Chapter 2: I'll Be Seeing You

Peggy thought being a federal agent was tough, but her first day at the theatre was slightly changing her opinion regarding common jobs, like being an attendant. She arrived at her new workplace early in the morning and was promptly received by a tall and beautiful black woman, Elizabeth Dent, the chief-attendant. She was probably in her late forties and her pose indicated a somewhat serious and professional person. After being introduced, Elizabeth led Peggy - or Sarah Butler, her undercover name - on a small tour inside the building, to prevent her from wandering lost during her work time. Peggy was used to memorize plants and maps so it didn't end up being too hard for her to learn the corners of the house, but she imagined it wouldn't be so simple for the common citizen, since the place could turn into a labyrinth of red carpet and golden wallpaper, especially the restricted areas for the cast and crew.

Elizabeth also shown some nuisance for the fact Peggy was directly appointed by the director of the theatre without a previous interview with her, since she was usually the one selecting the new attendants. Protecting her cover, Peggy just smiled and assured Elizabeth she wouldn't disappoint her. "We'll see about that", the dark-haired woman had replied.

After visiting the great hall – an intimate but grand saloon with three levels of purple seats, salmon walls and with bare bulb lights around that gave the space a beautiful golden haze – Elizabeth conducted Peggy to the attendants' quarters, in which the latter was informed about the main activities she would prosecute and given a new garb. Here I am, back to uniforms, Peggy inwardly lamented. It consisted in a classy light pink skirt and jacket, with white collars and matching heels.

It was a special day at the theatre, the auditions for the upcoming play had started and dozens of young women were expected to test for the leading role. It also meant double work for Peggy, who was given the task of fetching beverages for everyone present. She had never filled so many cups with coffee in her life, even after being treated as the official bartender back at the SSR office. Occasionally, girls would ask Peggy for help in the most random situations, like holding script papers while they practiced, preparing sweetened water for those who were too nervous to properly function or managing a new pair of shoes for a girl that had broke her heel when exiting the train – luckily enough, Peggy's own shoes were just the right number and the girl had hugged Peggy with a thousand thank yous. Nevertheless, everything was going nicely and Elizabeth seemed pleased about Peggy's work. Truth to be told, Peggy was also satisfied by how well she was handling her new job, never forgetting her real mission and being especially aware due to the uncommon agitation at the theatre.

Right after the lunch break, Peggy went up on the stage so she could replace the water and coffee from the director's table. He was already sitting, along with his two assistants. A young woman was singing in the middle of the stage. Beautifully singing, Peggy thought, as the girl completely caught her attention.

I'll be seeing you

In every lovely summer's day

She was medium-sized, but shorter than the agent. A slightly curled brown hair with blonde ashes touched her shoulders and she was wearing a lovely flowered dress and mint green shoes. A good-looking figure that went along with the sweetest voice Peggy had ever heard…and she couldn't stop staring!

I'll find you in the morning sun

And when the night is new

I'll be looking at the moon

But I'll be seeing you

The music faded and soon the performance ended, only then making Peggy realize she hadn't replaced any drink at the table. She quickly resumed her task, wishing no one had noticed the unexpected pause. Peggy asked the director if he wished a refill but he requested a black tea instead, forcing her to go to back to the kitchen and leave the stage, not without glancing a last time at the girl in the centre, who returned her a lovely smile. Peggy hadn't watched any of the other auditions, but this girl would certainly get her worthless vote.

Later that day, Peggy was leaving the kitchen and pushing a trolley through the corridors when she saw a woman leaving the bathroom and going for her encounter.

"Honey, can you help me here, please?" the woman asked with a smooth voice.

"Sure, whatever you need" Peggy answered, leaving the trolley and heading to the lady.

The woman turned around, revealing a wide-open dress, just above her waist. A pop-eyed Peggy couldn't help but admire the view.

"I had to unzip it and now I'm having some troubles with it. Could you…?" She leaned her back towards Peggy as she spoke and the request sounded more like an insinuation.

"Yeah," the agent answered, her hands almost unconsciously reaching for the dress.

The woman grabbed her long black hair and rolled it it to her front, so that it couldn't bother Peggy while she pushed up the zipper, slowly slipping her finger through the soft and pale skin. When she was done, the woman turned around and faced Peggy, the move making her invade Peggy's personal space due to their previous closeness.

"Thank you, darling. For saving me," she said playfully, gazing at the agent's lips. Peggy was completely petrified and before she could think, the mysterious woman turned the corner and disappeared from her sight.

"What did just happen here?" Peggy murmured, returning to the trolley on a slow pace.

