Read Online Wings by Cynthia Lee Cartier - Free Book Online

deck, Daniel hopped out to get Liddy’s suitcase from the bed of the truck.
    “Take it easy on Daniel. He’s not ready for loops.”
    “Crowds are gettin’ thinner. I’ll be closin’ down for awhile, ‘till you go end this war.”
    “Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” Liddy joked. “I’ll write. Make sure Daddy hears my letters, okay?”
    Crik patted Liddy’s cheek with the back of his hand. “You look real nice, honey. Seen you in a dress two days in a row now, can’t remember the last time before that.” Crik searched his memory. “It was the St. Patrick’s Dance over in Shelby, since you proved you had legs I think. Your mama would be real proud. You look more like her dressed like that.”
    Liddy smoothed the fabric of her skirt. “Well I don’t think it’s gonna last. I don’t expect to see this suit for months once I take it off.” She looked at Crik and tipped her head. “Do I look like Mama, Crik?”
    “I think so.”
    “You remember what she looks like then?”
    “Oh yeah, I remember.”
    “How come you’ve never told me that before, that I look like her?”
    “No reason. Just didn’t come up.”
    Liddy studied his face for a moment. When she saw the moisture rise in his eyes, she kissed him on the cheek and climbed out of the truck. Daniel handed her the suitcase. His cheeks shined where he had been wiping away his tears, and his eyes pooled with the next pour.
    “Look after Crik, Danny Boy. Make sure he keeps busy.”
    “Alright, I will.” Daniel used the cuff of his flannel shirt to soak up the tears that were blurring his vision. “Liddy, be careful. No crazy stuff.”
    “Why, Daniel, have you no confidence in me at all?”
    “Sheer confidence, that’s what worries me.”
    Liddy didn’t wait for the whistle. She squeezed and kissed the men and turned to board the train. When she hit the second rung of the steps, she stopped for a moment, then took the next two and entered the car without looking back.

Chapter Six
    Inside the train, Liddy stood at the end of the aisle and looked for the empty seats. She surveyed her choice of traveling companions: an elderly couple, three very proper middle-aged ladies (definitely not) and a petite redhead who was intently reading Wings Over America .
    Liddy strolled up the walkway and plopped down across from the unsuspecting fly girl. “Long ride to Sweetwater, should know each other pretty well by then.”
    A chewed nub of a fingernail shot up to the woman’s mouth and the nail, what was left of it, clicked between her teeth as she bit at it. She puzzled over Liddy’s omniscience. How did this woman know where she was going?
    Liddy motioned to the book and leaned back to take a long look at her traveling mate. Red ringlets bounced like springs on the top of her head. Her tailored suit matched her navy blue eyes that had a cat-like slant. Her skin was cream-ware white and matched her blouse. How patriotic, Liddy mused to herself.
    “Oh, of course, the book. For a moment I thought my parents had sent a chaperone after me.” The young lady grinned, relaxed and held out her hand to Liddy. “I’m Betsy Bailey. Bet, call me Bet, okay?”
    “Okay, Bet it is.” Liddy rocked Bet’s hand side to side like a swinging hammock. “I’m Liddy Hall.” Liddy slipped out of her jacket and folded it over her arms. “Call me Liddy.”
    “Okay.” Bet tilted her head like a confused pup. “You’re kidding.”
    “Yes, I’m kidding.”
    “How long have you been flying?” Bet scooted her bottom to lean back on the seat and her feet dangled above the floor.
    “My dad said I flew out of the pumpkin patch. Thought I was flying the first time he took me up. I’m not really sure when it was actually me in control, I guess.” Liddy smiled at the fact.
    “Is he an Army pilot, your dad?”
    “No, he was infantry in the first war. Army pilots take a written test—my dad couldn’t.”
    Bet’s blue eyes fluttered and she shifted uncomfortably.