Chapter Eighteen

“It’s the dress,” Nessa said with a deep sense of surety. “It has to be, because otherwise all that’s happening is one big coincidence, don’t you think?”

Kate nodded absently. They were setting up a picnic near the pond south of the house. Johnny and some others from the movie were supposed to join them. There had been rain after all that morning, so Maria had loaded them down with thick blankets to spread out on the wet grass. Earlier, she’d had some of the crew bring down tables for the food, and they had already spread the red-checked tablecloths. Nessa’s mom had left during the downpour, making for short good-byes. She was needed back at the nursing job she’d taken after the war. Her parting words for Kate had been, “Get to know my daughter. You two can help each other understand your responsibilities.”

It could be the dresses, but it could also be the necklace. If the magic in the Kopciuszek dress was meant for Cinderella’s heirs, then it would make sense that the magic in the necklace be meant for Nadzia’s heirs, since she was the first Keeper.

“I asked them more questions about the shoes and Lidka’s necklace.”

Kate looked up from the blanket she was straightening.

“Babcia told me how everyone said the shoes sparkled in the candlelight the night of the ball. That as Kopciuszek danced, it was as if she were stepping across stars. Everyone knew the shoes were special.” Nessa twirled with her blanket in demonstration.

“Did you ask her about Malwinka?”

Nessa shook out another blanket. “I didn’t have to. She told me that the stepsister line has grown as ours has, and that from mother to daughter they pass on the need to take what they think they have a right to.”

“A need? Like they have to?”

“No, not exactly. It sounded like each generation is taught from a young age to avenge the family name or something ridiculous like that.”

“And what about Malwinka?”

“I’m getting to that. She said Malwinka’s line dropped out of the hunt, as they say. She has not bothered the family like Ludmilla has, and Babcia doesn’t want us stirring them up again.”

Kate stood and put her hands on her hips. “But if she has the shoes, we must go to her. Don’t you want the shoes back? They belong to your family.”

Nessa shot Kate an annoyed look. She spoke in a harsh whisper. “Of course I want the shoes back. You’re not the only one who cares about the legacy. Babcia says they’re not glass slippers at all, but diamond ones. They belong with the dress. They belong with me.” She finished with her blanket and started arranging the cups and napkins out on the tables. “What makes you think she has the shoes, anyway?”

“One of the Burgosovs told me she did.”

“The criminal? And you believed him?”

“Yes. It all makes sense. Malwinka doesn’t need to cause trouble because she already has one of the heirlooms. And that’s why Ludmilla tries so hard—she doesn’t have anything.” Kate opened up a food basket and pulled out a large plate of fried chicken. It smelled so good her mouth started watering. She added a plate of cold cuts and a bread basket to the end of a table.

Following Kate’s lead, Nessa arranged similar plates on the other table. “Babcia didn’t say, but it is likely Malwinka stayed in Poland. If you spend any time with Lidka you will learn that the stepsisters’ side rebels against any authority but its own. They think everyone should be equal, except when they themselves can get more for nothing. They have enjoyed the recent change in power. Our family still has property in Poland, but we rarely go there anymore, especially since the Communists took over. Our property is slowly becoming state-owned, anyway. This property”—she spread her arms, indicating the place where they were standing—“used to be a holiday place for us before the war. It was one of our secret residences until they brought Lidka here. I don’t even know if your aunt and uncle knew about it.” Nessa arranged her last plate and put her hands on her hips. “Babcia won’t go back home until things change. She says there is nothing for us there, and besides, we were needed here during the war. She says we will have more freedom to act if we stay outside of Communist lands.”

Nessa had given Kate a lot of information to process, but there was one revelation that stood out from the others. “Wait. I thought Lidka was your cousin. How could she be related to the stepsisters?”

“Distant cousin. Our connection goes way back to Kopciuszek’s mother. Lidka is not in the direct line of our Cinderella. She is more closely related to Ludmilla than anyone else. I asked Babcia for clarification on the family when I found out the secret. It is confusing, having to follow the branching lines through the generations, especially since not everyone is told.” She frowned. “Imagine if I was never told? I would go my whole life walking beside this fairy-tale legend and knowing nothing. Just glimpses of truth now and then, but none of it coming together to make sense. Such a thing is so far out of possibility I never would have guessed.”

