MAKING IT COUNT
Chapter Two
Plans
November 11, 1913
Dear Molly,
We haven’t talked or written in a while,
so I decided I would take the liberty of writing to tell you how things are
going. I’m having such a wonderful time. Waitressing is hard on my feet
sometimes, but other than that, I love it. I like working with people, even if
they are pushy and ignorant at times. It’s also nice working in the late
afternoons and evenings. I go into work at five o’clock in the afternoon, and
get off at 11:30 at night. It’s nice, because I get to spend the whole
afternoon with Hope. When I get home, I pick up Hope over at the next door
neighbor’s house. The woman who lives there works the night shift at a saloon
in the city, so she is just leaving as I come to get Hope. It works out
perfectly.
So how are things there? I hope they are
going well. I miss the atmosphere of Denver. Things are so different here. I
love my job and my home, but sometimes I wonder what I’m really doing out here.
Nearly everything I loved was in Denver. And it either left me, or I left it. I
guess I do love my freedom, but something is wrong. Something’s missing. Do you
know that feeling?
Anyway, please write back. I hope to talk
to you soon.
Love always,
Rose
November 20, 1913
Dearest Rose,
It has been a while since I last wrote,
and I’m sorry. How is everyone...you, the baby, your friends? Things are going
just fine here. Very quiet, but very peaceful also. On that note, I would like
to invite you to travel out west and come for the holidays. What do you say? It
would be just like old times. Maybe it would get rid of that lonely feeling.
And I know that Lynn would be just thrilled to see you again. I haven’t seen
much of her since the wedding when she quit. The house just doesn’t seem the
same without you two roaming about. Not to mention the lack of music. Have you
been able to find a piano for a reasonable price? I know how much you love your
music.
I’m sorry to make this so short, but I
have errands to run today. Write back as soon as possible. I hope you decide to
come. Just let me know the day and time, and my driver will be there to meet
you at the station.
All my love,
Molly
P.S. Give Hope a hug and a kiss for me.
November 25, 1913
Dear Molly,
Things are going just wonderful here
still. Hope came down with a bit of a cold last week, but thankfully she is
better now.
No, I’m afraid I haven’t got a piano here
with me. However, the restaurant where I work does have one. Sometimes after
closing, I’ll stay a while and play a little. It’s usually on the days when I
need extra comfort.
Thank you for the invitation. It sounds
like a lovely idea. I’ve made plans to travel on the train already. I’ll be
arriving on December seventeenth, somewhere around noon. I hope that date is
all right with you. I know things can get rather hectic around the holidays.
I hate to dash off like this, but a friend
of mine has decided she wants to go out to lunch. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Rose
December 2, 1913
Mrs. Brown,
I’m touched by your offer. It would be an
honor to join you for the holidays. I assume Rose, too, will be there? Please,
do not tell her that I will be coming. I fear she may cancel her trip if she
knows I will be coming. We parted on rather...unpleasant circumstances.
Things have been going fairly well here.
The restaurant has been doing good so far. We get more and more customers every
week. I still can hardly believe I started my own business...and a restaurant,
of all things. It’s wonderful, though. It gives me something to devote my time
to.
Anyway, I’ll arrive at the train station
on the seventeenth of December. I’ll take a taxi. Don’t worry with the driver
of yours. I’ll see you shortly.
Sincerely,
John Calvert
December 5, 1913
Rose,
Mrs. Brown told me you were coming out for
Christmas. I can’t wait! I miss you so much, Rosie. Jack is wonderful, but
he’ll never take the place of my best friend. Though he does treat me quite
well. He even cooks some of the time. There’s a change. The husband cooking for
the wife...what a concept!
Wife...I’m still getting used to that
title. Imagine, me a wife. Whoever thought that little ol’ me would get
married. And to such a wonderful man, too.
Speaking of men, have you got yourself
some handsome young beau there in New York? Oh, just playing with you. But you
would tell me if you did, right?
How is Hope doing? She must be getting so
big by now! I can’t wait to see her again.
You know, Rosie, you really should move
back here. I know you want to experience life on your own, but can’t you do that
here? I’m sorry...I just miss you terribly.
Jack took me to the restaurant on West
Colfax the other night. You know, that place we went to on my birthday last
year. I kind of just looked over the place in a daze. Jack couldn’t figure out
what was wrong.
Well, I guess I should stop pouting like
some five-year-old. I’ll see you soon enough.
Love always,
Lynn