“Working a steady job right out of high school depresses you? Do you have any idea how lucky you are? Meyer’s Drug Store is a staple in town. You could have a job for life.”

Mary disentangled their fingers. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life working behind the counter at a drug store. Working there part-time on weekends is bad enough.”

“What do you want, Mary? Because I don’t understand you. You’re super smart, but you’re not good enough at school to go to college, and even if you were, how would you pay for it?”

“I want to go places and see things. I want to shake off the dust and live a little.” She twirled in a circle with her arms outstretched.

“Now be realistic. Work at Meyer’s for a year, and then we’ll get married. I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life.”

“On a watchmaker’s salary? No, thanks. I don’t want or need you to take care of me. I want to take care of myself.”

“You’re crazy, you know that? Stop daydreaming. There are plenty of girls who would jump at the chance I’m giving you.”

“Then go date them!”

“I don’t want to date them. I love you!”

They’d stopped walking and were face to face, both of them breathing heavily. Sam pulled Mary to him and kissed her sloppily on the mouth. She planted both hands on his chest, shoved him away, and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Are you nuts? People will see.”

“What if they do? You’re my girl. Folks expect me to kiss you.”

“Not in broad daylight out on the sidewalk, and not as though you want to swallow my tonsils. You’re embarrassing me.” She checked her watch. “I’m going home now. I’ll be late for supper.”

“Go to the diner with me Friday night?”

“We’ll see. I have to work early on Saturday.”

“Can I call you?”

Mary waved without answering and hustled down the sidewalk. She couldn’t explain it, but every time Sam kissed her, she wanted to wash her mouth out with Listerine. Her mother was right. Sam was a nice boy, he didn’t mind her working, and, because of his disability, she was never going to lose him to war. She should be counting her lucky stars. So, why wasn’t she?

CHAPTER TWO