My heart sank.
“Now a few of her privileges were restored, at least. And I’m having lunch with the governor next Tuesday and should have more to tell you then.”
“Can I telephone her?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“Much obliged, Doc. I can’t bear for her to be in the awful prison one minute more. Is there any more you can do, sir?” I heard his telephone ring in his office.
He gave a sympathetic nod. “I’ll keep bending his ear, child. Maybe we’ll find a compromise.”
Millie poked her head inside the parlor, said something cheerful, and waved a book.
“The phone’s for me. And it looks like Millie is pleased with her new reads.” Doc stood up and I joined him. “I won’t give up. You don’t give up either, Honey. You’re doing a great job as the new book woman. Bluet would be proud.”
I hurried to the Company store, hoping to telephone Mama, rushing past Francis helping a customer at the cash register.
Inside the telephone booth, I took off my gloves, dialed the operator, and waited. But after I deposited the two nickels she’d asked for, the woman said she hadn’t received them and demanded more. I had to deposit another three before the operator would ring the number. Finally I got through to the prison, only for them to tell me Mama was in another building working in laundry. Frustrated, I hung up, counting my change.
Francis tapped on the glass. “Okay in there, Honey?”
I cracked open the door. “Fine but the telephone machine took more money than it should have. I had to deposit five coins before the operator would ring the number.”
“It acts up like that sometimes. Sorry, Honey. Wait here and I’ll go get the key to refund your change.”
In a moment, Francis returned with a key. Grinning, he squeezed in beside me. I wriggled closer to the back of the booth, trying to scoot away, watching awkwardly as he opened the box at the bottom of the telephone before counting out my nickels, the scent of boy wild and dizzying in the cramped space.
Francis passed me the coins, the heat of his hand lingering on mine. Our eyes met and a burning hunger lit across his. “I want to take you out soon, Honey,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “Spend the day with you.” Then he moved in even closer and pressed a feverish kiss onto my lips.
Boldly, I pressed back, pulling into the heady scent of boy.
A rap on the booth parted us. Eddie called out to Francis as he hurried past toward the back, “Truck just pulled in, and I need help unloading.”
Embarrassed, I tried to move but Francis was blocking the door.
Francis looked at me, the hunger still bright in his eyes as he fumbled with the door and backed out of the booth. “Go out with me, Honey.” He grabbed my hand and gave a gentle tug, then sprinted off toward the back to catch up with Eddie.
Smiling, I pulled my fingers up to my lips, tasting his kiss. For the rest of the day, and tomorrow, and the one after, I was sure I’d check and find his kiss still there. And I thought about what Bonnie said and wondered if Francis would be the one.
***
Saturday couldn’t come soon enough. And I could hardly wait to talk with Papa and ask his permission to date. I arrived at Pearl’s cab at noon, two hours before he would call, lighting up the metal stairs like a bald hornet was on my tail, my footsteps clanging across the sleepy forest.
“I’m glad you came early. I could use the company,” Pearl said.
“I hoped you wouldn’t mind. I’m dying to speak with Papa,” I said, breathless from the stirs and my excitement.
Pearl laughed. “I would’ve done the same. I’m having a bite to eat. Let me get you a plate.”