As soon as they were seated, George handed her a program and began to give her details - amidst the roar of motorcycles and the chattering din of the crowd - about the different races and about many of the individuals in each of them. He seemed to know many of the racers personally, and was quite knowledgeable about their abilities and prospects. If betting were allowed, George would easily win a lot of money.
During the races, Molly didn’t join in the cheering and booing emanating from the crowd and from George, but rather sat back and casually took it all in. She enjoyed herself, even though she was not particularly excited by the races themselves. The overall atmosphere, and the obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment shown by George, was enough for her.
After the races, they slowly walked back to where George had parked his motorcycle, gradually being joined by others whose bikes were parked in the same area, who seemed to talk as one about the details and outcomes of the races.
‘I see she’s new, George,’ cried a man in flamboyant navy leathers. ‘Congratulations! She’s a fine one.’
George looked puzzled. ‘Not that new. I’ve had her months, Edgar. You’ve seen her before.’
Edgar grinned toward Molly. ‘I wasn’t talking about the bike.’
‘Ah, you mean my new girlfriend. Yes, this is Molly.’
He showed her off with evident pride, and Molly grinned delightedly as George started up his bike. It was official! She situated herself behind him and adjusted her helmet and goggles, and they slowly made their way toward the gate, waving goodbye to everyone before they roared out onto the road toward her home.
The trip home was even more pleasurable then the trip to the track earlier. The day was still sunny and balmy, with a crystal-clear blue sky, and Molly was very content as they roared along the road. The pastoral landscape of agricultural fields, grazing animals, and neat farmsteads seemed even more beautiful than before. George's beautiful motorcycle, and their matching shiny black outfits, made her feel special. She was feeling quite content indeed, by the time they reached her home.
Both Jesse and Aunt Dolores, alerted by the roar of the motorcycle as they turned into their driveway, were outside to greet them as they parked and dismounted. During supper, Jesse and, especially Aunt Dolores, peppered George with questions which he answered amiably. Jesse was particularly interested in George's motorcycle and his many years of experience with motorcycles and racing. The food was delicious, and George appeared to gorge himself, asking for seconds, or even thirds, of nearly everything. They were absolutely sated when they retired to the living room to sit a spell. Molly could not remember ever eating so much. Moreover, she could not remember a time when she had such a thoroughly enjoyable day.
After a few minutes of conversation, George stood up. ‘I really should be going,’ he announced. ‘I’d like to get home before dark.’
‘Of course,’ they said together.
Molly took him by the arm. ‘Thank you for a truly wonderful day. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.’
‘Me neither,’ said George. He smiled as she felt her cheeks redden. ‘I look forward to discussing it all over again at lunch on Monday.’
‘Lunch on Monday,’ she agreed.
They all walked him down to his motorcycle and watched him as he rode out onto the road, waving as he roared away. As soon as they went back into the house, Jesse and Aunt Dolores began to grill her about her outing with George. She gave them all the details, and, as she did, she became increasingly aware that George was a very good person, and that she was beginning to like him very much.
On Monday, George met her as she went into the cafeteria at noon, and escorted her to the food line. As they approached the cashier, he told her that he was buying. She was his guest, he told her, and, therefore, lunch was on him. They re-counted their favorite tales of the motorcycle before George took in a deep breath.
‘Molly, would you consent to having dinner with me at the Palace Dinner Theater next Saturday night? The Bob Crosby orchestra will be playing and Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters are singing.’
She couldn’t believe her ears. Those four singers were the nation's most famous icons of the recent war era. ‘I would love to!’