Page 29 of The Flyboy's Girl
Chapter Thirteen
October 31, 1941
With only a few weeks remaining until Paul left for flight training, we spent as much time together as possible. We had several more dates after our drive down the coast with Millie and Don. Paul even chartered a boat that took us out to one of the islands off the coast for a picnic so we could be alone.
The day before Paul was to ship out seemed to drag by, making the anticipation of our goodbye even more daunting. Preoccupied with thoughts of Paul, Mr. Palmer tried once again to gain my attention.
“Miss Thorpe?”
Jumping at the sound of his voice, I apologize, “Mr. Palmer, I’m sorry. What can I do for you?”
“Can I see you in my office please?”
“Yes sir,” I reply rising form my seat and making my way into his office.
“Miss Thorpe,” Mr. Palmer begins before stopping and giving me a sympathetic smile before he continues. “Ruby, it seems you’ve had a few things on your mind lately and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Embarrassed that my personal life has affected work, I begin to apologize. “Mr. Palmer, I am so sorry. I promise I’ll be more focused…”
Holding up his hand to stop me, he says, “Miss Thorpe, I didn’t call you in here to reprimand you, I am merely concerned about you.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, I smile and reassure Mr. Palmer. “Thank you Mr. Palmer for your concern. Again, I apologize for letting personal matters interfere with my work.”
Sitting up and leaning forward he says, “Ruby you are one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. Your work is stellar and far from affected by whatever is going on. I just wanted to offer an ear if you needed to talk.”
“Thank you, Mr. Palmer, I appreciate that. I may take you up on that while Paul is gone.”
Shock evident on his face, Mr. Palmer asks, “Wait, Paul is leaving?”
“Yes sir. He’s in the Navy and leaves in the morning for flight training.”
“Tomorrow? Then what are you doing here?”
“Paul had some things to take care of today, and working helps keep my mind off him leaving. He’s picking me up after work tonight.” Hesitantly I continue, “I’m not supposed to date men under my father’s command, so I stay quiet about our relationship. Our best friends are the only ones that know.”
Confused, Mr. Palmer asks, “Your father’s command?”
“Yes, my father is Admiral Thorpe, who happens to be in charge of the naval base. Something else I tend to stay quiet about,” I say with a shy smile.
“I’ll say. I had no idea. So your parents don’t know you are dating Paul?”
I shake my head, “No, not unless someone else has told them. And I assume they haven’t or they would have confronted me.”
“That’s impressive. Your secret is safe with me.”
“I appreciate that, and thank you for allowing me to speak freely, I feel much better now.”
“Good,” he says smiling kindly at me. “Remember, my door is always open for you, and if there is anything we can do for you while he’s gone, let me know.”
Rising from my seat, I make my way back to my desk to finish out the day.
* * *
At precisely five o’clock,Mr. Palmer locks the doors of the bank as the tellers begin balancing their cash drawers. “Miss Thorpe,” he says from his position by the door. “It looks like your ride is here and you don’t want to keep him waiting.”
Smiling, my heart does a little leap in my chest at the thought of seeing Paul. Quickly gathering my things, I walk to the door where Paul and Mr. Palmer are conversing. Opening the door wider so I can step through, Mr. Palmer shakes Paul’s hand. “Good luck to you Paul.”
“Thank you sir,” Paul replies as he wraps his arm around me drawing me into his side.
