Love Finds You at Home for Christmas (3 page)

Cliff chuckled. “I told you I was a gentleman. Besides, I don't have anywhere else I'd rather be.” He nodded toward the administration building. “I would offer to show you where to go, but I suspect you'd shoot me down.” His blue eyes twinkled.

She smiled. “Thanks.” She clutched her handbag and strode toward the entrance, hoping it looked like she knew where she was going.

She and Cliff had barely spoken all the way to Jacksonville, but she hadn't found the silence uncomfortable. Every now and then, he pointed out a landmark or gave a bit of commentary, but mostly he'd just driven, singing softly to the music on the radio.

It was kind of nice. Sometimes Ruby felt as if she had to carry conversations to put others at ease, but she sensed Cliff was at ease no matter what. He intrigued her. She wondered why he wasn't enlisted and tried to remember if Hazel had ever mentioned him.

Not that she was interested in being more than friends, with Cliff or anyone else. She'd learned the hard way that future plans meant nothing during war time. And now that she was on the cusp of independence and adventure, she wasn't going to throw it away for the first handsome man she met.

It struck her as almost funny. Here she was, ready to take on the world and prove to her family and friends that she could make it on her own—without a man to support her—and the first person she met on the journey was an incredibly handsome, charming man.

Maybe it was some kind of cosmic test.

And if so, she was determined to pass with flying colors.

* * * * *

Cliff hadn't the heart to fill Ruby in on Hazel's big news. Partly because he was afraid that if she'd known the truth, she wouldn't have come at all. It was funny if he thought about it. Seventy-five percent of the workers at the AOP were female, and at least half of those were single women clamoring for his attention. But he barely looked twice at any of them. But Ruby, with her black hair, fair complexion, and green eyes, was already under his skin.

He'd barely said a word all the way to Jacksonville. And finding himself tongue-tied around a woman was new territory. Nothing ever made Cliff nervous. He'd led his football team back from sure loss time and again. He'd marched into battle with as much strength and bravery as he could muster. But put him in the car with a woman like Ruby McFadden and he could barely string together two sentences. His buddies would have a field day if they found out. Cliff was known for being a great orator. He could give speeches and pep talks without any preparation. Yet he'd barely been able to form a sentence around Ruby.

He couldn't help but think of how Charlie would've enjoyed seeing him finally meet his match. His little brother would've laughed and poked fun at the sight of Cliff at a loss for words. He could almost hear the words Charlie would've said. Probably something like, “There's a first time for everything.”

Someone rapped on the window and Cliff jerked upright. He looked up to see Hazel, a broad smile on her face.

She motioned for him to roll the window down. “What's buzzin', cousin?” she asked with a grin.

“Just waiting for Ruby to finish in the admin building.”

Hazel leaned against the car “Thanks for driving her.” She raised her eyebrows. “Did y'all get along okay?”

Cliff nodded. “We did. Even though I refused to drop her off at the bus stop so she could make her way here by herself.”

Hazel burst out laughing. “I should've warned you that Ruby has an independent streak.” She leaned into the car. “Did you tell her my news?”

Cliff made a key-turning motion against his lips. “Nope.” He grinned. “Your news is your news. Besides, I've worked here long enough to know that loose lips sink ships.” Signs in nearly every building reminded all of the AOP workers to keep quiet about what they heard and saw.

She beamed. “Thanks. I hope she's not too disappointed. She might decide to turn around and go back home. Although I think the alternative for the summer had something to do with raising pigs, so maybe not.”

Cliff chuckled. He couldn't imagine prim and proper Ruby slopping pigs for the summer. “Something tells me she'll be determined to stick it out here, just so she can say she did.”

Hazel nodded. “Probably so.” She sighed. “I just hope she isn't mad. Will you promise to look out for her here? She's going to need a friend.” She leveled her gaze on Cliff. “She might appear independent and act tough, like she doesn't need anyone, but she's really a big softie.” She grinned. “Besides, I suspect she might do you some good.”

Cliff furrowed his brow. “I'll try to be her friend, and I'll do my best to look out for her, but something tells me that might be tough.”

