Free Aftershock by Sandy Goldsworthy Page B

playing in Westport.”
    Mr. Hudson’s smile turned flat. He looked at Elizabeth a long moment before staring at Benjamin again. “Well…” the man began. The silence was awkward as Elizabeth begged her father with her eyes. Finally, he spoke. “Your mother’s a good woman… and a good customer.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “I’ve known her for years.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “Your father’s a veteran, isn’t he?”
    “Yes, sir. Navy Captain when he retired.”
    “That what you planning to do, son?” Elizabeth’s father rubbed his cheek, speckled with a five o’clock shadow.
    “Yes, sir.”
    “You in school?”
    “Yes, I graduate this year, sir.”
    The man nodded, lost in thought. He scratched his bald head, and a bead of perspiration formed at his temple.
    “Please, Papa,” Elizabeth interjected.
    “I promise to take good care of her, sir,” Benjamin added.
    Mr. Hudson was silent. After an uncomfortable pause, he agreed to let Benjamin take Elizabeth on a date, but not until he gave a significant lecture on the proper respect of a young lady.
    Benjamin promptly arrived at six o’clock as instructed. Elizabeth’s father greeted him at the door before he rang the bell to their home above the store. Mr. Hudson escorted him up the staircase, where Elizabeth’s mother waited. She shook Benjamin’s hand, led him to a small parlor overlooking the street, and gestured for him to sit while he waited for Elizabeth. He chose the davenport.
    “What a tall boy you’ve become. So nice to see you,” Mrs. Hudson said. She sat across from him, folding the handkerchief she held in her hands.
    “Nice to see you, too, Mrs. Hudson,” he answered. “My mother says hello.”
    “Oh, please tell her the same. I hope she enjoyed the apples she ordered.”
    “Yes, ma’am. She did. She’s baking pies for tomorrow’s festival.”
    “That’s lovely. Your mother makes the best pies.”
    “Thank you. I’ll be sure to tell her. She will be delighted to hear that.”
    “Now, son,” Mr. Hudson interrupted. He sat in the chair beside Benjamin and leaned closer. “Do you remember my instructions?”
    “Yes, sir. I do.” Despite the confidence in his voice, Benjamin felt uncomfortable.
    “You treat her like a lady.” He glanced at his wife, who looked down at her hands. “I expect you to keep your distance. Arm’s length. At all times.”
    Mrs. Hudson’s shoulders slouched as her husband’s voice increased. Benjamin saw the embarrassment on her face.
    “Absolutely, sir. I will be a gentleman,” Benjamin answered.
    “I’m counting on you, son. This is my daughter .” Elizabeth’s father aimed his forefinger at Benjamin while he spoke.
    “Eh-hm.” Elizabeth cleared her throat and entered the room. Everyone stood and turned to look at her. Dressed in a blue, floral dress, Elizabeth was beautiful, and Benjamin couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Father? May we leave now?” Elizabeth asked. Her hand was poised on her hip.
    Mr. Hudson was visibly taken back. After mumbling “Fine,” he extended his hand to Benjamin.
    “Thank you. I’ll have her home early.” A sense of relief overcame Benjamin.
    “I’m really sorry about my parents,” Elizabeth said after they were a block away.
    “Don’t be. I understand.” Benjamin glanced at her as he drove. “Your father’s just nervous about letting go of his daughter. That’s all.” He smiled. “I would be too. If… I mean, if I were a parent, I would be protective of my daughter, too.”
    They talked the entire ride to Westport. Elizabeth was everything he thought she was and more.
    At the movie theater, they sat a few rows away from their friends and shared popcorn. When the music grew loud and everyone jumped in anxiety, Elizabeth turned to cover her eyes, burying them in Benjamin’s chest. He carefully put his hand on her shoulder to console her, until the music quieted and she could open her eyes.
    “Sorry,” Elizabeth