Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [108]
May 30th
Dear Kevin,
Your letter arrived today and I’m thrilled you’ve got some great ideas for the war memorial. I think it’s way cool that the town council contacted you about the project.
So you’ve got a summer job, working at the Art Institute of Chicago. I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed you won’t be coming home. We’ve been writing a couple of months now, and it’d be nice if we could sit down and talk face-to-face. Funny, when we were in school together, we didn’t say more than a few words to each other. Now all I think about is seeing you and talking to you in person. I know you’ll be home for the Fourth of July weekend, but that seems so far away. Actually, I was thinking about checking out Chicago—more on that later.
Believe it or not, I’ve got my choice of jobs. I’m working part-time at Joanie’s video store, after school and on Saturday nights, but Rachel approached me about working full-time at a new day-care center after graduation. She offered to pay for the college courses I’d need in early childhood development. I’m thinking about it. Buffalo Bob’s going to hire three people for the summer, and my mother’s quilting business has grown to fifteen employees. When you’re home, you’ll be amazed by the changes here. More and more people are moving to Buffalo Valley. One of the nurses from the new medical clinic moved into town last week. There’s only a couple of vacant houses now.
I recently had a bit of a run-in with my grandfather. As soon as I graduate, I’m moving out. You’ve got a wonderful family and I think it’s great how all of you get along, but that’s not the case with me. My mother’s remarried and isn’t interested in having me around and frankly, I wouldn’t live with her and Dennis, anyway. Gramps has developed an attitude, so it doesn’t look like I’ll be living there much longer. I was thinking about asking my uncle Jeb about moving in with him and Maddy, but they live so far out of town. I wouldn’t like being an hour away from my friends. Anyway, I’ve come up with an alternative idea. Hassie Knight. I’ve always liked Hassie. Everyone loves Hassie. She’s been around forever and she knows everyone and…well, you understand. I thought she might like the company. What do you think of my idea? Not that I intend to live with her long. Only until I’ve got enough money to check out Chicago. Maybe I could go to school there—do Early Childhood or whatever. Plus, I’d be able to see you!
I wonder if you know how grateful I am that we’re friends. It’s incredible to me that someone from Buffalo Valley actually escaped. I know, I know, you talk about moving back one day and maybe you will, but for right now you’re living in one of the most exciting cities in the world, experiencing things the rest of us only dream about. Minneapolis didn’t work out, but I wish I could leave Buffalo Valley. I don’t feel really connected with anyone here anymore. Jessica’s started dating Joe, and I feel like all my friends are pairing up.
I’d better go, I’m at work just now. It’s time to close down and count out the till. I’m so glad you answered my letter right away.
Write again soon. Okay?
Love,
Calla
Calla mailed the letter on her way home from school Friday afternoon. As she stepped out of the post office, she saw Hassie Knight entering the pharmacy. Not hesitating, she headed across the street. No time like the present to approach Hassie with her idea.
Not wanting to be obvious, Calla strolled into the pharmacy and slid onto a stool at the fountain.
Hassie wore a big smile as she made her way behind the counter. “Come for one of my sodas, have you?”
“I sure have,” Calla said, propping her chin on her hands. “I thought about these sodas more than once when I was living in Minneapolis.”
“I’ll bet one of my sodas wasn’t the only thing you were thinking about while you were away.”
Calla didn’t answer; no need to let Hassie know that she’d