Buckeye

Hitler’s surrender buoys spirits in Bonhomie, even as the US military continues the fight against Japan. Margaret is preoccupied with memories of the man she kissed in the hardware store. She returns there to get supplies to hang a painting, but he is not there. The following day, however, he is. He helps Margaret hang the painting himself, and she invites him to the dance club that she and the war wives have been hosting.

Cal shows up at the club, and then they run into each other again a few days later. They have lunch and talk about their lives and spouses. Margaret decides not to admit that she is an orphan, but she tells him that she does not want children. Cal shares how difficult life with his father was after his mother died and admits that he is irritated with Becky’s séances. Afterward, they return to Margaret’s house and have sex. For the first time in years, Margaret enjoys the feeling of being desired.

Both Cal and Margaret regret their actions and vow not to repeat the mistake. Still, they are drawn to each other. They begin meeting each Thursday at Margaret’s house to have sex.