Holding Fast to a Slow Train

By Scott Gertner

In a chance meeting at a grocery store, Sonia and Francine, two high school classmates, connect after twenty-five years and decide to live together in order to better their circumstances. When they discover they both share a love for creating art, they embark on a mission to leave their Iowa small-town life and live and study in Italy. They spend their days obsessing on the exciting and sophisticated life that soon awaits them. But not only does Sonia’s teenage son soon become an obstacle to their plans, but she and Francine each hides a secret that threatens to undermine their friendship. And when a knock at their door brings them an unwanted and unexpected intrusion, the repercussions from that visit result in significant changes to all their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669811336

Scott Gertner

Scott Gertner, born and raised in New York City, studied playwriting at The University of Iowa before moving to Minneapolis-St. Paul and earning a living as the Playwright-in-Residence with the Minnesota Playwrights' Center and with Actors Theater of St. Paul. In recent years he has devoted himself exclusively to writing literary fiction. He has traveled extensively throughout the world and has lived in many parts of the United States. Gertner currently lives in central Florida with his wife, Deb Hitchcock. Holding Fast to a Slow Train is his fourth novel.

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Copyright © 2022 by Scott Gertner.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 02/10/2022

Xlibris

844-714-8691

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In dreams begin responsibilities

                        ---Delmore Schwartz

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E arly one

Saturday afternoon a woman drank coffee while pacing in her living room. Every few minutes she pulled her curtains aside to look out. Soon a car pulled into her front yard.

Finally…

She opened her door and stepped outside.

…You called me over two hours ago. What happened, Sonia?

I missed a couple of turnoffs.

Didn’t you follow the directions I wrote down?

My co-pilot was in charge of navigation…..except he either nodded off or got distracted by the highway billboards advertising the area restaurants.

Well, you’re here now so that’s what’s important. Let me help you carry in your things. The wooden boards will keep you off the mud but it can still be somewhat tricky walking there.

We’ll be careful. And Robbie and I can handle our belongings. But thanks, Francine.

Then I’ll go meet him. I just remembered something I had to do anyway.

Francine walked outside. Soon Sonia and Robbie carried boxes into the house and put them down. He looked around and sighed.

Stop sulking.

Are we trying to punish ourselves?

Hush. Just be glad we have somewhere to stay.

What was wrong with Nana’s place?

Nana……..I explained that to you already.

But---

No but. She drove me nuts. ‘Sonia, slice the tomatoes. Don’t cut them in wedges…That’s a yam, not a sweet potato. Buy California strawberries, not Florida ones’—Sorry. I’ve had enough of that. Besides, she spoiled you rotten. This will be good for both of us.

This area is so desolate. It’s like being dropped on the moon. And we have train tracks right outside our door. What’s that about?

Think of this as an adventure.

Robbie went to look at the bedrooms and quickly returned.

Wow. The rooms are really small.

Do they have beds?...

He nodded.

….So stop complaining.

But the television is half the size of Nana’s.

Is this what’s important now….the size of a television? And how do you know that’s your room anyway? Maybe I want the television….

He looked dumbstruck.

…..Relax. I know you couldn’t survive without it. But that’s up to Francine.

I just wish we could go back.

How many times do I have to tell you? We’re not returning to Nana. I don’t need that in my life now.

I didn’t mean Nana. I meant Dad.

Now that’s totally out of the question. And you know that, too.

Soon Francine entered.

I moved my car so it’ll be easier for you to come and go to work.

Thanks, Francine.

Robbie, I thought you’d like that room…

She pointed to the one with a television.

….It’s the only one with a television.

Robbie smiled.

You just made his day, Francine.

Robbie then took his box of belongings into that room.

I just hope you feel comfortable here and the beds aren’t too lumpy. I bought them cheap at a used furniture store.

I’m sure they’ll be fine. Then how much do I owe you?

Absolutely nothing. I’m so happy not to talk to myself anymore. I discovered very quickly I’m really not that interesting to listen to.

She smiled. Sonia chuckled.

Stop it, Francine. We’re just so grateful to be here.

I’m the one who should be grateful. I’ll finally get some help paying my bills.

And I’d like it to be a division of labor. Robbie can be a real slacker.

Don’t worry. I’ll put him to work.

Sonia then walked over to some wax sculptures.

These are beautiful.

I made them. And I sell them at fairs.