“She's worth it, trust me. You'll never meet a more loyal friend. And she's so kind-hearted.” Hazel grinned. “It's part of the reason she'd be a terrible pig farmer. She'd name all of them and they'd turn into family pets.”

Cliff watched as Ruby exited the building and hurried down the sidewalk toward Hazel. He'd be fooling himself if he pretended he wasn't attracted to her. But that really didn't matter. His life was far too complicated right now to consider getting close to someone. Better to keep her at a distance.

That way she'd never have to know how he'd failed his family—and he'd never be in danger of failing her too.

Chapter Three

.................................

Ruby stood, rooted to the ground. “You're getting married?” She couldn't believe it. “Your note said that you had big news, but I never dreamed this might be it.” She worried her eyes might pop out of her head. “I didn't even know you had a steady fellow.”

Hazel smiled the contented smile of a woman in love. “His name is Troy, and I met him just a couple of months ago. He'd just been discharged from the navy after being wounded in the Pacific.” She sighed. “He's just the nicest guy. You'll love him.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “Promise you aren't mad? I would've told you, but he only asked me to marry him last week. By that time I knew you were already planning on working here for the summer. And I wanted to tell you in person instead of in some old letter.” She did a little twirl, her full skirt following her.

Ruby had to smile at her friend's happiness. “Of course I'm happy for you. Don't worry about me.” She fought another wave of nerves. She and Hazel had planned to learn the ropes at work together and pal around during their free time. Now Ruby wouldn't know anyone. It would be just like starting over at college. “I'm sure I'll get to be friends with the roommate they've assigned me to. She's from Fayetteville.” Ruby forced a smile. “And I'll have other friends here in no time.”

Hazel pulled Ruby into a quick hug. “Of course you will. Before you know it, you'll probably be the most popular girl in the dorm.” She grinned. “And if it makes you feel any better, I won't know anyone but Troy once we get moved. We're headed to Pine Bluff. He's going to be a supervisor at the plant there.” She sighed again. “The wedding is in two weeks.”

Ruby tried to keep her face a mask of happiness, but she felt her bottom lip quiver.

“Please don't be upset,” Hazel said, her voice soft. “You'll love working here for the summer. The pay is great, and Cliff will be here to look out for you.” She grinned. “I think the two of you can be great friends.”

“Thanks, Hazel, but I'll be fine on my own.” Ruby narrowed her eyes, wondering if her friend was trying to set her up with Cliff. “I won't be needing anyone to look out for me.”
Especially not someone as handsome as your cousin.
“But I'm thrilled for you, Hazel. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Ruby chose to keep her opinion about marriage to herself. Last month when she'd declared to Betty Jo that she had no intention of ever marrying, it had sent the poor girl into a tizzy—and
she
wasn't even engaged. No need to spoil things for Hazel.

“You'll come to the wedding, won't you?” Hazel's brown eyes were pleading.

Ruby nodded. “Of course. I'd be honored. And I can't wait to meet Troy.” She smiled. “I'm sure he's wonderful.”

“Oh, he is.” Hazel squeezed Ruby's hand. “Now let's go get you settled into the dorm. Cliff will drive us over.” Hazel dragged Ruby over to Cliff's car, where he waited patiently.

“Everything okay, ladies?” Cliff asked once they'd climbed inside.

Hazel nodded. “Let's take Ruby to her dorm and help her carry her things inside.”

He cranked the engine and slowly drove away from the administration building.

Ruby leaned her head against the passenger seat and listened as Hazel and Cliff chatted about people they knew. None of the names were familiar to Ruby. For what seemed like the hundredth time today, the butterflies swirled in her stomach. She wouldn't know anyone here. Hazel was about to get married, and Ruby would be left to fend for herself. So much for their fun summer together. The sigh that escaped her mouth was louder than she intended it to be.

“Nervous?” Cliff asked softly.

She looked up, surprised by the genuine concern in his blue eyes. “Just wondering what I've gotten myself into, that's all.” She gave him a tiny smile.

“You'll love it,” Hazel declared. “Did they tell you what your job will be?”

