Chapter 2
The next day, Wilhelm was at the Frosty Palace, and was looking for a place to sit, when he saw the girl to whom he planned to introduce himself. He walked over and smiled. "Hello there," he said.
The girl looked up. "Hey," she replied. "You don't get many Europeans here. How are you?"
"Perfectly fine," said Wilhelm. "I just got off of work at my father's law firm. Schwartz and Kessler."
"Wait… Schwartz? As in Max Schwartz?"
"Ja," said Wilhelm.
"Oh my God, the civil rights activist?! Then… you must be…"
"His son," he replied, "Wilhelm."
The girl beamed. "I'm Martina Helena Maraschino… Marty for short. And you look like you need a seat. Go ahead, Wilhelm."
Wilhelm sat down and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry we haven't met before," he said. "I didn't think someone like you, so ah… high class… would want anything to do with a greaser Kraut like me. Oh sure, I'm mature for my age, but…"
"I always thought you'd be out of my league, and you're dating Patty Simcox! Or at least you were until she got jealous of your car."
"She must have let loose in the bathroom," Wilhelm said derisively.
"And… look at you! You're Wilhelm Schwartz! You're smart, sophisticated, German…". She sighed. "I kept telling myself you probably wouldn't look in my direction."
"Well that's what I'm doing now," said Wilhelm. "And I like what I see," he purred.
Marty couldn't help but giggle at that. She looked into Wilhelm's green eyes as he smoothed his brown hair. "So what are your interests?" She said softly.
"I mostly read history and listen to classical music. I also really like fencing and football- er… soccer. Cars are a side thing for me but I know a good deal about them. I just got done souping up an Imperial Crown convertible. That's it in the parking lot."
Marty turned to look. "Red leather seats?" she said. "I wish I had a car! I use my old man's. He dropped me off."
Wilhelm chuckled. "Perhaps when it's time to leave, I can drive you home?"
Marty's stomach floated as she nodded.
"Oh, ah… Hey Marty." Sonny had just walked in on the scene.
"Hello Sonny."
"What're you doing later?"
"Wilhelm Schwartz is driving me home."
"What?! Come on Marty…. I could drive circles around him!"
"Good luck," Wilhelm drawled. "You couldn't even start up your father's piece of junk."
"Junk?!" Sonny cried indignantly. "I just got my own car, I'll have you know! It's a Ford Fairlane, 1957!"
"Found On Road Dead," said Wilhelm, "how cute."
"Wilhelm honey," said Marty, "let's bolt."
They walked to Wilhelm's car, leaving a stunned Sonny behind.