall, approaching his door. That noise could only be his cousin Louie, who never picked up his feet or a woman for that matter. Still, most people assumed they were brothers, not cousins. Probably because of their similar dark features and stature but that’s where it ended. Not only did he walk the opposite of his cousin, with long decisive steps, but he had a far better sense of humor. “Louie, I figured it was you. Do those cuffs on your fancy pants weigh you down and make you drag your feet?”
“Ha, ha. You’re one big jokester this morning.” Louie leaned against the doorframe crossing his arms over his chest.
“Do you have the time?”
Louie tugged the watch from his pants pocket. “Ten-twenty give or take a few minutes.” He tapped on the glass face. “Sometimes she runs a little slow.”
Benjamin turned the watch crown clockwise, adjusting the hands. “Well, ten-twenty it is.”
Louie motioned with a tilt of his head. “I see your father-in-law’s in the office. Can’t wait till we’re one big happy family around here.”
Benjamin rolled his eyes upward. “Officially, he’s not my father-in-law—yet. I still call him Walter.” If everything went the way he’d planned, Walter wouldn’t be his relation and Ebbe wouldn’t be affected by his decision. It was one thing to choose for himself, but the business affected his whole family. Vivian’s father had professional ties with the family well before Benjamin started working for his father. Even before their business association, a church group, The Presbyterian Brotherhood, played a significant role in his father’s relationship with Walter. Benjamin could only hope the long history between his father and Walter would stay intact.
Louie approached the desk and grabbed a piece of paper off the edge. “Well then...any idea what Walter’s working on with Uncle Christian?” He glanced at the document for a moment and tossed the paper back onto the pile.
Benjamin tucked the watch into his vest pocket. “A large bid two counties over.” His father gave Walter the lowest markups due to his personal connections even though their business practices were on opposite spectrums. Walter’s deals were based on how much his wealth would increase, not on how people would be impacted. “It sure is hot in here.”
Louie placed his hands on the desk and leaned toward Benjamin with a peacockish grin. “Am I making you uncomfortable with your pending nuptials?”
“Nope, not at all.” Benjamin rolled his shirt sleeves up to his elbows and loosened his tie. “Once the arrangements are finalized, you’ll see.”
“I’ll see what?” Louie pulled a handkerchief from his inside jacket pocket and tossed it to Benjamin. “Take this and clean up your obvious signs of nervousness.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything, but you’re going to find out soon enough.” He hoped Louie could keep this to himself. “Once the negotiation is done with Vivian’s father, I’m breaking my engagement.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all year and then some.” Louie rubbed his hands together. “What took you so long?”
“You look like a prospector who found gold.” Benjamin shook his head. “Try to contain yourself.”
“Oh, I can’t contain myself.” Louie tipped his head toward the ceiling and made kissing noises into the air. “I’ll bet you’re going after the girl in the frilly dress from the wedding. Lily, isn’t it?”
“Can’t you ever be serious? If anyone could understand how complex of a situation this is, it should be you.” Walter may very well not conduct business with them ever again but Benjamin had to take that chance. Lily had shown him a glimpse of what he deserved for his future and Vivian fell short of those expectations. “This chat is only between us.”
“Of course. You know, I’m only ribbing you.” The front door chimed. “Got to get back to work.”
Maybe it was too quick on his part to tell Louie about his pending plans, except saying it aloud made his decision concrete. One step closer to making his own choices. No matter how much Mother wouldn’t like it, he needed to be stronger than a house’s support beam. Eventually, she would come around. Probably. It was hard to tell since Vivian’s mother, Deloris, and his mother were friends. But a life with someone he no longer loved would be much worse than the short time of awkwardness his mother would have with her friend. Besides, he’d gone along with everything else his parents wanted him to do, especially his mother. She doted on him. Would he remain in her good graces if he went against her wishes or would he end up like his brother, begging for forgiveness? More importantly, could his mother accept someone other than Vivian for his future?
“Benjamin, someone is here to see you.” Louie stood in the doorway with a goofy grin. “I insisted she sees you instead of me relaying her message.” He motioned for the person behind him to stroll in.
“Lily! What a surprise.” Benjamin got up from the chair. If he would have placed a bet she’d stop by, he would have lost. Her hesitation three weeks ago seemed more like a fold than a bluff. “Please, come in.”
Louie pulled the door shut, giving a thumbs-up through the pane of glass. He twisted around, displaying his backside while running his hands up and down his sides as if he were having the kiss of his life.
