The boy rounded up Charlie, and within minutes, music filled the room. A few began to dance, then a few more.
“Keep the music going. Like I told you,” Ted told the young airman. “That’s what they came for, to dance.”
“And for the girls.”
Ted agreed with the boy. He looked over the crowd. He saw Madge near the door. It appeared several guys were arguing over who would dance with her. From the look on her face, she was loving the attention.
Someone must have won because one of the men led her onto the dance floor.
He’d keep his distance. Let her cool off for a while.
From the sidelines he watched the dancers moving around the floor. As expected, there were more men than women, but there were women, both English and American. That gave the men from the airfields a real boost after having little contact with the opposite sex for so long.
Kitty waltzed by in the arms of a private. She smiled when she saw him. And his pulse raced. Memories of London followed as she moved away. Sweet memories.
He knew he had to dance with her, talk to her. He’d avoided her for the last week. It hadn’t been hard to do since he no longer worked in the castle.
He hadn’t seen Madge much either. Which was good. He liked Madge a lot. She was fun, full of life. They had a good time together. But that’s all it was, a good time.
He couldn’t help comparing her to his mother. Madge was nicer, in a way. There toward the end, his mother had gotten pretty belligerent toward his dad. She still wanted to party and have a good time. He’d been broken, unable to cope with life. So she’d started looking for other men to give her what she wanted.
Ted was glad he’d decided to move on, before Madge found someone else. He’d made it clear. He wanted to be free to look elsewhere, free to figure out what this was with Kitty, if anything. Maybe she was just being nice to a guy she felt sorry for.
Captain Weatherby appeared at his side. “Nice dance. We appreciate your inviting us.”
Ted gave her his most charming smile. “Thank you for coming.” He held out his hand. “Would you care to dance?”
She nodded, barely smiling. He thought he saw the faintest blush as he took her hand and drew her close.
These serious WACs had a hidden undercurrent of emotion. His thoughts drifted from the woman in his arms to another serious female soldier. One he glimpsed in London and wanted the chance to know better.
****
Kitty kept an eye out for Ted. She watched him dance with one woman, then with another. He didn’t dance with Madge, though. And she wondered why. Had they really broken up?
In the last few days, Madge had kept her distance. They hadn’t really talked in several days. Hard as it was to admit, even to herself, she had avoided Madge. She hated angry confrontations. And Madge made it clear she wasn’t happy with Kitty spending time with Ted in London. Even though it had been innocent sight-seeing.
When she decided to come to this dance, Kitty promised herself she would avoid Ted and make up with Madge. After all, Madge was her best friend. Madge was the one who had given her the courage to come to a dance like this, to talk to men, to dance with them, and to relax and enjoy herself. Madge had pushed her into social situations while, at the same time, building up her self-confidence and making her believe in herself. It was a gift she could never repay.
Kitty stood near the refreshment table sipping lemonade. “Have you seen Madge?” she asked Bertie.
“I just saw her going into the Powder Room.” Bertie pointed toward the door. “It’s down the hall on the left.”
Kitty handed her empty cup to Bertie. “Take this. I’m going to talk to Madge.”
She turned down several offers to dance as she made her way through the crush of the crowded ballroom. A year ago she would have run in near panic from such a scene.
The deserted hallway provided a relief. She breathed easier in the cool and quiet.
Madge emerged from the Powder Room just as Kitty approached.
“Are you having a good time?” her friend asked.
“Yes. It’s a very nice party,” Kitty said.
Madge walked past her, and Kitty hurried to stop her before she got away. “Can I talk to you?”
“About what?”
“I haven’t seen you dancing with Ted. What’s the matter?”
“I don’t want to talk about it, not to you anyway.”
“Do you still think something went on between Ted and me?”
“What I think is that you’re trying to take him away from me.”
“I could never do that. You’re so pretty, and all the men love you.”
“All except Ted.” Madge paused and looked at Kitty as if she were examining a bug under a microscope.
“Did he kiss you?”
“No!” Kitty was horrified that Madge would even suggest such a thing.
Still watching her closely, Madge continued, “Make a pass at you?”
“A pass?” She wasn’t sure she would recognize one if he had. “I don’t think so. He’s always joking around. You know Ted.” She shook her head. “No. He didn’t make any pass. He was just being friendly.”
Madge visibly relaxed. “Then I can’t figure out what’s going on with him. He’s been avoiding me. Says he wants me to date other guys.”
“He’s not happy—with his work, I mean. He and Milton talked about the war. Ted told my brother that he wished he were in the infantry so he could fight instead of doing silly things like organizing this dance.”
“Maybe you’re right. But I have a feeling I’ve lost him.” She looked sad. Kitty felt sorry for her. Madge cared more about Ted than anyone else she’d dated, at least since Kitty had known her. She feared Madge’s heart would be broken if Ted dumped her.
And where did that leave Kitty? Out in the cold. She couldn’t come between Madge and Ted. If she showed her interest in Ted, it would only make it harder for Madge.
The two returned to the dance, and soon both were dancing with one GI after another. With the shortage of women, Kitty rarely danced a whole dance without another soldier cutting in.