Ruby smoothed her skirt. “I'm going to start out measuring black powder. Hopefully after a few weeks of learning the ropes I'll become a supervisor, though.”

Cliff stopped the car and grinned. “I have no doubt that you'll make it.”

“I can get my suitcase,” Ruby said once they'd climbed out of the vehicle.

He laughed. “I know you can, but I'd like it if you'd let me help.” He pulled the suitcase out of the backseat and winced as he set it on the sidewalk.

“You okay?” Hazel asked. “Is that arm still bothering you?”

Cliff rubbed his shoulder. “It's fine. Much better.”

Ruby followed them into the dorm, wondering what had happened to his arm but not wanting to pry.

“This looks a lot like the dorm at Harding, doesn't it?” Hazel asked once they made it up the stairs and into the room Ruby had been assigned.

Ruby looked around the small space and frowned. With its concrete walls and gray floor, it seemed cold—almost clinical. Would this ever feel like home? Her college dorm room had been cheerful and cozy. “I guess.”

Cliff lugged her suitcase onto one of the twin beds. “You'll just need to put out a few knickknacks and maybe some pictures or something.”

“Knickknacks?” Hazel giggled.

Cliff shrugged. “I'm sure she has something in this big old suitcase that reminds her of home.” He shot a smile at Ruby. “Maybe that rock collection.”

She managed a tiny smile. If he'd meant for his lighthearted jokes to put her at ease, he'd been successful. The fear she'd felt at the sight of this bare room started to fade. He was right. A few personal effects, and she'd be right at home. “I'll have this place looking cozy in no time.”

“Oh, and there's a kitchen down the hall,” Hazel said. “I'll bet when you bake a batch of your famous cookies, you'll be the hit of the dorm.”

“Cookies?” Cliff raised his eyebrows. “Did someone say cookies?”

Ruby giggled at his expression. “I have a secret recipe that my mama and I came up with a few years ago.”

“Secret
being the key word,” Hazel said. “But if you wanted to give your recipe to me as a wedding gift, I'd promise not to share it.” She grinned.

“Or if you wanted to whip up a batch so I can give them my stamp of approval, that'd be fine too.” Cliff's blue eyes twinkled.

She laughed. “Hazel, I would be honored to pass my recipe along to you.” She turned to Cliff. “And I'll be sure and put you on my cookie list.”

“Thanks,” he said.

Cliff and Hazel said their good-byes and left her alone in the sparse room. It sure would be a quiet night. Lola, the girl she'd be sharing the room with, wouldn't be moving in until tomorrow. The woman in the administration building said she'd be arriving by bus from Fayetteville.

Ruby unpacked her things and carefully placed her radio on the wooden nightstand next to her twin bed. Maybe a little music would keep her from feeling so alone.

As the faint strains of Glenn Miller filled the tiny room, she grinned.

Cliff's favorite.

She might know what kind of music he liked, but she didn't know much else about him—like why he wasn't serving overseas alongside most of the other men his age.

Or why he'd made her heart race when, just before he'd walked out of her door, he'd winked and told her he'd see her soon.

* * * * *

Cliff dropped Hazel off at Troy's house and then drove down the dirt road that led to his aunt's and uncle's place. Between giving Ruby a ride from Searcy and then listening to Hazel chatter on about her upcoming wedding, he was thankful for a few minutes alone.

He enjoyed the quiet of the car for a long moment but knew he couldn't linger. If he sat outside for too long, Aunt Ida would come out to see what was wrong. She was always hovering, offering to cook him meals or trying to get him to talk about his parents and Charlie. She meant well, but sometimes Cliff wished he could just be left alone.

He climbed out of the car and headed toward the white frame house, shaking his head at the hound dog on the porch. Old Blue didn't even bother standing up, much less barking. He just raised his head in acknowledgment and went back to sleep.

“Worthless thing.” Cliff reached down and scratched the dog's head as he passed by.

“How was your trip?” Aunt Ida met him at the door. “Did you like Hazel's friend? Is Hazel coming home for supper, or is she going out with Troy?”