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The aroma of popcorn wafting in the air made Lily’s stomach yearn for the delicious kernels coming from Mr. Hell’s wagon. The attendant, her brother Arthur, emptied a batch from the spurting hot kettle into the tray below. He had an ideal setup, drawing in the moviegoers on their way to the Relda Theater half-way down the block.
Anna dug in her coin purse for some change. “We’ll take two bags.”
“What are you two girls going to see on a two-for-one Tuesday tonight?” Arthur presented Lily with two overflowing bags of salty buttery goodness.
“We’re on our way to see King Kong.” Anna handed Arthur ten cents.
He dropped the coins into the till. “I heard that one is getting to be popular.”
“What is it about?” Lily held out a bag to Anna.
“A giant gorilla falls in love with a young woman.” Anna grinned. “It is a bit far-fetched, but maybe the idea is more about love overcoming obstacles.”
“Is this your clever way of bringing up Benjamin?” Lily ate a kernel from the bag.
“To tell the truth, no. But you brought him up earlier and I know you’re probably still thinking about him. Who wouldn’t be? He’s a handsome man.”
Arthur cleared his throat. “Hold on a moment. He’s the one who plays cards with Emmett, right?”
Anna’s eyebrows rose. “Umm...Yes.”
“Well, sister. It took me a while to put two and two together. He’s the same man who brought you home from Ira’s.” Arthur roguishly grinned. “The one who almost kissed you.”
Lily abruptly twirled toward him. “I thought you said you weren’t watching?”
“I can’t disclose everything. I never know when I might need that information.” Arthur chuckled. “Must be the reason why I never told you what I overheard at the card game.” He rested his folded arms on the counter.
“Spill it, if you know what’s good for you.” Lily shook her fist at him. “Don’t forget, between Celia and me, you’ve always been outnumbered with the secrets we have on you.”
“Gee! I didn’t say I wasn’t going to tell you. Anyway, at the hotel last month, Benjamin said something about you being interesting.” Arthur leaned forward out the popcorn stand’s window. “Emmett even hushed him up. So, it had to be good.”
Lily chucked a piece of corn at Arthur. “Interesting...that could mean a lot of different things.”
Arthur smiled and exposed his cheek dimples. “No, not interesting. It was... easy on the eyes. Yes, that’s what he said.”
The edges of Lily’s lips curved upward. Benjamin must have told the truth yesterday about his feelings. He liked her before Ira overstepped his obligations and made Benjamin give his word to take care of her. “Anna, did Emmett tell you anything about this?”
“No, he didn’t.”
“See you at home, Arthur. Your secrets are safe...for now.” Lily waved as they shuffled toward the theater. “You know I never said I didn’t find Benjamin attractive. I do, but after what I’ve gone through with Ira...well, I couldn’t do the same thing to his fiancée.”
Anna halted. “They never would have gotten married anyway. Not from what Emmett told me. Benjamin had problems with Vivian well before he even met you.” She elbowed Lily. “Trust me, he won’t be an eligible bachelor for long. Especially if you don’t let him know you’re interested. All those unwed hovering women certainly will.”
“Ha! Well then, maybe we really aren’t meant to be.” He could have his pick of so many others. She didn’t like it, but Anna was right. A group gathered in front of the theater. Lily settled onto the bench next door underneath the department store’s candy window. She whispered, “Perhaps my destiny is Milwaukee.” Did she even deserve this chance with him? She set the popcorn bag down and tucked her skirt around her legs. “Benjamin possibly choosing to be with me sounds wonderful.” If only he were Catholic. “But I’m not certain now would be the right time.”
Anna scooted in next to her. “Is it still too soon after Ira?”
“No, it’s not that.” She couldn’t stop guilt from bubbling inside. Ira’s life implied a hell on earth. Even worse, he’d nobly released her from a possible life sentence of purgatory. And now the man who’s mutually attracted to her has become available. “After everything that’s happened with Ira, it doesn’t seem fair to have a chance at happiness.” Do I deserve this opportunity after failing so miserably with Ira? She bit the edge of her lip. “Don’t you think I’m being too selfish?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why do I feel so bad?” Lily glanced at Anna and back to her hands resting on her lap. “What will everyone think if they see me around town with someone else so soon?”
“Honestly, why does it matter what other people think?”
“Well, I care.” Lily crossed her arms. “Don’t you remember what I went through in grade school? Those mean girls all thought I wasn’t as good as them. And even though I’ve grown stronger, that doesn’t mean those times still don’t bother me.”
“Yes, I remember.” Anna rubbed Lily’s back. “People can be so cruel and you shouldn’t have been treated that poorly. I’m sorry for what happened to you. Please don’t be sad.”
Lily’s body tensed at the memories. “It’s probably best to avoid situations that could potentially cause me aggravation.” A new start would be simpler than dredging up the past. Her neck muscles tightened. “Benjamin and I are so different. I just don’t think he’s the right one for me.”
“I can understand you wouldn’t want to intentionally place yourself in that type of position.” Anna moved closer to Lily. “But should you always let what happened in the past affect right now and your future?” Anna rested her hand on Lily’s knee. “I hate to say this, but Ira wasn’t always the nicest to you. Sometimes when people aren’t treated kindly, they are led to believe that’s the way they should be treated. Do you remember when I mentioned on the rooftop the other day that you deserve to be happy and shouldn’t settle for anything less?”
