9
Cal showed up right on time, bearing flowers and candy for both Ruth and Rose. Ruth did most of the talking until it was time for the couple to leave. She was indeed pleased with Rose’s new submissive behavior. She was no longer expecting her daughter to be a problem.
"I hope you’re having a good time sweetpea," Cal grinned, escorting Rose to the carriage he had rented for the next few hours.
"Wonderful," Rose thinly smiled, her mind elsewhere. She figured if she just didn’t think about what she was doing and who she was with, it wouldn’t be so bad.
But it was. Caledon Hockley was as big a bore as she had originally thought, plus he was always touching her, making her feel uncomfortable.
Stiffling a yawn, Rose glanced over to the opposite corner to see Jack, Helga and Fabrizio standing in a group of other swingkids, looking at records.
"Damn swingkids. They should all be exterminated off the face of the earth. The frontlines of the war is not good enough for them," Cal snorted.
"How can you say such things?" Rose turned to the older man. "They have done nothing to you."
"It’s what they’re doing to Germany! I mean look at them, all that long hair and clothes, and don’t get me started on the music!"
Rose swallowed. She knew it was best not to mention her forray’s into the dance halls and her love of the music. She glanced once more over at Jack, who happened to look up and their eyes met. He smiled slightly and then went back to looking at the records, knowing Rose’s situation and that it was best not to cause a scene.
"What’s wrong sweetpea? You look rather pale?" Cal stared closely at her face.
"Oh I’m fine. I’m just…preoccupied I guess."
"In any case, let’s hurry to the museum. All those swingers are leaving a bad taste in my mouth," Cal made a face and ordered the driver to speed up.
Jack watched the car disappear into the horizon. Poor Rose looked absolutely miserable. How could her mother be doing this to her? He had to do something to cheer her up somehow.
"Jack, wasn’t that your girl with Caledon Hockley?" Fabrizio asked.
"Fabri shhh," Helga hissed, knowing Rose’s situation.
"It’s complicated Fabri. Drop it," was Jack’s reply. "Listen, I have to go. My mother’s having a guest at the house tonight and wants me there. I’ll talk to you two later," Jack waved walking away.
"I thought Rose liked Jack," Fabrizio frowned, totally confused.
"She does. But her mother’s making her go out with Cal. Just drop Fabri. Let Jack and Rose handle it."