“So now what do we do?” The blankets had been spread, the food arranged, but Kate wasn’t talking about their idyllic picnic. “Can we go on our own to Poland?”

“Babcia would have a fit. There is no way she would let us go. I’m sorry. We’ll have to think of something else.” She squinched up her face in apology.

Kate couldn’t hide her disappointment. Never mind Princess Kolodenko’s unease, Aunt Elsie would be upset when she found out Kate had come all this way and never completed the journey. Somehow, she had to convince the Kolodenkos to go to Poland. Sure, Mr. Day was willing to take her and Johnny when he had a break in the filming, but it made more sense to have the Kolodenkos along, too.

Nessa sighed as she looked across their work. “I need to wear the dress again. Don’t you think that will unleash more of the magic? You say the dress has personality. What if it gets tired of being locked up in a dresser day and night, year after year? If we let it out, maybe something will happen.”

Always looking for an excuse to wear the dress. Nessa got to do what she wanted, but Kate had to put aside her hopes and dreams in favor of the Kolodenkos. If this was what being a Keeper was, she wasn’t so sure she wanted the job after all. She started to form her arguments as to why the dress was better left tucked safely away.

Before she could say anything, Nessa continued her passionate plea. “You’ve seen Sora,” she said, throwing her hands up. “You’ve seen my life here at this isolated villa. When and where can I ever wear a ball gown? It’s going to go to waste.”

Kate bit back her initial reply. She had thought these exact thoughts back in New York before she volunteered to put the dress in the front display window. The dresses called to be used, but the consequences could not be controlled. Although this time, Nessa might be right. And really, what could it hurt? It was a dress. Suddenly, Kate had a creative idea. “How about you model it? Put it on and I’ll take pictures of you around the castle. Mr. G would love it.”

Nessa’s face lit up. “Perfect. There couldn’t be a better setting. Kate, you are brilliant.”

“And did you ask about the necklace?”

“My mother didn’t know Lidka had one, and Babcia said there is no knowledge of another necklace such as yours. Lidka probably has your father’s replica. You should have taken it from her. She offered.”

“I know.” Kate played with the hem of her shirt.

“You feel sorry for her. Don’t. She’ll betray you just like she did us. I’m not as soft as Babcia. I’m watching and waiting for it to happen.”

The first of the hungry movie crew came plodding over the hill, silencing further secret talks. The group had multiplied in the last few days as they were gearing up to have production in full swing. Nessa cheerfully passed out plates and winked at the cute boys. Once everyone had been taken care of, Kate filled a plate for herself and made her way over to Johnny, who had secured a dry spot under a tall cypress tree. She squeezed in next to him. “How’s the filming going?” she asked.

“Going well, as far as I can tell. Dad’s assigned me to help with the setup crew, keeping an eye on the scenery and props, making sure everything looks good. The director could give Mr. G a run for his money. I don’t know who is more demanding.” He lowered his voice as he jutted his chin in the direction of a man wearing a straw hat and refilling his plate with more pasta salad. “A bit of a tyrant, but he knows what he wants. How are things at the villa?”

“I thought it was moving slowly, but I may have convinced Nessa to help me find Malwinka.”

“What, did you agree to become her servant in exchange?”

“Johnny!” She punched him in the arm. “I’m sure she doesn’t even notice when she orders me around.”

“Hmm. How did you spend your day, then?”

She frowned at him. “Serving you. Nessa and I helped Maria put this all together.”

“And before that?”

“Mrs. De Luca had me out in the garden picking the vegetables, but she just doesn’t want me getting bored. She thought I would like it in the garden. And then I helped Nessa hang the sheets outside until Mr. De Luca called her away for something.”

“I thought that was you looking all maiderly.”

“That’s not even a word.”

While Johnny laughed at his own joke, Kate discreetly searched for Nessa, to make sure she wasn’t in earshot. She had found a place with the group of young actors. Someone must have had a comedic bone, as they were all laughing, their voices getting louder and louder.

