Margaret sipped the coffee as she processed the new information. Absolute heaven.

“I have a proposition for you, doll.” Gladys scooted a chair out and sat down next to her.

“What’s that?”

“I know this isn’t as exciting as a job in welding. But—hear me out—I have something that might do some good on a bigger scale.”

Mrs. Beck leaned against the counter. “More good than saving a woman’s life?”

Gladys nodded. “Saving more women’s lives. Margaret, I’ve been pushing for the Navy Yard to start an office that is specifically for women and I’ve won. I’ll be making sure new hires are well trained. And that they learn the ropes. After last night, I’ll inspect anywhere they are working to ensure that the safety standards are every bit as good as the departments where the men are working. You brought to light a real issue, Margaret. And I could use you by my side not just in that department but all over the Navy Yard making sure that it is a safe and welcoming place for all the women who keep coming to work here.”

Margaret leaned back. Wow. It did seem like important work. But she had come to enjoy what she was doing so much. At the end of the day, the results of her work were tangible in a way that desk work couldn’t hold a candle to. She’d always enjoyed the satisfaction of a vigorous morning of housecleaning, the sparkling results a monument to her efforts. In the welding department, the stakes were higher. The ships she was working on would carry troops across oceans, heading for victory.

Gladys must have seen the hesitation on her face.

“How about this. Give me three days a week in the office. Two days a week welding. Would that make you happy?”

The caffeine was bringing her to life, enough to consider what Gladys was saying.

“Yes. Yes, I think I’d like that.”

Gladys pulled a cigarette from her purse and lit it. She inhaled deeply and then let it out. The smoke tickled Margaret’s nose.

“Good. That’s what I hoped you’d say. I’ll tell George. He wants to scout for a space soon and get a budget approved for it.”

“Well, it sounds like something you’ll be good at.”

“We’ll be good at it.” Gladys pulled the cigarette from her mouth. “Hey, watch this. I’ve been working on it.”

She took a deep inhalation and then formed an O with her lips. She blew it out slowly, and marvelously, a ring of smoke emerged. Well, it was more of an oblong shape, but still quite impressive. Margaret smiled. Now that Gladys had gotten what she came for, she was on to the next thing.

“Damn. I almost had it.”

“Looked good from here,” encouraged Margaret.