Actually, I dabble a bit in jewelry. Nothing fancy. Just a few beads wrapped in silver or a pretty stone I attach to a chain. I made the earrings I’m wearing.

I love them! Well, well, we have two artists living under one roof.

When we unpack I can show you more of what I made.

I’d like that. And we can sell our merchandise together. There’s enough room at the table to share the space.

That sounds like fun.

Well, let’s bring in the rest of your things. I can help.

Sonia called to Robbie who came out.

And so can he.

After bringing their belongings into the house and setting them in their respective rooms, Sonia and Robbie collapsed on the living room couch.

Whew. That was a workout.

You two relax. There’s coffee and chocolate milk calling you.

Robbie perked up.

Chocolate milk?

Your mom told me you were quite the aficionado. I bought a container this morning.

That was so nice of you. Wasn’t it Robbie?

Yes. Thank you.

Francine and Sonia began sipping their coffee while Robbie swallowed his chocolate milk in a few gulps. Sonia gave him a look of disapproval.

What? I was thirsty.

I’ll get you some more.

Francine began to get up.

No, Francine. You don’t need to wait on us. He can get and pour his own milk.

Francine nodded. She looked at Robbie.

Top shelf of the fridge….on the left.

He rose to refill his glass.

"I’m so lucky we ran into each other at the Hy-Vee. And I still can’t get over that you recognized me."

Our class wasn’t very big.

Well, I was pretty shy and self-contained in high school. I don’t believe I could recognize anyone we graduated with. I certainly didn’t recognize you.

We travelled in different circles but you hadn’t changed much. You still had that pretty auburn hair.

"With a little help from Miss Clairol."

I couldn’t tell. But after staring at you for a minute or so, I decided it was you.

Still. You took a chance not knowing anything about what I had become.

The same with you. We both are diving into the great unknown….

She paused, then continued.

…..But I could tell from the gentle way you handled the tomatoes that you were a kind person.

Well, that’s a new one for the forensics teams to consider. Observe the suspect buying fruit.

I also said to myself this woman is not only not dangerous, but she really knows her way around produce….especially when you began to sniff and feel the cantaloupes.

You really had me under surveillance.

I guess I did.

They soon discussed the division of labor with Sonia suggesting she do the grocery shopping.

As you saw, I’m a good food shopper. I had to be. My ex couldn’t tell the difference between a tangerine and an orange or a turnip and a beet. So that forced me to do all the shopping. I’m a pro. And I cherry-pick the sale items. Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a clue what to do with them after that.

Perfect. I don’t like grocery shopping…..I’d rather cook.

Do you have a specialty?

Nothing fancy. I mostly open a can of this and mix it with a can of that in a saucepan…..put it over some pasta or rice and that’s dinner.

Sounds good to me. I do variations of ground beef—meatballs, meat loaf, hamburgers. Without tomato sauce and ketchup, I’d be lost.

Together we can make this work.

And Robbie can do cleanup. God I hate doing the dishes.

I second that….

Although they already discussed the expenses on the phone, Francine reiterated their oral agreement again. Since Francine had no mortgage, Sonia had no rent to pay. But she agreed to pay the food and utility bills and a portion of the property tax.

…This will work out so well. I just know it.

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S onia returned from work and breathed in deeply the aromas she smelled. She smiled when she saw Francine.

What’s this? It smells so delicious.

I wanted to make something special to celebrate you and Robbie being here. So I picked up a few things at the grocery.

That is so nice of you. But you hate grocery shopping.

I made an exception.

Then at least let me repay you for what you bought. That’s what we agreed.

Not today. It’s my treat. Now you and Robbie get ready to enjoy my efforts.

They soon all sat down to eat, enjoying a dinner of roasted lamb shank with rosemary, mint jelly, buttermilk biscuits, and apple pie.

This is incredible, and a heck of a lot more than just mixing a can of this with a can of that.

I may have fibbed a bit.

And you said you even made the apple pie from scratch?

Francine nodded. She looked at Robbie.

What’s your opinion, Robbie?

I agree with Mom. This is some of the best stuff I’ve ever eaten….no offense, Ma.

No offense taken. This is way out of my league.

Can we eat like this every night?...

Sonia looked at him sternly.

….I’m just asking. This is as good as pizza.

There you go, Francine. High praise indeed.

That is quite the compliment, Robbie, but I’m afraid the meals will become a lot more ordinary.

They continued eating with Sonia talking about her day at work and Francine expressing regret she did not have Sonia’s expertise on fruit to pick out the best apples.

