Crossing the Tracks (9781416997054) by Stuber Barbara

Author:Stuber, Barbara
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2010-05-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

August 12, 1926

Dearest Iris,

Your father was tinkering with our new cash register this morning when he threw up his arms and exclaimed, “Celeste, write Iris. We need another hand around here!” So… c’est moi! He said you’re a whiz at punching keys. Hopefully they’ll be flying in September with the mountain of sales we expect. Hope you’re ready for hard work.

We are exhausted but elated! The grand opening simply sparkled. I’ve enclosed the new Bootery business card. Every day we learn more about our Kansas City customers—demanding and discerning, to say the least. Sound like anyone else you know???

No nibbles on the Atchison house. If I had half a minute I’d come up there and put a polish on the place. The first impression—that front porch—cries out for a scrub and fresh paint. Actually the whole place needs… something! Your father suggested you send a list—hopefully short—of what you want to keep.

We signed a two-year lease at the Del Mar Apartments. You will love it! It’s on the fourth floor—two bedrooms, a railed balcony, a full kitchen, and a southern exposure. I can’t wait to display my whatnots and wedding gifts in the light of day. I do hope you’re better about dusting than I am!

Charles plans a trip to Atchison next week to arrange the shipping of his desk, the wardrobe, and bookcases. We won’t have a corner to squeeze in that piano. Too bad and too too too many details for my rattled brain! Your father is ecstatic to move out of his rooming house. My motto is: Petite is perfect for feet, but not living quarters!

Just the same, we decided it’s best for you to live with me until Oct 10th, even though my apartment’s no bigger than a shoe box. (We’ll be just like sisters.) It’ll be a pinch, but who has time to spend there anyhoo?

Have you made a decision about high school? I understand you already have the credentials to graduate! Inherited your father’s brains, didn’t you? If a senior year is not necessary, we hope you will finish your education on Petticoat Lane just like I did. Lots of young girls, with the right touch, can work their way up from stockroom to salesperson to model!

I don’t know the nature of your connection with the Nesbitts, but if you wish, please invite them to the nuptials. I doubt the elderly mother could come, but it’s the proper thing to do, unless you think they’d feel out of place. My land, what an experience you’ve had in Wellsford. We’re dying to hear all your folksy farm stories.

Enough of my rambling. Less than a month until Labor Day and your debut in Kansas City.

Au revoir!

X O X O

Celeste “Baldwin”-to-be!!

I drop the letter on the table, grab the sides of my head, then wipe my fingers on my skirt as though Celeste’s personality has rubbed off on them. I flip the pages to the blank side, grab Mrs. Nesbitt’s crossword pencil, and scribble a reply:

Dearest Celeste,

Here’s my list.

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