After passing by the administration quarters to deliver their afternoon-break coffee and a slice of almond cake, Peggy was holding a tray and heading back to the trolley, still wondering about her previous encounter with the mysterious lady and why she reacted in such a ridiculous way. Out of a sudden, doors opened and someone crashed against Peggy, the shock making the tray fall on the ground, in a mix of broken porcelain and glass fragments. Noticing the coffee pot would pour its burning liquid all over, Peggy just had time to hold tight whoever had crashed her and throw them both away from it, with them on top and the agent falling on her back.

Seconds afterwards, someone broke the silence.

"Wow, that was impressive", a puffy but vivacious feminine voice spoke.

Recovered from the initial shock, Peggy looked up to meet the person above her, who she recognized as the singing girl from earlier on the stage. Thanks to their proximity, she could now appreciate the woman's features, her bright green eyes and the pink lipstick. Peggy couldn't lie, she looked lovely.

Realizing none of them had moved from their position, the girl quickly carried herself up and offered her hand to Peggy, so she could get up as well.

"I'm so sorry, I should had been more careful. Now I created this mess," the girl excused herself, when examining the scene around them.

"No, it's not your fault! I was the distracted one," Peggy rapidly emended.

"Well, I believe we're even if we say it was both our doing. And I'm not accepting any complaints!" the petite woman concluded with a frisky look. Peggy chuckled.

"Are you alright?" Peggy asked, as she looked up and down, searching for any possible wounds on the girl. She noticed a blue paper being tightly held on her right hand.

"I am, thanks to your heroic gesture," the girl teased. "I hope you're fine as well, Miss…?"

"Oh, you can call me Sarah. And you are?"

"Angela. Angela Martinelli, but everyone calls me Angie."

"It's a nice name."

"Thank you, English."

The sudden usage of the nickname took Peggy by surprise and she possibly gave that away since Angie quickly excused herself.

"I…I didn't mean to be rude. I just noticed your accent and I thought…"

"It's alright. I like it."

Peggy wasn't angry with Angie, the name had just brought some old triggers from the war, since the boys used to tease her about her English roots quite often. But this time it was used as a term of endearment and it had surprised Peggy.

"Ah, I saw you earlier. Performing at the stage", Peggy said, changing the subject.

"I know. I noticed you too." Angie smiled and the confession made Peggy slightly blush.

After all, it seems someone had noticed her pause.

"You were really good," Peggy nervously managed to say.

"I'm glad you thought that. And you were not the only one." Angie unwrapped the blue paper and displayed it so Peggy could see it. "I got it! The role. They chose me!". Her tone had changed, excitement and joy filling the room as she told Peggy. "That's why I was so out of me before we crashed. I had just left the director's room and signed the contract."

"Oh, that's great! Congratulations!" Peggy happily complimented.

"I've had so many auditions before and all those times I ended up being dismissed, I almost didn't believe when they said I got it this time!" Angie laughed. "I'm so excited, this is such a big play!"

"I think this moment deserves a drink," the agent suggested, only then realizing "…but unfortunately I think I only have coffee at the trolley," she said, embarrassed.

Angie giggled. "Coffee's just fine."

Just as Peggy was picking the metal coffee pot, Elizabeth showed up, an astonished look on her face as she inspected what was before her.

"What happened here?"

Peggy opened her mouth to speak but Elizabeth continued.

"Whatever it was, it needs to be cleaned right away. The administration board is leaving soon and we don't want to present them with this, isn't it Miss Butler?"

"Yes, Mrs. Dent. I'm sorry".

And Elizabeth left, leaving the two women behind.

An abashed Peggy glanced at Angie, not knowing what to say, but the girl touched Peggy's hand, with a sympathetic look.

"It's fine. I know what's like. Plus, we can have that coffee another time, since I'll be spending a great part of my days within these walls now."

"I'd like that very much", Peggy replied.

"Good. I also have to tell Ma about the latest news. She'll be thrilled! So, see you soon?"

"Yes."

When Angie heard the new attendant's answer, a victorious smile was brought to her face, as she said goodbye and headed towards the stairs.

When Peggy turned around, faced the chaotic scene and started the cleansing, she thought about her day and how challenging it had been, but the image of the flowered dressed girl never left, for she suddenly had given a colourful tone to Peggy's mission.

Notes: The song for this chapter is probably well known by most of you: "I'll Be Seeing You", by Billie Holiday (watch?v=zDlKb2cBAqU). Not sure this was the Cartinelli encounter you were expecting but I think it ended up being kinda cute.