Lily nodded. “I’ll try.”
“Good. I want you to keep that in mind.” Anna twisted toward Lily and adjusted her skirt, covering her knee. “You said you don’t think Benjamin's the right one, however, he could be. I know he is a man who will treat you well.” She placed her hands on Lily’s shoulders. “And since you’re leaving town anyway, why shouldn’t you enjoy yourself a little?”
“I suppose you could be right.” Lily rolled her head, loosening the muscles. She had a couple of months yet to save for the move. “When you say it like that, I guess there’s no harm in finding out if Benjamin could be the one for me.”
“Glad to hear.” Anna pulled Lily into a hug. “I’ll be here for you if you run into any trouble.” Anna gave an encouraging smile. “We’d better get going to the movie before all the good seats are taken.”
After a short wait in line, the usher with a fancy bowtie led Anna and Lily into the theater. A light flickered across the room as the newsreel played on the screen surrounded by majestic red-velvet curtains. A set of large marble columns were anchored on both sides of the tied-back drapery. And an art deco design garnished in gold rose above the center of the screen, sprawling onto the ceiling.
At the foot of the stairs, Anna paused in the dim glow, glancing at people in the crowd. She pointed at a man waving his arms as if he were landing a plane. “Usher, we will go in the back there on the left.”
Lily poked Anna’s arm. “Is that Emmett?”
“Yes.”
Lily trailed behind up the steps. Why hadn’t Anna mentioned her husband planned on coming? Something didn’t seem quite right. Each filled row of theater seats blocked the view of the figure next to where Emmett stood. All that peeked out was a dark sleeve on the armrest. The style fit that of a male jacket. If she were to wager, the nicely tailored arm belonged to Benjamin. He sure is sneaky, getting Anna to bring me here.
No wonder Anna had asked her to come out tonight. The usher helped Anna up the last step and into the line of seats.
Benjamin’s eyes widened as Lily appeared. He rose, letting Anna pass by to sit on the other side of Emmett. A twinkle gleamed in his chocolate brown eyes.
Her heart raced faster and it certainly hadn’t been from the climb up the stairs. The usher held Lily’s hand while she exited the walkway into the row, taking the last seat next to Benjamin. She rested the popcorn bag on her lap. “So, we meet again.”
The huge grin on his face made it seem like he was up to something. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Her stomach flip-flopped. Had she misread his smile as shenanigans? Or was he being coy with her? “Did you know I would be here tonight?”
“No, I thought I was only going with Emmett.”
Considering he wasn’t aware she’d be here, the scheme must have been planned by Anna and Emmett. “I thought it would be just us girls going out to the movies too.” Lily pointed with her thumb past Benjamin. “I’m certain they were the ones who tricked us.”
“I can’t say I’m not happy they did.” His eyes glanced between her head and neck. “You look beautiful tonight. I like how the polka dots match.”
“Thank you. I cut material from the scarf and wrapped the crown so they looked like a set. A plain hat, such as this, allows me to easily transform it into something new.” Lily slid back into the cushioned chair. Her decision wouldn’t be an easy one after these next eight weeks if he kept exuding so much charm. “Popcorn?” She held up the bag.
“Maybe later.”
He liked her, he wasn’t engaged, and as Anna would say, maybe fate’s playing a hand in keeping her here. “Would you like to continue the conversation from yesterday? I promise not to end it abruptly with you this time.”
“Yes, I would.” Benjamin shifted in the seat facing her. “My excitement got the best of me yesterday and I should have been upfront right away about Vivian. I broke it off Saturday. We never would have been happy together. I know that now.” He leaned closer. “You’ve given me hope with our friendship and I want very much for us to be more than acquaintances.”
Everything he’s saying sounds perfect. Her head slanted toward him.
“I can see you’re thinking about my proposal. If I told you again how I couldn’t take my eyes off you when we met, would that sway your decision?” His gaze penetrated hers.
All the blood in her body rushed to her face like a raging river. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him either. Not now and not the day they’d met.
“I’m choosing you because I like you.” He held out his hand to her. “This moment would have happened even if Ira hadn’t asked me to take care of you. I wanted to get to know you since I saw you in that frilly dress.” A definite coy smile spread across his face.
He chose her because he wanted to, not because he was told to. How could she resist?
“I know you said you’d listen, but I’m getting nervous you’re not saying anything.” He stood. “If you want nothing to do with me, I’ll go.” He put his hand out towards her. “Lily, please! We can take this as slow as you want.”
The film danced across Benjamin’s figure while his shadow stretched over the screen and up the ceiling. People rustled in their seats while others called out for him to sit down, creating even more of a ruckus. His figure seemed to mimic the King Kong movie poster at the theater entrance. One giant gorilla falling in love with her. Lily snickered as she reached out, placing her hand in his.
“It’s about time,” the man behind bellowed. “Can you sit down now so I can see the rest of the previews?”
Lily tugged on Benjamin’s arm and he plopped into the seat.
“So, you’re agreeing to get to know me better?” He raised his eyebrows repeatedly in a quick flash imitating Groucho Marx on the movie clip.
Witty and so handsome. Lily grinned. “I agree with your persistence.”
“I think you’re saying I have a bit of charm...I like that.” His thumb caressed the top of her hand. “I could certainly get used to this. What would you like to do tomorrow?”