* * *
"Hey, Louis, how'd you like to go on some rides?" Kenny asked, as
the group stepped out of the church vestibule. Mass had just ended and
they were plotting their next move as they stood in the twilight of another
balmy evening.
"Oh, yes!" Louis responded his face lighting up. This weekend was
the last hurrah before Gillian's Fun Deck closed for the winter.
"Aren't you guys hungry?" Monica asked. "We could get a bite to eat
first, then Maria and I can walk the boards while you all go on the rides."
"Sure," Ken piped up immediately. "In fact, I know this great little
place on 10th and Asbury. Delicious seafood and steaks."
Maddy appreciated the ease with which he blended in with her family;
he truly seemed interested in getting to know them, in spite of work
demands having prevented the two of them from spending any time alone
so far this evening. And since, unknown to him, it had been the only way
for her to get herself to Ocean City this weekend-at least without a fight,
it meant that much more.
"Well, ok then, let's go," Maddy agreed, squeezing his hand.
The casual restaurant welcomed them with a nice, oversized booth
and baskets of hot rolls and butter while they perused the menus. By the
time the waitress came by to take their order, they'd been pretty much
sold on that evening's special, pecan encrusted tilapia with sautéed
vegetables and rice pilaf. Maddy sat in between Louis and Kenny, with the
larger of the two enjoying the extra room afforded by a place on the end.
He continued to delight her mother and aunt with his gregarious
personality and easygoing mannerisms. And of course, a shared love of
Eagles football didn't hurt, particularly with Monica. Opening day of the
new NFL season was tomorrow, with the group's favorite team playing
their NFC Division rivals, the New York Giants, in the Meadowlands.
With kick-off at 1 p.m., the plan was to watch the game at the house,
before driving back to Philly.
Why don't you join us, Kenny?" Monica asked. "I'll get some steaks
and we can grill out."
"Thank you, Mrs. Rose, I really appreciate the invitation," he replied
sincerely. "I'll just have to check in at the plant to make sure they won't
need me. Hopefully, Sam will be well enough to work tomorrow."
"I hope so," Maddy said softly, thinking wistfully about how quickly
the weekends pass by.
"So, you really work some long hours," Aunt Maria observed.
"Yes, but they pay me pretty well," he responded. "It's allowed me to
buy my townhouse and my car, plus some extras. I don't plan to be there
the rest of my life, but for now it's a start."
He glanced at Maddy, thinking of all the plans he now wanted to put
in motion even faster than before.
"Where did you go to school?" Monica Rose followed up.
"I went to Holy Spirit High School in Absecon. After graduation, I
enlisted in the Navy, where I got some excellent engineering training. I've
been so busy working ever since I got home, I haven't had a chance to
enroll in college, although I do plan to get a four-year degree."
Watching her mother from across the table, Maddy could sense
disapproval, although to the casual observer, Monica's thoughtful
expression and accompanying silence would barely register a modicum of
concern.
But Maddy knew her mother's reaction all too well. As a woman
who'd poured her heart and soul into making sure each one of her
children achieved a proper education consisting at a minimum of a
Bachelor's Degree, this was distressing news indeed. No amount of
charm-sincere as it may be-was going to help her swallow that pill. As
if sensing the mood shift, Aunt Maria piped up.
"Well, Kenny, that's wonderful. It's not an easy thing to join the
Military; your parents must be very proud."
"My dad didn't talk to me at first, but he came around eventually.
Mom was always supportive, but I guess that's what moms do best,"
Kenny shrugged.
"I think it's great," Maddy added. "I am not sure I could have done
the same thing in the same situation, and I was lucky I didn't have to
make that choice. Besides, a girl can't resist a man in uniform," she smiled
up at him as she spoke, thinking of the handsome portrait that hung in his
living room. Actually, it wasn't so much the uniform, but the character of
the person wearing it that was so damn attractive. Surely Mom would come to
realize that, too.