Benjamin bit the smirk on his bottom lip. The gestures of approval from Louie didn’t shock him as much as Lily did. He couldn’t stop staring. She was breathtaking. “Have a seat. I’m pleased you stopped by.” His legs were weak and unsteady like the giddiness from an unexpected gift. He hurried around to the front of the desk and leaned against the corner while she settled in the chair before his desk. The frilly lace around her neck harmonized with the gentleness in her heart. Only a couple of feet stood between them. “I like your dress. Is it one of your new ones?”
Her cheeks instantly pinked. “Thank you, it is.” She brushed her hand across her lap. “It’s wonderful to see you again too. I didn’t want to bother you, but Louie insisted you weren’t busy. You certainly can tell the two of you are related. I suppose you’ve heard that before.”
“Yes, I have.” She looked amazing in that greenish-blue dress, but she could wear anything and he’d still have to clench his jaw so it wouldn’t fall open. Her outward appearance drew him in. What made her so special though was the beauty from within. Never had he met someone who captivated him as she did. On the day he’d soaked her, it could have turned out worse. Instead, she’d been such a good sport. “Please tell me what I owe for my reckless driving.”
Lily clutched her shiny black purse. “Nothing, no damage. The packages were just a little wet and everything washed up without leaving any stains. I would have stopped sooner, but my sister came to town for a few weeks.”
“Oh?”
She squirmed in the chair. “Actually, to be honest with you, my sister convinced me I needed to at least be courteous of your request to stop by.” She crossed her tanned stocking leg over her knee.
The soft sheen of her skin glistened over the contour of her round calves, which seemed a perfect size to the rest of her. Those legs definitely were an added attraction. “Well, you must thank her for me. How far away does your sister live?”
“Milwaukee. Her waitressing job at Childs keeps her busy. I don’t see her too often since she moved last year.” Lily’s head drooped. “Sometimes that’s a good thing.”
Benjamin rubbed his chin. “I’ve heard of Childs. They’re a restaurant chain in many of the bigger cities. I had their flapjacks in Chicago once on a business trip.” He tilted his head, making contact with her robin-egg colored eyes. “Don’t you get along with your sister?”
“I do. Except when she insists her way of thinking is right. I’ve endured that with a lot of my family lately. They all seem to pull me in different directions.”
Could the meddling possibly be about her fiancé? Benjamin certainly could relate to her dilemma. “Family sometimes has a way of thinking they are helping when they are not. It’s usually how they would handle a situation, not necessarily how the decision is the right one for you. You’re the only one who can decide what you want to do. It’s taken me a while to come to that conclusion.”
“Well, there’s another good piece of advice I’ll have to consider.” Lily straightened in the chair, placing her shoulders back. “Everyone seems to have their own notions when it comes to Ira.”
Why would her family make it even more difficult for her? “I’m assuming though, you are glad your sister’s been around for you during this time with Ira. Did she go with you to visit him?”
“No, we didn’t see him.” Wrinkles formed between her eyebrows. “The last time I was there, you were with me.”
Had she ended her relationship with Ira? Is that why her family had not been agreeing with her? Their visit was so close to the news he’d heard. “I’m relieved.”
Lily uncrossed her legs. “That’s an odd choice of words.” She shifted again in the chair, seeming a bit flustered.
He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. But by revealing his feelings of relief, he had. Nevertheless, she must realize how disastrous the situation could have been. “It may not be appropriate to say, but you were fortunate. Only a short time passed after you left before the doctor quarantined the house.”
Lily slapped her hand to her chest. “You must be mistaken.” She jumped out of the chair. “What happened?” Her words were halting and shaky.
What had he done? “I’m sorry. I thought you knew.” Benjamin steadily pushed himself off the desk and stood. “The week after you left, Ira’s neighbor came into the store. I wish I didn’t have to be the one to tell you but...it’s polio.”
The color drained from her face. “It can’t be Ira.”
“Sadly, it is. You’re looking unsteady, are you all right?” Benjamin took a few steps toward her. If she fainted, he wanted to be close enough to catch her. “Maybe you should sit down.”
“I don’t want to sit.” Lily grabbed onto his arm. “What else do you know?”
The desperation on her face pained him. “That’s all I heard, I’m sorry.” He’d only spoken with Ira one time, but he seemed to be a strapping fellow. “He’s strong. If anyone can get through this he can.”
