Read Online You Are My Sunshine: A Novel Of The Holocaust (All My Love Detrick Companion Novel) by Roberta Kagan - Free Book Online Page A

She was so excited, and nervous she could hardly contain herself.
    Don Taylor got up and put the teakettle on the stove, then took a swig from a bottle of vodka that was on the counter. Zofia studied the pictures on the walls and wondered what life might be like in America.
    When Don returned, he put another record on the turntable. He wound the crank and placed the needle carefully on the edge of the black vinyl.
    “ Bei Mir Bist Du Shein…” A voice sultry female sang out in German.
    “You like it?” Mr. Taylor asked
    “Oh yes , very much.”
    “Come, dance with me.”
    “I don’t know how.” Zofia said blushing, she felt inferior. She’d never learned to dance. There had been no one to teach her.
    “Come on .” He took her hand “I’ll show you. You’ll get this quickly; you have a great sense of rhythm.”
    At first, she was clumsy. But the smooth beat of the swing music took hold and she began to loosen up. Giggling as he spun and flipped her.
    “I love this.” She laughed. “I can’t remember when I had so much fun.”
    “I’m glad.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling.
    He is so attractive. He would make the perfect husband. I don’t care if he is Jewish or not. I like him so much. I could see us living happily together in this apartment. I would decorate it a little bit; add a few touches here and there.
    The piecing whistle of the teakettle brought her back to reality.
    “I’ll be right back.” Donald winked at her.
    In a few minutes, Donald returned with a plate of shortbread biscuits a pot of tea a small bowl of sugar and two cups on a tray.
    “I am so glad you came today. I don’t know if I should tell you this. It is certainly out of line and I hope you will not take it in the wrong way, but…well…I think you are the prettiest girl in my class.”
    Z ofia quickly glanced at Donald, and then turned away. She knew her face was deep red. But she was so flattered. Perhaps it was true…perhaps he really did like her…perhaps they would marry…
    “You really think so?” Zofia said her voice small and cracked.
    “Undoubtedly , I thought so from the first day.”
    Involuntarily she sat up a little straighter. “No one has ever told me that I was pretty before.” She bit her lower lip.
    “That’s because the boys in your grade are just that, boys. Any man, who is a man, would tell you that you are gorgeous.”
    “Oh…” The word caught in her throat.
    He laughed. “And you’re even lovelier when you blush.”
    She cast her eyes down. Looking desperately for something to do to cover the awkwardness she felt she poured the tea. A small puddle formed on the tray.
    “I’m sorry, I’ve spilled it.” She said putting the teapot down she picked up the linen napkin and began to clean the mess.
    He took her hand in his it was small and soft. “No need to clean up.” He said. “I’ll take care of that later.” She dropped the cloth.
    “Your hand…the skin is so s oft.” He caressed her hand. She did not pull away.
    Then he opened the palm and brought it to his lips. He is in love with me too, the same as I have been with him all these months. She thought and h er eyes glazed over with passion and joy.
    “You are very special to me, Zofia,” He whispered, his voice was husky.
    Without another word, he took her into his arms and kissed her. It was the first time any man had kissed Zofia. She shivered in his arms but her body went limp as she yielded to the warmth. It had been years since anyone touched her and she was starved for the affection. At first, she was timid. But when he kissed her, again her arms went around him. His kiss became more demanding. She didn’t back away; instead, she found that her desire met his. Donald leaned her back on the sofa. He gazed into her eyes.
    “ Zofia…” He whispered. But that was not what Zofia heard, what she heard was “I love you,” even though he never said it.
    Everything happened very fast. Nature, youth, and hormones took over