A Moment in Time Read Online Free PDF Page B

offending the man, but she didn’t want to encourage conversation, so she simply deposited the dishes on the counter and returned to the dining room for more.
    With the tables finally clean, Alice set to sweeping the floors. She was just finishing when Mr. Bellows appeared in his coat and hat. “I’m taking the noon monies to the bank. We did good today. I’m sure you made some decent tips.”
    There hadn’t been time to check, but Alice did feel the considerable weight of change in her skirt pockets. Mostly it was pennies, but even those added up. “I suppose so,” she murmured.
    “Good. I hope so. This job don’t pay much, so those tips are gonna make all the difference. That’ll encourage you to be extra nice to the fellows.”
    “Is it always this busy at noon?”
    Bellows shrugged. “Not always. A lot of the married workers bring their own lunches and might stop by for hot coffee. Others are single and don’t have anyone to look after them. Many who used to work for the railroad shops here are out of work now. It’s anybody’s guess as to when things will turn around. I figure the word got spread about you being here and most came out of curiosity. With any luck, they’ll be back.
    “When you’ve finished cleaning up in the front, you can head out. Tell Joe I’ll be right back to handle any customers.”
    Alice nodded and watched Mr. Bellows leave. She was weary to the bone but glad to have a chance to earn a littlemoney. She hurried to finish wiping down the counters and was just about ready to leave when she noticed Joe watching her again. Remembering Mr. Bellows’s comment, Alice cleared her throat.
    “Mr. Bellows said he’d be right back and will handle any customers once he returns.” The man gave a brief nod but said nothing. He kept watching her with his piercing gaze, leaving Alice most uncomfortable.
    A sense of dread crept up her spine. She hesitated a moment. “Is something wrong?”
    He smiled. “Just wondered if you’d like to step out with me tonight. There’s a good place a few blocks away where we could hear some music and maybe dance. Good food, too. I know you made some tips today, so maybe you could treat me to a cold beer or two.”
    The man’s comment left Alice confused. “You . . . you want me to buy you a beer? Or two?”
    “Sure and maybe some supper.” He laughed. “I can’t leave until after the roasts and pies finish baking, but I figure we could have ourselves a little fun.”
    Regaining her composure, Alice undid the ties of her apron. “I don’t think so. I have responsibilities.”
    “You ain’t married. I heard you tell that to Bellows. So you can’t have that much to be responsible for.” He once again pushed back his oily hair, as if it were the only thing out of place on his person. “I know how to show a gal a good time, and I can clean up good.”
    “I’m sorry. No.” Alice hung her apron and went to retrieve her coat. “I’m expected at home.” She pulled the coat on and hurriedly buttoned it. Then, retrieving her bonnet and securing it over her hair, she made her way toward the back of the kitchen.
    Joe deliberately blocked her path to the door. “You’re kind of uppity for a gal who’s all marked up like that. Ain’t like you can rely on your looks to get yourself hitched. You be nice to me, and I might even think about lettin’ you be my steady gal. I don’t much mind the scar, since you got a fetchin’ backside.”
    Alice couldn’t keep the surprise from her face. Her eyes widened and she stammered for words. “I . . . you can’t be . . . Oh my . . .” She stopped attempting to make sense. “I have to go.” She looked past him to the door, wishing she could somehow will herself outside. For a moment she feared he might try to force her to stay.
    However, with a grunt, Joe shrugged and stepped away. “You’ll change your tune soon enough. Ain’t gonna be just any man who’ll want you around—leastwise not