Slow Dancing Read Online Free PDF

were getting cabin fever, so they left in search of a park, finding a nice, grassy area in the center of town, with swings and a duck pond. At lunchtime, they walked to the café, and Mary took her break as soon as the lunch crowd left. She was genuinely happy for Margaret when she told her about the drive-in movie date.
    “Having a child really changes the way you spend your social time, I guess,” Mary said. Margaret nodded her head. It surely did.
    “But I wouldn’t change anything about my life,” Margaret said. “I love being a mother, and she is the sweetest little girl.” Mary wanted to ask about Ellen’s father. She already could tell Margaret was secretive holding her personal information close.
    “What’s Ellen’s daddy like?” she asked.
    “Alan’s okay,” Margaret answered, but was reluctant to elaborate and Mary didn’t press her. She’d learn what she wanted to know in time.
    After lunch, Margaret and Ellen went back to Mary’s house for naptime. After her shift was over at the café, Mary returned home with a bag of food containers. They were having roast turkey for dinner, compliments of the village café. Mary put the food away then tiptoed to Margaret and Ellen’s door just as Margaret let out a blood-curdling scream. Opening the door right away, Mary saw her in the throes of what appeared to be a nightmare, while Ellen was snoring softly in the crib, unfazed. Mary went right to the bed, crawling in next to her and put her hands gently on Margaret’s shoulders to shake her.
    “Margaret, wake up!” Her eyelids flickered slightly, and finally opened as Mary embraced her.
    “I’m awake,” she said, getting up on one elbow, face flushed and eyes shining. “Thank you. I don’t have anyone to wake me up and they have to run their course like dreams do.” Mary nodded her head. She knew the disadvantages to living alone, and suffering through nightmares was definitely one of them. “I’m okay now.”
    “I really like you, Margaret. I don’t want you to leave Seymour,” Mary said. Margaret smiled at her.
    “That’s really nice to hear. I don’t have any girlfriends where I come from. Not a one. I wonder why that is?” Mary chuckled.
    “I bet I know why,” she said. “They’re jealous of you.” Margaret shook her head.
    “Aren’t nothing to be jealous of. I got nothing, except Ellen.” She looked over at the sleeping form in the crib.
    “Where’s her dad?” Mary asked softly. She was feeling the pain of being alone with a small child.
    “Alan’s gone. Never was involved. You know the story I’m sure. I listened to lies and got caught. I was just glad my folks was dead. They’d ‘ve been so angry with me and I don’t want that anger around my little girl.”
    “And you got the girl, that’s a big dividend.” The women nodded their heads, both looking over at the crib. Ellen was worth it. Mary hugged Margaret, and they held each other, lying in bed side by side. Mary smelled Margaret’s hair; it reminded her of the outdoors, cool breezes and grass. Margaret nestled her head in the crook of Mary’s neck, kissing her there.
    “Thank you for caring for us,” she said, sighing. “I feel safe here.”
    “I’m glad for it,” Mary replied. “It’s nice havin’ you and the little one here.” She pulled back from Margaret and smiled.
    “Well, you hungry? We’re having roast turkey with the fixins’ for dinner. If you’d like, I’ll invite Frank.”
    “You sure you don’t mind?” Margaret asked, sensitive to what his interest in her might mean to Mary.
    “Naw, he’s not interested in me. I’m glad he’s found someone, if you’re the one.” She got up and went to the phone in the kitchen, dialing the garage number by heart. Frank was grateful for the invitation.
    “I have to go home and get cleaned up and then I’ll be back,” he said. They’d have dinner together and then go to the drive-in.
    The couple enjoyed the movie, sitting across the