Chapter Fifty-Four

July 7th, 1912
Miles City, Montana

Cal looked over at Wally, who was in deep concentration with the competitors magazine in his hand. Cal tapped his pencil against his desk and watched the ticking clock above the door. He hadn't made much progress with improving assets on Wally's business. It was a good business and Wally had done a damn fine job, but there was no room left to put a Cal twist on it and sell it big. Cal was beginning to think his father was mistaken in circling this business off the charts. But then again, it had been some sort of a blessing.

"Looks like it's lunch time," Cal said, seeing the clock said 12:01.

"Oh, is it?" Wally peaked up from his work, "Good, good. I was getting hungry." Wally pulled out a lunch that Freida had packed for him, "What will you be having for lunch today, Cal?"

"I'm going to try out some of the local delicies." Cal announced, rising.

"Would you like me to join you?"

"No, no." Cal brought his hand up as a calm gesture, "Any recommendations?"

"The sandwich shop on West Fourth Street is delicious."

"Thank you, I will check it out." Cal said as he slung his jacket on from the coat rack. He gave Wally one more curt wave before he fast walked down the steps and went the opposite direction from West Fourth Street. Cal dug his hands into his pockets and basked in the sun as he walked. He felt a bit warm in his tuxedo. He saw the sign indicating White Rapids Road. Cal glanced over his shoulder before he turned onto it. Paranoia seemed to be following him.

Up the steps he climbed and into Freida and Wally's house. The house was absolutely silent. Clean and silent, which was unusual. Usually there was a radio buzzing, running and screaming children, and toys everywhere. And where was Freida? Had she forgotten their agreement? Or had she changed her mind? The idea baffled Cal. He may have been miffed by Rose, but she was different. She was a girl who was tired and jaded of wealth. Freida was something altogether different.

"Freida?" Cal finally called.

"In the kitchen!"

Cal walked through the nearby archway to see a plate with a ham and cheese sandwich and chips on it. Freida was just untying the knot from her apron as Cal walked in. Her hair was done in a curly ponytail, one mistaken whisp dangling by her chocolate eyes. She was wearing a blue and white striped dress. Cal smiled upon seeing her.

"I made you lunch," Freida told him, "Wally didn't follow you, right?"

"No," Cal shook his head, sitting down.

"Good, because I made an extra plate just in case." Freida took the plate into her hands, "Guess that means I get to eat it."

"Yes, sit, please." Cal pulled her chair out for her. She smiled calmly as she sat down. "You rarely have the time to eat."

"Yes, the boys are quite the handful." Freida replied, modestly.

"Where are the boys?" Cal asked.

"I sent them to the swimming pool with a lunch for the afternoon."

"'atta girl."

How Frieda melted at those positive words. This is all she ever wanted. A man who just respected her. Cal may also like a housewife, but he knew the true words to melt a girls heart and make sure she was taken care of. Wally had shattered her heart into a million pieces and he couldn't be bothered to sweep even a quarter of it up.

After lunch, Freida and Wally found themselves sitting on the swing in the backyard garden. It was the little things that meant this much to Freida. Cal was looking around at the garden that Freida so dutifully tended to. Freida wasn't even admiring her work, she was just taking in the sun.

"You've done a beautiful job out here," Cal told her.

"Why thank you."

"Your garden is almost as beautiful as yourself."

Freida blushed madly at this, "Oh, nonsense."

"I'm serious." Cal took Freida's hands into his own, "Your unlike any woman I've ever met, Freida. You're kind and dutiful, you never complain, and you're a hell of a hard worker. I must admit something to you: I used to have a fiancée. She was very unhappy. I wanted to make her happy, but apparently I was what made her mostly unhappy, and she left me to be with another man."

"Oh, Cal, that's awful." Freida squeezed his hands, "How could any woman be unhappy with you?"

"She had a lot of baggage, to be honest." Cal smirked. I still get the last laugh. "I thought I was in love with her, but what I've felt with you has proved otherwise."

"Oh, Cal." Freida's eyes melted into his. "I've never felt this wanted."

The silence between the two was filled with chirping birds on nearby branches. Cal's eyes darted between Freida's. With somewhat of a beating heart, not too fearful, he leaned forward. Freida leaned forward as well. They closed their eyes as they lips met gently. Gently at first, and then passionate. Freida brought her hands up to rest on Cal's shoulders. Cal's hand grasped Freida's waist.

This is it. Freida told herself, There is no going back.

...

Cal and Freida spent the rest of the time talking and kissing and feeling each other's bodies in their arms. When it became one o'clock, Freida walked Cal to the door. He leaned in and kissed her, which she greeted very warmly. She held the door open for him and handed him his coat.

"Have a good rest of the day at the office." Freida told him, kindly.

"Oh, I will. See you tonight." Cal pulled his jacket on and kissed Freida one more time.

...

"There you are!" Wally boomed with a smile as Cal walked through the door and began removing his jacket, "I thought you had gotten lost! I was beginning to get worried about you!" Cal offered a smile as he reseated himself at his desk. "How was your sandwich."

"Very delicious." Cal smiled, thinking of Freida.