A particularly awkward sergeant shuffled Kitty along, while she tried to protect her toes as much as she could. Someone tapped on his shoulder producing a wave of guilty relief. Her aching feet rejoiced.
Eagerly she looked at the soldier who smoothly swept her into his arms.
“Ted,” she gasped.
“Don’t tell me I scared you.” He laughed. “You looked like you needed rescuing. Thought I’d return the favor.”
She nodded, unable to speak.
His right hand splayed across her back and pressed her into the warmth of his body, sending tingles up her spine. Her hand rested on his broad shoulder. She followed his lead around the floor as if floating.
Someone bumped into her.
“Sorry about that,” she heard him say as he pulled her closer. He squeezed her hand. Their bodies pressed together, the intimacy causing heat to spread upward from the pit of her stomach to the tips of her ears. His smoldering gaze held hers.
They moved as one, turning slowly as if they had been transported to another world, far away from everyone and everything.
A slight breeze brought her back to reality. They were near the French doors that led outside. The song ended, and before she knew what was happening, Ted guided her out onto the terrace.
He inhaled deeply. “Isn’t this better? Fresh air. Cooler.”
She agreed wondering if he had also sensed the heat between them. She looked up at the night sky. Stars twinkled and a sliver of moon hung far above them.
Guilt at the realization Madge may have been right after all surged through her. Kitty had wanted Ted to notice her, to really see her, and maybe…maybe to want her. But her loyalty to her friend forced her to overcome her selfish desires.
“Did Madge find you?” she asked.
He took her hand and led her further out onto the terrace, away from the win
dows. “Why do you ask?”
Even in the dim light she could see his frown. “I saw her earlier and she…well, she acted concerned. Did something happen between you two?”
“We…we sort of argued.” He tilted his head slightly.
She’d seen him do it before but hadn’t figured out what it meant. Madge always said to watch how men moved, and it would tell you what they were thinking. But she still hadn’t gotten the hang of it.
The direct method worked best for her. “What about?”
He smiled, that little boy grin of his. “You. At least, my trip to London and my encounter with you.”
Her throat tightened. She hadn’t expected him to say that. Her mind went blank. She fidgeted with her hands trying to come up with a response.
“I told her there was nothing to it. We just went sight-seeing. But she doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m interested in you.”
She wanted to ask him if it was true, but the words stuck in her throat.
He moved closer and slipped his arm around her waist. Part of her wanted to pull away but part of her wanted to lean into him, feel his warmth, his strength.
“Truth is,” he whispered, “I’d like to spend some time with you, get to know you.”
“But…” her voice finally returned. “But what about you and Madge?”
“Madge and I both know it’s time to move on. Maybe she hasn’t accepted it yet, but she knows.”
She tried to keep her focus on her friend, yet the sensations radiating through her body from the presence of his arm around her waist disrupted her thoughts. “She’s crazy about you,” she managed.
“She thinks she is…was.” He gazed into the darkness, a thoughtful expression on his handsome face. “Not any more. She doesn’t trust me.”
“Should she trust you?” He turned and her gaze met his.
“Are we talking about Madge or you?”
“I don’t know.” She pulled away and took a few steps to put some distance between them. “And before you ask, I don’t know what I want either.”
“Join the crowd. I’d convinced myself to stay away from you. You’re a nice girl, and right now, all I know is that I don’t need to get mixed up with any nice girls. I told Milt that.” He came toward her, his smile spreading from his lips to the corners of his eyes. “But seeing you tonight, dancing and enjoying yourself, I had to get closer.”
The music drifted out through the French doors. He took her right hand in his left, placed his other hand on her waist, pulled her close, and swept her into a waltz. They danced under the stars looking into each other’s eyes, floating in a shared dream.
Laughter broke the spell. A man and a woman rushed through the doors, both near hysterics. They stopped abruptly when they saw the dancing couple.
Kitty gasped. It was Madge!
The laughter faded, and Madge’s wide-eyed expression changed. Her brow furrowed and her lips drew together in a tight line.
“Sorry if we interrupted something,” the soldier quipped.
“Don’t worry about it,” Ted said, his hand still resting on Kitty’s back.
Kitty glanced at him. He watched Madge with an unusually serious expression, as if preparing himself for the onslaught he knew was coming.
Madge approached them, slowly, deliberately. “I knew it,” she growled. “I knew something was going on between you two.” When neither answered, she continued, “Nothing to say? No lies to feed me?”
“No one lied to you,” Ted said calmly.
“Oh, yeah?” Her voice got louder. “What’s all this?” She waved her hand toward them. “You’re not interested in her?” She took a step toward them and faced Kitty. “And you’re not interested in him?”
“Come on, Madge. Let’s go.” The soldier took her by the arm, but she jerked it away.
“It’s over between us, Madge,” Ted spoke firmly. “I told you before, but you won’t listen.”
Madge still stared at Kitty. “You little sneak. You’ve been going behind my back. Trying to steal him away from me.”
“It’s not like that,” Kitty said. Why couldn’t Madge understand?
“Sure it isn’t. You weren’t satisfied having the general wrapped around your little finger. No. You had to steal my boyfriend, too. Does it feel good, miss goody-two-shoes? Having a general and my lieutenant all to yourself.”
