“Sex in 1957”

Lacey dances with Louis Hill Junior.

Delta Serenade as performed by Duke Ellington plays.

“So…you’re leaving tomorrow?” he says, as they dance…post sex. In 1960.

“Yes.” she says. “Father says I must!”

“I’ll send you off!” he says.

“Lou-“ she says. But he puts his hand over her mouth.

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“You’re with me now.” he says, holding her close.

The song ends.

He takes off the record. Stands in silence.

Stares out the window. At his backyard.

“Well…maybe someday?” she says.

“When I’m old.” he says.

“So you want them married?” says Lacey.

He nods. Silently.

“But then I don’t get to have kids…Lou.” says Lacey.

“I know.” he says.

She gets dressed. He just keeps staring. So she puts on Delta Serenade again.

“WHY WEREN’T YOU THERE!!?” he says, crying. Suddenly turning around.

“I’m sorry.” she says. “Ask God. …I love you.”

He half smiles and half cries.

The song ends.

“I best go home.” says Lacey. “Listen…I’ll write you. I’ll call you. And we’ll see each other!”

“Yes.” he says, trying to be optimistic.

And at that she leaves. Sadly. Sweetly. Both trying to be optimistic.

The next day she flies from the MSP airport to Washington D. C. with Lou saying goodbye. Publicly. No kissing. Some tears.

It’s late May.

Lacey arrives at the White House, lonely but hopeful. Then she’s sent a telegram message from her daddy saying something kind. That’s comforting. And then she gets a message from Lou.

“Don’t be afraid! Have courage! Elsie and I are your biggest fans!

Lots of love,

Lou and Elsie”

And at that Lacey sits down in her hotel room and cries. Then she thinks of her father’s message and decides to order room service. A sandwich. And a Coke. And take a nap.

She wakes up the next morning and then after getting ready leaves for her first day of work.

“Mrs. Billings?” says Mrs. Lincoln, absentmindedly to greet Lacey.

“No! I’m his secretary, Mrs. Lincoln.” says Lacey.

She looks up sharply.

“Oh! Oh dear!!!” she says, laughing.

“I hope I can make a contribution!” says Lacey, sweetly.

“Yes. You darling!” she says. She escorts Lacey to Lem, who’s sitting in the Oval Office.

“Mr. Billings, this is Miss. Kay Banks.” says Mrs. Lincoln.

“Hello!” says Lem, brightly.

“Hello, sir!” says Lacey.

“My goodness! She’s…” he struggles. Wanting to say serious. Or sad.

“Oh! GOODNESS!” says Lacey, with sudden brightness that startles Lem. He eyes her. His face falling. But almost laughs at her.

“Mr. Billings! I can explain!” says Lacey.

He stops laughing but looks incredibly uncomfortable. Laughs awkwardly.

“May I have a word with him alone, Mrs. Lincoln?” she says.

“Of course! I’ll let you two get to know each other!!” she says, shutting the door.

He stands, suddenly breathing quickly.

“Mr. Billings…I can explain!” she says.

He nods quickly. Becoming incredibly flustered.

“I’m 27!” she says.

He looks suddenly less anxious but confused. “I’m…going to level with you. …I like to do things that way. …It’s my style.

…My father got me this position because he’s a rather…important man.” says Lacey.

Lem nods quickly.

“And I…guess…I’m a problem child these days, Mr. Billings.” she says.

He looks nervous, but blinks. In a slightly gay manner.

“I…well-“ she says.

And suddenly he looks not gay at all, and increasingly nervous.

“I was…in love…with a married man.” she says.

He closes his eyes.

“And…we would have been married.

*Lem sits down*

Except…he has children. …And my goodness…he loves them.

*Lem looks up at her, startled.*

So…this is my…life.” she says.

Suddenly he looks terrified, searching her face.

“And last night…why…he sent me a telegram. And it…broke my heart.” says Lacey.

Lem looks down. Silent.

“I think…I’m in a sour mood today. …And I’m nervous.” says Lacey.

Lem laughs.

“And…I know…I’ll be far better company once I just…clear my head…and get to know you all. …I promise I’m not this…rude…by nature!” says Lacey.

Lem plays with something with his foot.

He laughs.

“Well!” he says. “Why don’t we fuck!?” in a rather gay voice. And then laughs.

“Oh! It’s not like that!” she says. “Please don’t get me wrong! …It was love.”

He laughs and almost cries at the same time. And then closes his eyes.

“Mr. Billings…I’m just telling you…because…why…you seem…nice. …And I don’t want to upset you.” she says.

“You’re not upsetting.” he says.

She looks down. Thinking. “Listen…you can tell me anything you want. …I’m a very sincere person.” says Lacey.

His breathing quickens again.

He laughs. Very awkwardly.

Then they stand there. In silence.

He looks around the room. Pulls at his tie.

“I need a drink of water!” he says.

She goes and quickly gets him one.

As she pours, “Why don’t you try dating men here!! I’m sure you’ll have much better luck!” he says.

She turns around and brings him the water.

He looks oddly guilty. Can’t make eye-contact.

“Oh! I dunno. …Maybe I’ll just wait and see.” she says.

He looks her up and down. Settles on her face. But still can’t look her in the eyes.

Then he just starts laughing to himself. Covering his mouth. Laughing.

“Mr. Billings!?!” she says.

Adult content below.

He gets up and sits on his desk. Facing her. He reaches out and grabs her behind. Very flirtatiously. Smiling.

She stands there just…silently.

And then he brings her to the sofa and makes love to her.

They spend hours together.

“We’ve got to get to work…or…you’ve got to leave.” he says. “I need you to work.”

“Of course.” she says. “Except…I don’t like your options. …Why can’t we spend the night together?”

“Let’s get married.” he says. “Let’s just get married!”

She looks at him in shock.

“You’re probably pregnant anyway.” he says.

“I’m not sure…that you’re wrong.” she says.

“Look…this isn’t complicated. It’s…too much thought.” he says smiling.

She closes her eyes.

“Let’s get married!” he says.

“Yes.” she says. “But…I need to tell you about Lou. …Lem…love…I need your advice on how to handle him. …I know you’d think he’s a great man too. …Not like I did. But…I don’t want to really hurt him.” says Lacey.

Lem thinks. “We’ll get married.” he says.

She snuggles beneath him. Silently agreeing.

“And then you can tell him…and I’ll help you.” he says.

“Lem…I don’t think he deserves too much grief!” says Lacey.

“I disagree!” says Lem. He laughs. “But you can’t…break his heart into pieces. …You’ll feel too guilty and we’ll regret it.”

“Where will we go?” she says.

“Home!” he says. “Come let’s go!”

And at that they leave. For Pennsylvania.

The next week…they tell Louis.

“Louis…I’m married.” she says. On the phone. With Lem listening.

He’s quiet.

“Who!?” he says, sincerely.

“Mr. LeMoyne Billings. Lem.” says Lacey.

“OH DEAR GOD!!!” says Lou.