"Winnie, we'll have to hurry if we don't want to miss the beginning of the film," Florence called from down the stairs.
"Hurry? Flo, I never hurry," Winnie responded. She skipped down the stairs. "Pantages Theatre is hardly far away, anyhow. Besides, William said he'd drive us. We'll make it in time."
"Are you remembering that we have to pass the traffic light on our way?"
"Yes, Florence, I remember. I'll hurry. We wouldn't want you late seeing William, would we?" Winnie stopped in front of the mirror, as Florence scoffed. "Which hat?" She alternated placing two on her head, before she turned to her friend.
"Winnifred, please," she urged. Winnie didn't move. Sighing, Florence answered, "The blue one."
"That's just what I thought," Winnie said, dancing towards the door, "Better hurry, we can't keep your dear William waiting!"
"He's not my William."
"But he's dear?" Winnie grinned. She ran out out of the house, and down the steps, turning back when she reached the bottom.
"I'll race you!" She called, as Florence joined her on the street.
"Winnie."
"Fine, walk if you'd like. It'll make it easier for me to win," she said, as she took off running. They were to meet William at his automobile repair shop, where he would drive the girls to Pantages Theatre. William was Winnie's childhood friend, and she had introduced him to Florence. Although neither would admit it, Winnie was certain that they liked one another. Her heels clicked on the streets as she passed the bakery, the bank, and the jeweller's. She slowed as
she saw the scrawling on the sign that said: "Wilson and Barr's Automobiles." Smiling, she walked through the open door, the smell of oil and gasoline reaching her nose. A man turned to her, and he raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Miss Fairbairn, I'm surprised to see you," he said.
"Mr. Wilson, it's lovely to see you too. May I ask where William is?" Winnie replied.
"He's in the other room," Mr. Wilson responded. "I'll call him."
"Nonsense, Mr. Wilson. Get back to your work. I'll find him," she walked towards the other door, Mr. Wilson looking surprised at her forwardness. He turned, again surprised, when he heard another lady's voice.
"Winnifred, where are you going?" Florence said. She was given no answer, so Florence followed her, forgetting herself for a moment and saying nothing to Mr. Wilson.
In the other room, William Barr glanced up from his desk to see an excited Winnie and a frowning Florence. She had just remembered she hadn't greeted Mr. Wilson. He reached towards the radio, turning down the volume of the play-by-play of the Toronto St. Patricks ice hockey game.
"William, dear, Flo is thrilled to see you," Winnie said pointedly after spotting Florence's small frown. "And I am too, of course." She sat down on his desk. "Who are they playing?" She nodded at the radio.
"Good morning, ladies," William said, smiling. "The St. Pats are playing the Bruins, with a one-nothing lead."
"Perhaps they'll win. Unfortunately, dear William, we have to drag you away from your radio. You promised to drive us to the theatre, remember?" Winnie said.
"Of course, yes. I'll meet you on the street in a minute," he answered.
Together, Florence and Winnie walked onto the street, and Florence remembered to say goodbye to Mr. Wilson on the way out. Florence briefly scolded Winnie for being so rude to Mr. Wilson, but Winnie ignored her, as per usual. Those who knew these unlikely friends described Winnie as carefree and flighty, whereas they described Florence as practical and sensible. Although it seemed like Winnie was always annoying Florence, Florence enjoyed the whimsy girl's company, she always felt more free when she was around her. Winnie liked Florence's company, because she knew that Florence was rooted and she would always be able to count on her. They were good for each other, despite the fact that their opinions were often contrary and their behaviour opposite.
"Ladies, shall we?" William's voice came from behind them, and Winnie turned to him and grinned.
"Of course, dear William. Florence, you can sit next to William," she cheerily climbed into the back seat. She was determined to get William and Florence together. Florence had actually confided in her about her belief that she might have feelings for William. Florence had been worried that Winnie held feelings for William, but Winnie laughed at the notion, replying that he was like her brother. Since then, Winnifred did everything she could to get the two to interact, and Florence was less than pleased. She was not one to act on her feelings, she refused to instigate anything. She firmly believed that a gentleman should come forward to express his interest in a lady, and never the other way around. When Winnie suggested it, she had been appalled.
"What movie are you two seeing?" William asked.
"Go West," Florence answered. "It's a Buster Keaton film."
"I like Buster Keaton," Winnie said. "I think he's handsome."
"Really?" Florence asked. "I never thought so."
"Well, of course not, nobody catches your eye," said Winnie. "Nobody, that is, except for-"
"Mind your business, Winnifred, not mine." Winnie giggled, Florence rolled her eyes, and William smiled. He had suspected that Florence had feelings for him, not from her actions, but from Winnie's. He noticed that Winnie always pushed them together, and after knowing Winnie for nearly 20 years, he knew when she was trying to set him up with someone.
A few minutes of Winnie playfully joking with William and Florence led to them arriving at the theatre. William pulled up in front of the theatre, and hopped out to open the door for the two of them. Winnie took William's hand and stepped out, the turned back to reach for her purse. It wasn't there.
"Oh dear! William, you wouldn't happen to have two bits on you that I could borrow? I forgot my purse back at the house," Winnie said. William sighed, but he still had a small smile on his face. He reached into his pocket.
"Here you are, Winnie. Try to remember to pay me back this time, though," William said.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about, dear William," Winnie laughed. She hugged him goodbye, then she and Florence walked into the theatre.
A/N: Hello, I'm My Dear Frodo, and welcome to the story. Thanks for giving it a chance. I'd really appreciate it if you'd keep reading, and give a review. I'm not sure if this is any good, so I'd love feedback. Let me know, and thanks for reading. And don't worry, Newt and his suitcase full of fantastic beasts will be arriving in the next chapter.