“Only a volunteer, whenever the agency needs me. But tell me—”
A tall, slim figure ran lightly down a broad staircase at the end of the entrance hall.
“That’s enough of this college reunion stuff, Louise. Introduce your kid sister!”
Louise laughed, apologized, and introduced Nina. Nina managed to tell Vicki, all in one breath, that she was only a year younger than Louise, had left college to take a fashion job in a Tampa dress shop, and thought flight stewardesses “have the most glamorous job in the world.” When Vicki said her job involved some serious know-how about aviation and practical nursing, and dealing with people in general—and was not entirely glamorous—Nina refused to believe it.
“Sheer glamour,” she insisted. “Even better than being an actress. I’m sure of it.”
Louise looked amused and suggested that they had better invite their guest into the house. The girls showed Vicki to the guest room upstairs and waited, chattering about the plans they’d made for her, while she unpacked the few things she had brought with her and changed from her flight uniform into a bright cotton afternoon dress.
“Better bring more dresses on your next flight,” Nina warned. “You’ll need them for parties and going out.”
They went back downstairs to the living room, which in late afternoon was filled with cool shadows and perfumed with the fresh scent of flowers wafted in through the open windows.
“I’ll fix us something cool to drink,” Nina said, and disappeared. A few minutes later she reappeared with a tall, frosty pitcher of lemonade and three glasses on a tray.
“What does your sister do, Vicki?” Nina wanted to know. “College? Career? Romance?”