Preview from a chapter
The Moments Between Dreams
By Judith F. Brenner
Copyright 2022
Excerpt from…
Chapter – 1936
My mom heard enough, and nudged us away from the door, motioning to go with her to the kitchen where we put out coffee mugs. She sliced a rum cake she had made for the occasion, and took out four shot glasses, and a liter of Polish vodka.
The library door opened, and Dad steered Joe with his arm around his shoulder. Joe winked at me, smiling, relieved to take a shot glass.
“Nazdrowie. Nazdraví! A toast to health!” We cheered together.
Glasses clinked before we tossed back vodka. It burned the back of my mouth. My father poured Joe more liquor, while Mom passed around cake and poured coffee into mugs. “Sit, sit. Tell us of the plans.”
I was giddy, combining the bold coffee, booze and confectioner sugar. At 1 a.m., the adrenaline left my body exhausted, and I ushered Joe to the door. I kissed his full lips goodnight and rushed up the stairs to my bed, hiccupped and then giggled, my heart bursting. Not only was I engaged; I upended Polly in the game of life: I was getting married before her. She was ahead of me in everything else my parents deemed important: education, job with promotion potential, owning a vehicle. I was tipsy. I slept in my dress and didn’t hear my sister knock at my door. She had been babysitting her boss’ kids and got home late. She slid a note under my door.
Dear Sis,
I saw the empty shot glasses and cake plates. Guessing that means Dad didn’t shoot him for knocking you up. I’m happy for you. Especially since I’ll be an aunt, and you’ll be moving out, no longer stealing my shoes. Ha! Sorry I missed the celebration. Love, Polly.
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