A Better Day is Coming part 2
PG for this update
I own nothing, I expect nothing.
Thank you Chely99
A/N The friends of Dorothy was a term started in the armed services in the 1940's. Gay people used it to identify themselves to each other.
Natalia ran all the way to The Big Horn. Again, it happened again. How was this possible, was this going to be her life? Always losing everything. There just had to be a better way. She didn't even realize she was crying as she ran. By the time she burst through the doors of The Big Horn, she was sobbing. Sadie was immediately at her side. She took Natalia back in to her office for some privacy. She sat Natalia down on the old ratty couch she had in her office. Sadie poured Natalia a shot of rye and told her to drink it.
When Natalia got herself under control, she explained to Sadie, everything that happened. Sadie sat quietly and listened to a story she had heard many times before. She held Natalia and tried to comfort her as she dissolved into tears again. Sadie offered Natalia a part time job as a backup bartender. It was the best she could do, times were hard. Natalia was truly grateful for the offer, but was very afraid that Mrs. Russell would try to cause trouble for her and that in turn would cause trouble for Sadie. Sadie had enough to deal with and didn't need anymore. Natalia decided it would be safer for everyone if she left Chicago, but she had no idea where to go. Sadie got a smile on her face and picked up the phone. Natalia was surprised when she made a long distance call. They were very expensive. Sadie talked to someone named Olivia. The smile never left Sadie's face. It sounded like this Olivia person had a job opening she could apply for in Springfield. After Sadie got off the phone, she explained to Natalia that Olivia Spencer owned the Beacon Hotel in Springfield and there was an opening. Natalia needed to get to Springfield as soon as she could.
Two days later the bus was pulling into the station in Springfield. Natalia got a locker to put her suitcases in and asked a porter for directions to the Beacon. It wasn't very far, so she decided to walk. It would save the cab fare. If something happened and she didn't get the job at the Beacon, she was going to need every penny, until she found a job.
As she walked, Natalia was taking a good look around. She was really hoping this little town would become her new home. There were lots of little shops along her way. People were smiling and talking to their neighbors as they went about their daily routines. Natalia passed a little diner on her way. It was called Company and she noticed it had a boardinghouse in the back that listed it had a room to let. She made a mental note to come back here after finding out about the position at the Beacon. It was only a couple of blocks from the hotel and she could save money not having to ride the bus.
In no time at all, Natalia was standing in front of the Beacon. It was larger than she had been expecting. She took a couple of deep breaths to steady her nerves and headed up the steps. She smiled at the doorman as she walked by. She entered into a large modern lobby. It had all the new space age furniture, arranged in comfortable seating groups. The floor was highly polished terrazzo with the Beacon name and a lighthouse designed into the center of the lobby floor.
Natalia walked up to the desk. She looked the gentleman working the desk straight in the eyes. He was a good looking man in his mid twenties, Natalia guessed. He was very well groomed and impeccably dressed. Natalia was pretty sure he was family, but you could never be sure.
"Hello sir. I would like an application for employment, please." The man looked her over very closely.
"Did the agency send you?" Natalia shook her head no.
"How did you know we had an opening then?" Natalia started to get a little nervous. She noticed the name on his badge, Greg James. She leaned in and lowered her voice.
"Mr. James, I'm a friend of Dorothy. Sadie Morgan told me you were hiring her friends." Mr. James looked around to see if any guest had over heard what Natalia had said. He held up his hand, indicating for Natalia to wait right there. He turned and exited through a door in the wall behind the desk. After a few minutes Natalia started to get very nervous. What was taking so long? Was he getting security, to have her thrown out, or even worse, was he calling the police to come here to arrest her. She was just about to leave when the door opened again.
A very beautiful woman came though the door. She was tall for a woman, five foot seven or eight. She was also impeccably dressed. A crisp grey suit with a pale pink blouse underneath. Pearls around her neck and on her ears. She didn't have a wedding band on. Her hair was short and dark. Her style reminded Natalia of Ava Gardner, only this woman was prettier. She had the most amazing green eyes. Natalia was completely captivated by this woman.
"Mr. James tells me you're a frien of Dorothy. Is that true?" Natalia looked around to see if anyone else was near.
"Yes. Sadie Morgan told me you hired her friends. Is that true?"
"Are you Natalia Rivera?"
"Yes ma'am." The beautiful woman gestured for Natalia to follow her. They went into an office right off the lobby.
"Miss. Rivera are you a police officer or do you work for the police department?" Natalia knew this woman was trying to protect herself before giving out any information.
"No ma'am."
"Ok Miss. Rivera, please have a sit. My name is Olivia Spencer.
TBC