A tear flowed down her cheek, another followed. “I wasn’t there for him. What type of person am I to abandon him when he needs me?” Lily leaned into his side, hiding her face.
Benjamin sensed Lily didn’t want him to see her cry. “You didn’t know.” Her sweet floral scent tickled his nose. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. She fit perfectly right next to him. Instincts seemed to be taking over his intelligence. “You’re the kindest person I know.”
He squeezed tighter as her shoulders moved upward with each sob. The warmth of her trembling breath made his skin tingle with tiny bumps. Or had it been her closeness? Was he wrong to comfort her? A woman crying always troubled him, except with Lily her tears tore at his soul. Somehow, he had to ease her discomfort. He rubbed her back from the lower curved dip up toward her shoulders. Each long stroke seemed to help her relax.
She nestled one side of her face into his chest.
Benjamin wanted to protect her heart. Still, he feared no matter what, it was going to break anyway. “I know it’s difficult not to worry, but please try.” He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek.
Lily tilted her head up.
Her lashes were clumped together and the sadness in her down-curved lips made him regret being the one who told her. “You won’t know how Ira’s been affected until he pulls through.”
“Take me to him.”
A tightness balled his gut. “What if he’s still contagious? I couldn’t live with myself if you were exposed.” Benjamin ran his thumb under her eye, tracing the top of her cheekbone and wiping the last bit of tears.
Her lashes blinked rapidly. “I’ll go across the street to Doc Spencer’s. He’ll know if I can see him. Promise me you’ll take me if he approves.”
The gaze of her blue eyes mesmerized him, and he found himself agreeing. He forced a nod. “Of course, I will.” Benjamin ran his hand down her arm, grabbing onto hers.
The setting of her engagement ring bit into his finger and he let go.
He couldn’t deny his connection to her, but right now all he could be was a friend. She had to decide her fate with Ira. If it didn’t work out, he’d be there for her as long as she wanted. If she wanted more, he’d be more than happy to oblige when his relationship ended with Vivian. “I can drive you once the afternoon train is unloaded. It should only take an hour and a half. Will that be all right?”
“Yes, that will be fine.” Lily made her way toward the door. “If Doc doesn’t want me to go, I’ll stop back. Otherwise, I’ll wait for you at home.” As she took hold of the doorknob, she turned and looked over her shoulder in a pained stare. “I do appreciate your kindness again, taking me all the way out to the farm.”
“You’re welcome.” He waved. “See you soon.”
Lily whooshed through the doorway, leaving behind an aroma of velvety flower petals.
Benjamin leaned back onto the desktop, viewing the bare entrance. What did it mean Lily hadn’t seen Ira for almost a month? Had their relationship been over until he’d given her the bad news?
More importantly, what did it mean she wanted to see Ira? He should have had the watch inscription etched in his brain by now. If he had, maybe the time he spent with her would have been wisely spent.
Instead, now her emotions might take over her head and drive her right back into Ira’s arms. Pity could do some strange things and he didn’t want this to be the case with Lily. But he was in no position with his engagement to offer her anything more than a platonic relationship.
Resisting everything when it came to Lily had been the hardest. And today he was stuck with physically driving her right back to Ira.
Again.
He had been a fool.
A hazy smoke wafted in from the hall as he caught a whiff of an expensive cigar. He stood and straightened, awaiting his presumed future father-in-law’s appearance. Devious and shrewd were the best words to describe Walter, and Benjamin needed to be cautious he didn’t divulge anything before the deal finalized. Keeping up the facade a little while longer would hopefully pay off in the long term. The empty doorway filled with Walter’s tall, portly figure.
“I see you’re alone now.” The cigar pinched between Walter’s lips muffled his words.
Benjamin’s stomach clenched. Walter was the last person he wanted to see. He’d rather daydream of Lily. “Yes. How can I help you?”
“Has your father told you about the new job I’m bidding on?” Walter rolled the cigar a half-circle in his mouth while a cloud of smoke hovered over his head. “It will be a tremendous opportunity for both of us.”
“Yes, Father mentioned it’s one of the largest we’ve had in a long time.” Benjamin backed up to the desk. “I will do whatever I can to help secure a good outcome.” He tightly grasped the edge of the desktop.
“Glad to hear. You’re a smart boy for the most part.” Walter wolfishly grinned. “Except next time, you may want to pull the blinds.”