#dotty hammond

[midcenturysims]

The tempos became slower as the pianist began to wind down for the night.

“Last song of the night,” the musician said, launching into a romantic sonata.

Dotty and Chet swayed back and forth, flushed with exhaustion in one another’s arms. Chet leaned forward and kissed Dotty, tentatively. She pulled back in shock. In a surprise to everyone, including herself, she reached out, grabbed Chet close and kissed him passionately. Nothing like a man who can dance to get a lady’s blood hot.

[midcenturysims]

Chet kept his word and called Dotty later that week, asking her out on a date to the Tiki Taki Lounge. He also offered to make it a double date with Peggy and Jerry if that would make things more comfortable. Dotty said she would ask them, and when they agreed that it would be a fun idea, a double date it was.

The Tiki Taki Lounge was an extravagant club decorated to feel like an exotic South Pacific island. The highlight of the lounge was its pool and piano “island.” The clear notes of the pianist floated throughout the club, urging the guests to dance.

“Shall we dance?” asked Jerry, grabbing Peggy’s hand.

Peggy grinned, “I think we shall!”

Dotty and Chet followed.

“Do you dance?” Chet asked.

“I love to dance!” said Dotty.

“As do I,” said Chet. “Should we cut a rug?”

“Yes!” exclaimed Dotty. It had been too long since she last had done so.

The four of them danced long into the night, kicking their heels high when the songs were fast, collapsing happily into each other’s arms when the songs became slow.

[midcenturysims]

“Hey Jerry, wouldn’t it be fun to go on the swings? I haven’t done that for such a long time!” Peggy said.

“Okay, Peg,” said Jerry. He knew that Peggy was trying to give Dotty and their new acquaintance Chet some time together. The two walked hand-in-hand to the playground portion of the park.

“So, Chet, what do you do?” asked Dotty. She had never been much of a conversationalist.

“Well, I teach at the school. Mathematics, mostly and a bit of science,” Chet replied.

“Oh, I should have guessed. You do have a professorial air about you,” Dotty said. “Do you enjoy teaching?”

“I do, truly,” Chet said. “I love seeing young minds develop and flourish. I don’t think any other career could be more fulfilling than that. What do you do?”

“I’m a secretary. I went to secretarial school for two years, so it’s a great placement for me,” Dotty said.

“Oh, are you new here, then?” Chet asked. “You said ‘placement’ so I assumed…”

“Yes, actually,” said Dotty. “Well, it’s been a couple of months, but I consider that new. I certainly didn’t grow up here, at least.”

“I see, well, by that measure I suppose I’m ‘new’ as well. Not as short a time as a couple of months, but I’ve only been here since last summer. It’s a pretty great town, I think,” said Chet.

“I agree,” said Dotty. “It’s a little difficult to meet people though. I’m not the best at talking to new people. I mean, I have Peggy and Jerry, and my boss is very sociable, but it’s still hard.”

“I’m the same way!” said Chet. “Beyond my coworkers, I really don’t know that many people. Maybe you and I could go out sometime?” he asked uncertainly.

“That might be nice. It sounds like we both could use a bit of expanding for our social circles,” said Dotty.

The two exchanged telephone numbers, promising to call later that week to make plans. Who knew one could make a new friend on such a flimsy excuse as extra hot dogs.

[midcenturysims]

Sometimes Dotty joined Peggy and Jerry on their outings, most of the time she didn't. Dotty didn't love being the third wheel, but Peggy was her best friend and she liked Jerry alright. So along she went.

The long, hot days of summer lent themselves well to being outdoors. The three of them went to the park on a regular basis, bringing along a picnic or a ball to toss around.

Jerry cooked the hot dogs while Peggy and Dotty chatted and giggled. He rolled his eyes. He liked Peggy so much, and Dotty was a sweet girl, but the two of them together were kind of annoying. Why didn't Dotty have any other friends?

“Hot dogs are ready,” Jerry said, plopping them on the picnic table. “Hope you girls are hungry, I think I made too many.”

Just then a young man walked by the table. “Psst, Dotty,” Peggy whispered, “Why don’t you ask him if he’d like a hot dog. He’s pretty cute.”

“I couldn't!” Dotty whispered back. “It’s embarrassing!”

“Hey mister!” Peggy called out. “My friend here would like to know if you’d like to partake in our wiener feast. We made too many, and you look mighty hungry!”

Dotty’s eyes bugged at her friend. How embarrassing.

The man cam over and perched on the edge of the picnic table. “Really? That would be wonderful, thank you for the invite. My name’s Chet, by the way,” he said, nodding at each in turn. “Who do I have the pleasure of dining with today?”

“I’m Peggy, this is Jerry, and that’s Dotty,” Peggy said.

“Well thank you, Peggy, Dotty, and of course Jerry. It’s very kind of you,” said Chet.

“Don’t sweat it!” said Peggy, tucking in vigorously to her hot dog. “More than enough to share, isn't that right, Dotty?”

Dotty smiled shyly at the newcomer, “Yes, plenty to share."