Author note:
A little sweet to follow the drama of the last couple chapters. I hope you are still enjoying this. Leave me a note with your favorite part.
CH 52-A Different Kind of Valentine
Clay and Emma spent as much time together as possible. But Clay had said it had been too long since they had been on a proper date, and he insisted on taking her out. They had gone to a movie and were now sitting at the ice cream shop enjoying a treat.
"Em, have you thought about Valentine's Day? Is there something that you'd like to do, somewhere you'd like to go?"
"I'm glad you brought that up. Yesterday my Theater teacher asked me if I would want to participate in a performance at the VFW for Valentine's Day. Our group will have music and singing and serve a meal."
"That sounds awesome."
"You sure it's okay?"
"Yes, of course." He was touched and proud that she wanted to give back in that way.
"They'll be lucky to get to hear you."
"I didn't want you to be disappointed."
"Emma, I love you everyday not just on February 14th."
"I know but it's a special day."
He reached for her hand, "Honey, what you want to do is important."
She was so happy he understood.
"Hey, you know what? I could probably see your performance. I mean, the VFW is open to retired and active military."
"I hadn't thought of that. I would love it if you could be there. Actually, our teacher was looking for family volunteers to help serve the meal. Would you want to do that?"
"Sure. That's a great idea. You sure I can? I'm not family."
She leaned over and kissed him. "You're my family. And I'm sure they won't be picky about the volunteers."
"It's a date then."
On Friday Emma rode to the VFW with the group from her school. They walked into the activity room to set up. There were a few volunteers moving around already. The broad shoulders and curly, blond hair of one figure in the kitchen was familiar.
The Volunteer Coordinator greeted them. "Thank you all for coming. You don't know how much it can mean to our Vets and Service Members to have a place to go and someone to be with on days like this. If you'll follow me, I'll show you where you can put your personal items."
They walked past the kitchen to a small office. As they came back out, she addressed them again.
"We have some volunteers already working in the kitchen. In fact, one of them said he's with your group." She called to Clay. "Petty Officer Spenser, could you join us?"
Clay walked out and Emma could see he'd tied an apron on and held a dish rag.
"Here's the rest of your group."
Emma stepped forward to greet him. "I see you dove right in."
"Yep. They put me right to work." He grinned at her and his eyes sparkled.
Clay nodded to the rest of the group. "Hey. I'm Clay. I'm Emma's…"
"He's my boyfriend," Emma cut in.
With a quick kiss, the two separated. Emma went with the performers to set up and Clay went back to the kitchen with the volunteers serving the meal.
About 6 o'clock members started to filter in. There were a few younger members and women, but most were men in their sixties and seventies. Emma sang a mix of songs from across the years. However, most were from "The Great American Songbook." Several times as he was filling plates and taking them out to tables, Clay found himself stopping just to listen. He r voice always amazed him. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying her talent as well. There was loud applause after every song.
After about 45 minutes or so, Emma announced a break, during which the musicians kept playing. By that time Clay was finished with kitchen duty and was sitting in the back of the room. Emma walked back to him and he handed her a drink.
"You're wonderful honey."
"Thanks. I was just hoping everyone would enjoy the music."
"They definitely are babe."
The band started to play a slow song and Clay stood and offered Emma his hand.
"Dance with me?"
"But no one else is dancing."
"So. There's a dance floor. Maybe they're all waiting for someone else to start."
She smiled and took his hand and he led her to the dance floor. Clay pulled her close and they swayed to the melody. As they took the floor, several people clapped and there were a few whistles also. Emma blushed and Clay winked at her. For a few moments, all eyes were on them. The whole room was enthralled by the sight of two people so obviously in love.
Soon a few couples joined them. Some of the volunteers even asked a few Vets to dance.
"See Em. They just needed someone to show them how it's done." He took a hold of her hand and spun her out and then back into his arms.
Emma laughed and the sound warmed his heart.
"Nice moves Fred Astaire."
"Hey, I'm a man of hidden talents."
"I love your talents," she responded in a low, seductive voice. He dipped her low, kissing her gently.
The song ended and the band began a new one. Clay kept her in his arms until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. They turned to see an older man, wearing a had that indicated he had served in Vietnam.
"You mind if I cut in?"
Clay looked to Emma and she nodded her approval. He released her and sat down at a nearby table. He could see the older man chatting with Emma as they danced. Emma was smiling and nodding. He even saw her gesture in his direction. The music ended and the gentleman gave Emma a kiss on the cheek and thanked her for the dance.
She joined Clay at the table. "He is such a kind old man. He served in the Marines in Vietnam. He said he and his wife always went dancing on Valentine's Day. But she died last year."
Clay laid his hand on hers.
"Did you mind me dancing with him?"
"Of course not babe. He's a lonely man and you brought him some happiness." He kissed her cheek. "I didn't mind sharing you…for a few minutes anyway."
The band signaled Emma. "Well, my break's over. You know, he said that his and his wife's special song was 'Crazy' by Patsy Cline. I think I'll sing that next."
His proud grin just about stretched off his face. Emma went back to the microphone and the notes of that classic, country ballad wafted out.
Clay noticed a presence beside him and looked up. "Mind if I sit?"
"No, no sir. Not at all." He offered his hand. "Clay Spenser sir."
"Leonard Duke," he answered shaking Clay's hand. "You a volunteer, or military son?"
"Well, both I guess."
"I don't follow."
"I'm helping out tonight, but I'm also in the service. I'm active Navy. SEAL actually."
"That pretty little lady up there's your girl, huh?"
Clay smiled. "Yea, she is sir."
"She's a sweet one. You're a lucky man."
"I know."
He saw the man's eyes fill with tears. "You hold on to her."
Clay shifted his gaze back to Emma and didn't look away. "I plan to sir, for the rest of my life."
