Chapter 3

Wilhelm smiled as he and Marty sped off. "So," he said, "now that we're away from Herr Ford, what about you?"

Marty smiled. "Anything sophisticated really," she said. "Cocktail parties, dances…"

"How about history, other cultures?"

"Ooh!"'she said, interested. "Yeah! So does my father. He fought in the War."

"Any enemy of Hitler is a friend of mine," Wilhelm replied. "We hid a nice Jewish family in our attic back in the old country."

"I also really like National Bandstand."

"With Vince Fontaine?"

Marty shuddered. "He's the living end," she said, biting her lip.

"As a man, I don't look at him in that way," said Wilhelm, "but I like his work."

Marty smiled. "You watch National Bandstand?"

"I dabble," he said, shrugging. "Johnny Casino and the Gamblers are pretty good."

"That's the one," said Marty.

Wilhelm pulled over and walked Marty to the doorway.

"We should see each other again soon," said Wilhelm. "Perhaps the drive in?"

"Definitely the drive in," she said. "We can iron out the details later."

He kissed her hand gently and smiled.

Marty walked into the house as Wilhelm left. Vincenzo, her father, was sitting in his easy chair.

"Hey, Marty," he said, "have a good time?"

Marty ran to her room giggling, smiling and throwing herself on her bed. She picked up the phone, dialing Frenchy.

"Facciano residence," said Frenchy's voice.

"French? Marty. It's urgent, you gotta help me!"

"What happened?"

Marty giggled. "Wilhelm Schwartz happened," she said, blushing. "Frenchy… he… asked… me… out!"

Frenchy gasped. "Marty," she said seriously, "you're right. We gotta make you look good. When and where?"

"The drive in, and I need to talk to my parents about when."

"Lemme know. Cause when we get done, you are gonna look so beautiful. Wilhelm is gonna flip."

Meanwhile, Wilhelm was at home eating dinner with his parents and ten year old sister.

"I know that look, Herr Schwartz," said Maximilian, Wilhelm's father. "You have something on your mind."

"I do… simply put, Papa, there's this girl."

"O- ho, you're thinking of a Fraulein!" Said Max. "Typical male behavior! Who is she?"

"Martina Maraschino. She's actually quite fetching, with a brain to match."

"Will she get jealous of your car like Patty?"

"Not now, Erika…" groaned Wilhelm.

"So ask her out, dummkopf!" His mother said, laughing.

"I did. She said yes. I was thinking Friday for that showing of that creature feature at nine at night."

"Do it," said Max, "but mind we have her for dinner first… she sounds like a nice girl."

Wilhelm smiled. "I'll tell her when I see her again," he replied. "Meanwhile… it's my kitchen tonight, so… Erika, go relax, Ja?"

Erika ran off to her room, chanting loudly, "Wilhelm's in love! Wilhelm's in love! Wilhelm's in love!"