Chapter 34 Calm Before The Storm
Chapter 34 Calm Before The Storm
    Jimmy and Harry were tired after a long day working in the Theatre.  It had been an exciting one, nevertheless.  They were the only passengers on the trolley ride home.  For a time they rode in silence.
     Presently Harry poked Jimmy on the shoulder with his finger and said, “One day I'm going to be able to say that I know one of the best picture show organ players in the whole world!”
     Jimmy responded,  “Who?”
     “You!”  Harry poked him in the arm again.
     “Me? I don't think I'll ever get to play for a real picture show, or for anything else either!  At least not if my pop has anything to say about it!”  replied Jimmy.
     “Gee Jimmy.  I'm sorry you don't get along with your dad.  I wish Mr. Mac was your father.”  Harry said wistfully.
     “Dummy!”  laughed Jimmy,  “If he WAS my father I wouldn't be here!”
     "Why?"
     “Cause he doesn't have a WIFE!”  They both laughed.
     There was silence for a block or two.
     Harry said  “Things are going to start happening fast now, you know.  We're to help Mr. Mac finish up the redo on the Willowbranch Baptist organ tomorrow.  We've got Monday and Tuesday to complete the finishing and regulating on the Wurlitzer, then we go Friday to the station to collect that Fred Shuttem-up guy . . .”
     “It's Fritz, and it's Schattenborg.”  interjected Jimmy.
     “Huh?”
     “Fritz Schattenborg.  He's only supposed to be the most famous motion picture organist there is!”  explained Jimmy.
     “Whatever.  He's no better'n you!”  countered Harry.
     “Ha! I don't know about that.  But you're right -- things are certainly going to get busy next week.  Don't forget my Aunt Ethel arrives Thursday, and the premier is on Saturday!”
     “You mean Etta EauKlaire arrives Thursday.  Why don't y'all call her that?” asked Harry.
     “Well, in the first place that's not her name . . . ” started Jimmy.
     “To millions of people it is!”  interjected Harry.
     He went on  “ . . . and in the second place Momma has forbidden us to use anything but her real name.  She's going to stay with us, you know.”
     “You're kidding me!” exclaimed Harry.
     “Yes, she is.  Momma is giving her the entire third story of the house so she can get plenty of rest.” explained Jimmy.
     “But what about Mr. Randolph?” Harry wanted to know.
     “Oh, he's moving into one of the second story bedrooms while she's here.” said Jimmy.
     “Do you think I'll get to meet your Aunt Ethel?”  Harry asked eagerly.
     Jimmy had a sly smile on his face  “Oooh I think it could be arranged!”  he turned in his seat and faced Harry  “You mean you don't know?”
     “About what?!”  cried Harry.
     “About the reception!  There's going to be a reception at our house after the premier for all the local theatre investors.  “Oaf!  That includes you, and your mom and dad!”
     “Wow! I didn't know.  How come you haven't told me before now?” queried Harry.
     “Well I only heard about it a day ago, myself.” Jimmy continued, “We've been so busy with getting the organ in the theatre finished that it just never came up.  But don't worry you'll be there.  Mr. Bainbridge Politaire will be at the reception on Saturday night, too, so you'll get to meet him as well!”
     “I'm glad today is Friday!” said Harry.
     “Why? Tomorrow may be Saturday but we still have to help Mr. Mac finish up on the Willowbranch Baptist organ tomorrow, so it's just another work day for us!”  said Jimmy.
     “Oh but it means that I'm just one day closer to meeting the bee-you-tee-full Miss Etta EauKlaire in person!” Harry said  breathlessly, acting as if he were love-struck.
     Just then motorman rang the bell and called:  “Next stop, corner of Park and King!”
     Jimmy cuffed Harry on the back of the head and said  “You need a cold shower, Romeo!”
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