Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman

Author:Cara Putman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cara Putman

A fresh snow blanketed the ground, turning the streets of North Platte from a dingy grey to a glistening white. Audrey curled her hair and wondered if she’d be ready before Willard arrived. Stealing a glance at her alarm clock, she dropped the brush and reached for some powder. Ready or not, he’d pick her up in fifteen minutes. She couldn’t control the smile that curved her lips at the thought of spending time with him.

The Canteen had overflowed with sailors and volunteers when she stopped by on her way home from school to help prepare for the Open House scheduled for the next day. A group of women from Stapleton bustled about the lunchroom and platform trying to keep the coffeepot full and the table loaded with sandwiches and fruit. Because of their presence, the North Platte regulars got the day off. The Canteen may have opened three weeks earlier, but the day passed strangely empty when she didn’t spend time encouraging the soldiers.

This afternoon Rae had quickly shooed her away when she spotted Audrey. As she walked home, Audrey’d anticipated the evening with Willard. It seemed longer than a week since she’d seen him.

Looking out the window, she watched Roger’s headlights pull to the curb. Pinning her hat in place, she dashed down the stairs and to the door.

“Night, everyone.”

“Don’t be too late, Audrey.” Dad yelled from his spot in front of the fireplace.

“We won’t be.” She grabbed her coat and scarf and slipped into them then opened the door. On the front porch she bounced into a solid wool coat, and the rough fabric scraped across her cheek.

A low chuckle vibrated against her head. “Now that’s quite a welcome.”

She looked up into Willard’s face and laughed. “Isn’t this how you’re always welcomed? We like to bowl our guests off their feet. But since we’re both still standing, let’s get out of here before we’re trapped in an endless game of Pitch.”

They ran through the cold air to the car and slid into the backseat.

“Thanks for the ride, Roger.”

“No problem. Consider me your faithful taxi driver.” Roger winked at Audrey through the rearview mirror. “Where to, ma’am?”

“I think you’d better ask the lovely lady sitting next to you.”

“Lainie?”

“I really want to see Mr. & Mrs. Smith. North Platte has finally joined the rest of the world, and it’s showing here. To the theater, Jeeves.”

Roger flashed a mock grimace at Lainie and then they rumbled down the brick street to the theater, chatting and laughing. While they stood in line for their tickets, Willard loosely held Audrey’s hand on his arm and guided her through the Friday night crowd. His nearness caused her heart to skip, and she wondered at it.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“What?” Audrey looked at Willard, and heat climbed up her neck.

“Tell me what you’re thinking. I’ll even give you a dime for your thoughts.”

“Oh.” Her right hand fluttered to her throat, while Willard tightened his hold on her left. “I’m enjoying the evening with you. That’s all.

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