Chapter 2

"Soldier" — Gavin DeGraw

"Let's put those streamers up here," Pepper said, gesturing to the banister. "And maybe put a table here for drinks and snacks."

"What about a chocolate fountain here?" Lithia suggested, pointing to an empty corner.

"This is lame!" Tony complained. "Veteran's Day isn't even a real holiday."

"Wrong! It's a day to remember those who fought to defend out country, so show some respect," Pepper said, looking over the checklist again. "Lithia and I just thought it would be fun to have a little party with a couple friends. You're the one who had to go and make a a big spectacle of it, remember?"

"I mean, honestly, you invited how many people?" Lithia asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"Just a few…thousand…" Tony muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Lithia smacked her forehead with her palm. She was about to remark when Steve entered the house. "Hey Spangles," Tony said with a tiny wave.

"Good to see you too, Tony," he greeted. "Pepper, Lithia. Always a pleasure."

"Hi Steve!" Lithia smiled.

"Well, thank goodness," Pepper said. "I hoped S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't have you on call so we would have our guest of honor."

"I still don't understand why you insisted on that. This day is meant to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans. I'm no different than the other men and women who served this country."

"Oh, hush!" Pepper scolded. "We all know that, but you are kind of a legendary veteran. Either way, we're gonna celebrate."

"Rhodey and his friends are coming too," Lithia added. "So there'll be plenty of people to share the spotlight. At least we're not making you do your 'Man with a Plan' song and dance."

Steve chuckled as he recalled the degrading performance. Not something he wished to relieve. "Thanks, I appreciate that. So, anything I can do to help?" he asked.

"Could use a hand getting these banners up," Pepper said, grinning over her shoulder at Tony. "Really needs a strong man's touch."

"Hey!"

Steve laughed. "Sure. Anything to help." He walked over as Tony glared at him. "Say, where's Greta?" he asked. "I thought she'd be here helping you set up."

"Cap's gotta point," Tony stated. "Her dad was military, and she loves whenever we have an open bar. You heard any word from her, Lith?"

Lithia was quiet. She continued setting out cups and plates, trying not to look at anyone. "Hey, kid, don't leave me hanging," Tony joked.

"Sorry. I just, well, I don't think Greta will be coming," she answered.

"Why not?" Pepper asked.

Lithia bit her lip, her eyes glancing to the side. "How to put this… Steve, you remember when Greta had you drive her up to Molly's grave?"

"How could I? You were pretty upset with her," he answered. "You yelled at her electronically, and in your own voice."

"Right. Well, that's kinda how today is for Greta. She always gets weird around Veteran's Day, and Memorial Day. She and her dad were supper close and his death hit her hard, even more than when I lost Molly. So she prefers to be by herself unless there's something fun to do, like going out for the Memorial Day sales. Though I've never ask her to do anything for Veteran's Day before."

"Maybe she and her mom have something special they do together," Pepper suggested.

Tony snorted. "Yeah, because Greta has talked about how much she and her mom get along."

"In any case, you at least invited her to the party, right Lithia?" Pepper asked.

"Well, yes… No…maybe?" Lithia scratched her head. "Wait, Tony put J.A.R.V.I.S. in charge of sending out invites."

"So I assume I am to blame, then?" the digital voice replied.

"No…but I did say invite everyone," Tony stated.

"Of course, sir. Though it was my understanding that Ms. Greta did not declined the invitation. Merely, she never gave a confirmed reply as to her attendance."

"Then maybe she'll just be a little late," Steve suggested.

"Let's give it some time," Pepper suggested. "The party doesn't start for awhile. Maybe she'll show up then."

Maybe… Steve thought. "Here, let's finish decorating."

XXX

An hour later…

The party was in full swing. All of Tony's friends showed up, Rhodey and some others, all of the Avengers, and even some S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were there. There was music, dancing, and muck drinking. The only thing missing was a certain chocolate haired girl with large, black rimmed glasses.

Steve lounged next to the bar, his drink remaining untouched. His eyes wondered the party but always came back to the front door.

"Staring at the door won't make her appear." He turned to see Lithia smiling up at him. "Have you tried, I don't know, calling her, maybe?" she asked.

"A few times," he admitted, "but she hasn't answered. I've tried both her cell and her apartment number, and gotten no reply."

"Huh, that's not like Greta. Usually, she at least answers when I ring her cell."

"I have a feeling something's off."

"Hmm…if she's not answering her cell, and if you've been getting her answering machine, then maybe on a whim she is at Elsa's house," Lithia suggested. "Loki is watching Evangeline, and everyone else seems preoccupied. If you want, we can run over and see."

Steve smiled. "You know, that's not a bad idea."

XXX

Steve and Lithia took the motorcycle up to the Carthrow house. Once they parked the bike, they walked up to the front door. It appeared that no lights were on, but Elsa's car was in the driveway, indicating there were occupants at home.

Lithia knocked on the door. "Don't worry, this'll work."

"I hope you are right…" Steve whispered as the door finally opened. They were greeted by a woman with sullen eyes.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Oh, hi," Lithia said. "We were just wondering if Greta was here."

"Sorry but she is not," the woman replied.

"Oh, okay…" she asked. "Uh, well then, did Mrs. Carthrow take her somewhere?"

"Lithia, not to be rude, but I am standing right here. So obviously I haven't taken her anywhere."

Both Steve and Lithia were shocked. The woman before them looked nothing like the high fashioned socialite they had met on previous occasions. In place of designer clothes and expensive jewels, Elsa wore a humble long sleeves knit dress and slippers. Her maple brown hair was pulled back in a low, loose bun and all makeup was cleared from her face. Her cheeks were streaked with dried tear marks and her eyes were rimmed red. Lithia thought she looked like a train wreck.

"I, um, I'm… uh…" she stuttered.

Luckily, Steve was at her rescue. "What Lithia is trying to say is that we did not recognize you, Mrs. Carthrow. Has something happened?"

Elsa shook her head. "Just that time of year again," she said. "Greg liked it better when I wore little make up. I try to make it a habit of wearing none today."

"Greg? You mean Greta's father?"

"Yes. They were very close." Elsa then become more sorrowful. She sighed and addressed them both. "Look, I know what you're thinking, but don't go looking for her today," she said. "This is the one day Greta spends time with her father, so please, let them be. I will let her know you stopped by and she will call you tomorrow." Without another word Elsa disappeared back inside, a loud click indicating she had locked the door.

"Well, that didn't answer anything," Steve said.

"No but sure as hell raised a whole lot more questions."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

Lithia frowned. "For one thing, Elsa called her Greta instead of Gretal. She almost NEVER calls her that. Something about it not being proper for a young lady, or whatever," she explained. "Second, she said she was spending the day with her dad."

"Maybe she went to his grave…" Steve suggested.

"Doubtful. They had his body cremated and spread the ashes. No, something tells me Greta may not want to be found."

"Maybe you're right."

Lithia put a soft hand on his shoulder. "Hey, let's go back. I'm sure they haven't cut the cake yet."

Steve sighed in agreement. He followed Lithia back to the bike. However, he planned to continue searching after dropping her at the party. He needed to talk to Greta.