“Well, hang in there. My part should be easing up soon, and then Dad’ll take time off for us to do some looking around.”

While Johnny was talking, Kate spotted Fran Marshall, model-turned-actress from Harmon-Craig department store. Kate tried to look away, but Fran saw her and made a beeline. She plunked herself across from Kate. “Hi there,” she gushed. “It’s so nice to see a face from home. Everyone here speaks Italian. I’m dying for someone to talk to.” She bit into her bread roll.

Kate blinked. Who was this girl, and what had she done with Fran?

“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” Fran said, holding her hand politely in front of her mouth. “I’ve talked to you before.”

Johnny laughed and turned his head. “I’m going for seconds.” He got up and sauntered away.

Fran watched him go, then said, “Don’t worry about the fans hanging around. There’s one who keeps trying to catch Johnny’s eye, but he’s not paying her any attention.”

“There are fans?”

“Of course. Every day they stand by the fence and wave at the crew. I used to like him, you know.”

Fran’s change of subject was dizzying. Used to?

“He’s a great guy. I grew up with him, since our parents are good friends. He’s really stuck on you. You’d better not break his heart.”

Kate didn’t know what else to do, so she nodded. It was surprisingly comforting to hear Fran’s opinion. But was Fran really so lonely she would be friendly to an old modeling rival? “How is your role going?” Kate asked politely.

“Oh, it’s been great. I really enjoy acting. I wrapped up today, so I’ll be going home soon. Can’t wait. Never realized how homesick I would get, but I miss New York. Don’t get me wrong, this place is pretty enough, but I think I’m a city girl at heart.”

Kate looked out over the picnickers, comparing the scene to eating at the Automat. Rustic tables, classic checkered tablecloths, heaps of food, and everyone talking and smiling. Beyond them stretched rolling hills planted with crops Kate couldn’t name. Fran was right; it was completely different from the city, where the buildings towered over you instead of trees. Where the breeze smelled of cars and buses and ocean instead of flowers and grass and open air. She didn’t mind the change one bit.

“Johnny’s coming back.” Fran stood with her plate and drink. “I’m going to sit with the crew. The cute one near the pond is planning to be a director one day. Remember what I said.”

Johnny returned with a second heaping plate of chicken and pasta. “What was that all about?”

“I have no idea,” Kate said. Fran giving her blessing? “She said her part was finished?”

“That’s right. She’s done a great job. Dad’s pleased. Filming is ahead of schedule, and several of the actors are going home in a few days. Anything you want to send back with her? She could deliver it to your mom at the store.”

“I’ve got a roll of film she could take to Mr. G. I’ve taken several photos around the villa. Don’t want him forgetting about me.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that; you’re unforgettable.”

Johnny smiled and her heart did a little flip-flop when she looked into his eyes. Everyone melted away and it was just the two of them, staring at each other.

“Who’s up for some baseball?” called out one of the crew members. It broke the spell. Johnny wolfed down the rest of his lunch and ran to join the game. “You coming?” he called back.

Kate shook her head. “I’m not very good.”

“None of us are. It’s just for fun.” He waved his hand, inviting her to come. “Let’s see if there are any other girls.”

“Kate, where are you going? You have to help clean up.” Nessa stood with her arms crossed.

Kate looked around at the people still eating. It wasn’t time to clean yet. “I won’t be long.”

Nessa turned in a huff and started recruiting others for cleaning duty as Kate jogged to catch up to Johnny.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked.

“I’m sure she’ll leave me plenty to do.”

By the time the teams divided up, it was obviously a man’s game. There was no way Kate was going to be the only girl. The fans Fran had been talking about saw that a game was going on in the field, and they had come over to watch.

She waved good-bye to Johnny and started back to help Nessa and Maria return all the picnic items to the villa.

“Wait, you forgot something,” Johnny called.

She turned around. “What?”

“This.” He kissed her cheek, grinned, then ran back to join the game.

Kate put her hand up to her cheek, her face aflame. Would she ever get used to Johnny Day’s kisses?