“Madge, that’s enough.” Ted stepped between Madge and Kitty. “Go somewhere and cool off.”
She looked up at him, and Kitty could see the pain in her eyes. Her loud insults hid the hurt underneath. Did Ted see it? Did he understand?
Kitty wanted to take Madge in her arms and hug her. But the time wasn’t right. Madge would just push her away. Maybe later, after she calmed down.
“Come on, Madge.” It was the soldier again. He took a deflated Madge by the shoulders and escorted her back inside.
Kitty stood there beside Ted, totally silent. After a few moments, he sighed and pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.
“Want one?” he asked, holding the pack out to her.
Kitty shook her head. She avoided eye contact.
He lit himself a cigarette, took a deep drag, and glanced up at the sky. Then he blew out the smoke and turned to her.
“Well, that’s that.” His cheerful tone sounded forced.
“Yeah. One less friend.”
“But you’ve got me.” He leaned down to be at eye level with her, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Don’t I count for anything?” His eyes crinkled, his lips curved up so slightly.
“Yes, I guess so.” His smile was contagious. “So you’re my new friend?”
He nodded, broadening his smile. “Maybe more,” he whispered.
She couldn’t pull her gaze from his, not even when he reached out and cupped her face in his big hand. He leaned closer. He was going to kiss her. The thought materialized out of nowhere. For once she got it right.
His lips softly touched hers, and all rational thought dissolved. The sensation swept through her. Gently, his mouth covered hers, enveloping her in his presence.
He adjusted the angle of his mouth on hers and increased the pressure. His lips parted with a groan. Her body responded. She wanted this, wanted him. She reached out and found the fabric covering his broad chest. Her eager hands grasped the lapels of his coat as his mouth devoured hers.
She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think, didn’t want to think, only to feel.
His fingers slid around to hold the back of her head. His mouth retreated just enough to whisper, “Take your hair down. Please.”
Eyes wide, she pushed him away and glanced around.
What had she done? What had they done?
Strains of music drifted through the open doors. He hovered nearby, still looking at her with heavy lids and that sensuous, delicious mouth.
She reached up to check the pins in her hair. “We…we better go back in.”
Disappointment fluttered across his face. Then he nodded. “Yeah. sure.” His chest heaved. “We’ll go back.”
He ushered her toward the door.
She could kick herself. What was she afraid of? Madge’s anger? Or getting hurt again? Maybe she was afraid of what would happen if she ever really let go.
Chapter Twenty
Eighth Air Force Headquarters
3 June 1944
2nd Lieutenant T. R. Kruger II:
Proceed immediately to Tate Air Field. Report to commanding officer no later than 12:00, 4 June 1944. Assignment: Bomber Navigator.
P. E. Snyder, Colonel
Ops. Officer, 2nd Wing
****
June 6, 1944
Someone stuck a flashlight in his face and shook him awake. “Lieutenant Kruger. You’re flying today. Barker’s crew.”
It had been a long time since he heard those words. Memories flooded back as he dragged himself out of bed.
Two a.m. Still dark. Dress quickly. Grab my gear and head for the latrine before the
Jeep comes to drive us to the mess hall.
He easily fell back into the routine.
Barker. He didn’t think he’d met him. Two days wasn’t enough time to meet all the pilots. And since he hadn’t been assigned to a crew yet, he’d be flying relief.
Barker’s crew turned out to be an experienced crew with a dozen missions under their belt. Knowing they weren’t greenhorns, relieved a little of Ted’s anxiety.
He met Barker and the other officers at the briefing. It looked like a milk run to him. Just over the coastline into France. That was until the base commander spoke the word—INVASION!
Everyone perked up. All ears trained on his every word, all eyes on the map.
“Coast of Normandy… Armada already underway… Targets selected to deter German reinforcement to the invasion beaches.”
Ted swelled with pride. What luck! To be part of the invasion. To make history. And to think he’d almost missed it.
“Good luck to you all.”
The airmen burst into cheers as the briefing ended. Men filtered out of the crowded room, all grins and back slaps. Ted stayed behind with the other navigators and bombardiers to pick up their charts and flack maps.
As they were leaving a fellow lieutenant stuck his hand out. “I’m Barker’s bombardier. Swarz. Glad to have you aboard.”
“Thanks. Ted Kruger.” They shook hands.
“How many missions have you flown?” Swarz asked.
“Nineteen.”
He nodded. “Wish I only had eleven to go.” They crawled onto the back of the truck for the ride to the hanger to grab their parachutes before heading to the hardstand.
Eleven. What’d he mean? They rode in silence while Ted mulled it over. Had he misunderstood?
The bombardier hopped off and selected a parachute. Ted did the same.
“What did you mean by eleven? I’ve only got six more missions.”
The bombardier took the cigarette from between his teeth and cocked his head to one side. “You mean nobody told you?”
“Told me what?”
“That they upped the total to thirty.”
“Thirty!” Ted’s gut clenched as the number and its meaning sank in. He shook his head back and forth, as if denial would change what he’d just heard.
Kitty's War Page 19