The Spitfire Girls(35)

‘May!’ Ruby and Polly chimed at the same time, as their commander walked into the bar.

‘When it started to get dark we thought you weren’t going to make it.’ Lizzie beckoned the waiter over as May settled into the seat next to her. ‘But you’re just in time. We’ve only had two drinks.’

‘I was called into a late meeting, but I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,’ May said.

‘What can I get you to drink, ma’am?’

Lizzie studied May as she ordered champagne, watching the confident way she held herself and the commanding way she spoke. Since they’d been transferred, Lizzie had noticed the change in her commander, the way she’d seemed to grow into her role and was more comfortable being in charge with every passing day. But it was clearly taking its toll on her – the lines around her eyes were more pronounced, the tiredness impossible not to notice. Also, she had the distinct feeling that May was holding back, that with her new-found confidence she was also somehow distancing herself from the others.

‘So what have I missed?’ May asked.

‘Lizzie’s had me looking for handsome fellas for her,’ Ruby said. ‘Haven’t seen one yet that’s she’s interested in, though.’

Lizzie laughed. ‘I think our young friend is a virgin, she’s so shy.’

‘Lizzie!’ Ruby gasped, swatting at her.

‘We can’t all be as experienced as you, Miss Dunlop,’ Polly quipped, taking a slow sip of her drink and winking, which sent them all into raucous laughter again.

‘But she’s not such bad company after a drink!’ Ruby said with a grin.

‘How dare you even think that I’m some sort of a hussy!’ exclaimed Lizzie, in mock horror. It wasn’t like she’d bedded more men than she could count, but she was no innocent and she wasn’t about to pretend otherwise. ‘But we’re not quite so prim and proper as you Brits back home in the US of A.’

‘Ladies,’ said a deep, welcoming voice from behind them.

Lizzie turned to see three men dressed in air force uniform. ‘Well, look what the cat dragged in,’ she drawled.

‘And just like that, bees to honey,’ May whispered under her breath, making Lizzie laugh.

‘Don’t come near me – I’m engaged,’ Ruby announced.

Lizzie rolled her eyes at her, then noticed May busying herself with her champagne. Polly was the only one looking interested.

‘Boys, can’t a girl have a drink without being approached?’ she asked.

‘Oh, you’re American,’ said the first man, as one of his buddies gave him an obvious nudge.

‘As American as can be,’ she said, then gestured towards her glass. ‘If you gentlemen are going to join us . . .’

‘Get the girls more champagne,’ he said, giving her a grin that made her want to laugh. He looked like she’d just invited him to join her in bed. ‘I’m James, Officer James Caldwell.’

‘Well, fancy that, ladies,’ Lizzie said. ‘We were just about to head to the Officer’s Club, weren’t we?’

‘Could you not just stay here for a drink first?’ he asked. ‘We’re . . . well, I’ll let Danny tell you all about it.’

Lizzie swapped glances with Polly. She couldn’t wait to hear the pick-up lines that were about to be deployed.

‘You see, we’re pilots and . . .’ The flyboy she now knew to be Danny gave a sorrowful look that she was certain was well-practised as he leaned closer and lowered his voice. ‘Well we’re going to be in the sky facing the enemy, wrangling with machines you couldn’t even imagine.’

‘Is that so?’ May said, finishing her drink and gratefully accepting another from the third man. She winked over at Lizzie.

‘Sorry darling, I didn’t catch your name,’ Lizzie said to the man carrying the drinks.

‘Oh, I’m Patrick,’ he said, passing champagne to Polly.

Lizzie saw James kick him, and bit her tongue in amusement.

‘Officer Patrick Todd,’ he quickly added.

‘Ah, so you’re a pilot, too.’

May pulled her chair closer and gave Lizzie a wide-eyed look. ‘Do tell us more. What are you boys up against?’

‘Well, you see, ladies,’ James said, ‘we’re in dangerous situations every single day.’

‘Uh-huh,’ May said, nodding.

When Danny took Lizzie’s hand, she smiled sweetly and let him hold it.

‘Honey,’ he said, ‘my engine could quit on me, any time, any day. You have no idea what kind of big planes I’m in charge of.’

At that moment Ruby came to life and burst out laughing. ‘Oh, but we do!’ she said gleefully.

Lizzie hid her smile and watched as May coughed, her eyes dancing. These poor boys were going to be mortified when they realised they were all pilots, and that May was technically superior to them. She’d never realised her commander could be so much fun!

‘Honey, trust me,’ Patrick said. ‘There’s no way you could understand what we go through every day. It’s tough work, but someone has to be brave and do it.’

‘But . . .’ Ruby started.

May interrupted by holding up her hand and reaching into her bag. She pulled out a newspaper and unfolded it.