But the pie is delicious, Francine. You picked just the best apples.

When Robbie did not say anything for a while, Francine directed some questions to him.

So how do you like your new teacher?

She’s okay.

Sonia felt insulted.

Just okay? Really?

I’m not sure I’m into this homeschooling stuff.

Well, you need to get into it. It’s new for me, too.

Francine interjected.

If you have a question during the day, maybe I can help.

He has plenty of assignments to work on until I get home.

I know, but I’m here. I’m just saying if he has a question…..although I don’t guarantee I can answer it.

Soon Robbie wanted to change the subject.

Do you find it creepy to live out here?

Sonia reproached him.

Robbie.

That’s okay, Sonia. It’s a legitimate question. We are isolated. I know that. But it’s quiet and we don’t have annoying neighbors to deal with. This is what appealed especially to my husband.

Is there anything I can walk to, like a soda shop or something?

The short answer is no. But I’ll be happy to drive you every once in a while.

He’s supposed to be studying. Pretend you’re stuck in a school all day.

He said nothing. They continued eating and when they finished, Sonia looked at Robbie. She waited.

I know, I know. Dishes.

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Robbie emerged from his bedroom, stretching and yawning. Francine looked at him.

Someone just got up from a nap.

I fell asleep studying. It’s all so boring. Why do I need to know what a sonnet is or what life was like in the Middle Ages?

So when you go to college-

-College? I’m not going to college.

Then what do you plan to do?

I don’t know. Open a business, learn some trade. I like tinkering with cars. But I don’t need college for any of those. And Dad is successful and he never went to college.

Does your mother know you feel this way?

She thinks I’ll change my mind. But she can see how little I care about homework.

Maybe you just haven’t found the right subject yet.

I don’t think so. The next couple years have subjects I couldn’t care less about---geometry and chemistry. Pew! I can barely stay awake now, let alone when I have those subjects.

Maybe you just need some fresh air. I gotta run some errands in town.

Errands? That’s like shopping. Really boring.

I won’t be long. I just have to pick up some supplies for my sculptures.….

He said nothing.

….Unless of course you want to return to your studies.

I’ll go with you.

"And we can stop after at a Dairy Queen for one of those new Blizzards. They throw in all kinds of delicious candy and cookies into an ice cream shake. Sound good?"

That does sound good.

And since you complain we live in the boonies, here’s a chance to see other people and see if they bear any resemblance to us…..or are we freaks who must live by ourselves.

He laughed.

Good one, Francine.

Just pay attention to how many noses, eyes, mouths they have.

Okay.

Will you be ready in ten minutes?….

He nodded.

"…And we can bring back a Blizzard for Mom."

They soon left.

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F rancine set up a space on an end table where Sonia could work on making her jewelry. She had used another table for her sculptures.

Look at us…..dueling artists….

They began working but after a couple hours Francine rose and stretched.

…I could use a snack. How about you, Sone?

I’m good. Thanks though.

As soon as Francine opened the refrigerator, she shrieked.

My lord. Look at what you did….

Sonia went into the kitchen and saw Francine pull out a tray.

….How did you do all that?

I have my secrets.

Did Carmen Miranda stop by?…..All that fruit….strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, dates….And it’s arranged so beautifully. Are you catering a wedding?

I just used a bit of my artistic bent.

There is certainly an artistic flair in the presentation. And it’s so luscious looking. What a treat for us all.

Robbie won’t touch it….anything with vitamins is a no no.

Too bad. Then more for us….You must’ve spent hours on it.

Not really. It’s just knowing a few tricks….I was well trained…

Francine seemed confused.

….I used to work at Drummond’s making up these party fruit platters.

So that’s why you said you were a pro.

Well, I don’t like to brag about my credentials. I don’t want to arouse any envy.

Your secret’s good with me…

Francine began eating some of the fruit. Sonia now joined her.

I don’t mind if I do.

They both sat at the table and continued munching.

Everything is perfectly ripe. See, I would never know to pick fruit this good…

After swallowing hard, she continued.

….Now I did shop at Drummond’s occasionally. I thought the prices a bit high. But I don’t recall ever seeing you.

Wearing my hairnet and without makeup, I doubt if you would have recognized me.

I suppose not.

"But luckily I also shopped at Hy-Vee because of the lower prices."

"Us meeting there was meant to be. And if I weren’t so helpless a shopper and in awe of someone like you who knew what