Page 9 of The London Girls
Olivia wasn’t so sure they were celebrating quite yet, but she hadn’t drunk champagne since a friend’s wedding and it wasn’t like she went out for drinks very often. She jostled her way to the bar, trying her best to ignore one leering soldier and smiling politely at a well-dressed older man in civilian clothes who made space for her. Florence appeared at her side then, and she appreciated the help carrying the drinks over to Ava, who’d found the perfect spot for them in the far corner of the room. There was no music playing, but the noise was loud with so many people talking and laughing in a small space, and Olivia found herself half shouting to be heard.
‘I can’t believe so many people are out on a Wednesday night!’ she said, looking around at the crowd gathered. ‘I thought it would be quiet.’
‘It’s all the men home on leave. I suppose they want to make the most of their few nights of freedom,’ Florence said.
‘So long as they don’t come over here and expect us to entertain them!’ Ava said, making a little snorting sound when she laughed, which made Olivia and Florence erupt into giggles.
‘Cheers,’ Olivia said, holding up her glass and clinking it against the other girls’. ‘It feels a bit too early to celebrate, but I can’t stop thinking about it all.’
‘Oh, we’ll get in,’ Ava said, grinning as she set her glass down. ‘Do you think we’ll get to keep these uniforms though? I’d hate to give mine up.’
Olivia glanced down at hers, instinctively running her palm over the navy fabric. ‘I hope so. If I’m completely honest, it’s my favourite part of the job!’
They all laughed and sipped their drinks again, then Ava spoke.
‘So, what do your parents think of all this? Or haven’t you told them yet?’
‘I’m actually sharing a flat with another Wren and four nurses,’ Olivia said. ‘My family has a country house and they’d much prefer me to be there, tucked away from all the danger, but it’s been lovely having some freedom. They already hate my being in London, so I figure there’s little point in telling them what I’m doing, unless I’m accepted.’
‘What about you, Florence?’
Olivia noticed the hesitation on Florence’s face, the way she glanced down at her hands before replying, looking awkward. ‘They’d be fine with it, I’m sure.’
Olivia was going to ask more, but it struck her from the way Florence had said it that perhaps she hadn’t told hers yet, either.
‘Mine are less than impressed with the idea,’ Ava said, rolling her eyes. ‘I’ve decided to just carry on without telling them I’ve actually applied for now. Otherwise I might be calling on you to see if you’ve room for another in your flat!’
Olivia smiled. ‘We’re already two to a room, but the sofa is always free.’
Ava grinned back at her. ‘I was only half joking. I might actually have to take you up on that.’
‘I heard today that we’ll be summoned in groups,’ Florence said. ‘Apparently they want to try us out, see how we go, before deciding who to ask back for training.’
‘Look, how hard can it be?’ Ava said with a casual shrug. ‘I’d say it’ll be as easy as riding a bicycle.’
Florence didn’t look convinced, and Olivia was going to reply but decided to keep her mouth shut. She knew that riding a motorcycle wasnothinglike riding a bicycle, but if she said that, then itwould be admitting her experience, and she didn’t want to sound as if she were bragging.
‘Do either of you have a sweetheart, or should we be looking for some handsome fellas tonight?’ Ava asked, her eyes wide as she took another sip of her champagne.
‘Not me, I’m taken,’ Olivia said, holding out her hand and grinning as the girls oohed and aahed over her ring. It was only small – three modest diamonds set in a thin gold band – but she loved it. ‘I haven’t seen my Leo in months, but we’re hoping to get married once the war is over.’
‘You lucky thing,’ Ava said. ‘Although be pleased you’re not married already. He’d probably stop you from applying for the new position if you were.’
She was going to tell them that Leo loved that she could ride horses and motorcycles well enough to keep up with any of the boys, but that would mean disclosing her past experience, and she still didn’t want to do that.
‘How about you, Florence?’ Olivia asked. ‘Do you have a sweetheart?’
Florence shook her head. ‘Not me.’
Olivia couldn’t help but ask Ava, secretly wondering if perhaps the rumours were true and shewashaving a romantic liaison with the general. ‘No fiancé waiting in the wings for you, Ava?’
Ava’s conspiratorial grin told Olivia she was definitely one to watch. ‘I do have a man,’ she said, in a voice barely louder than a whisper, making Olivia and Florence both lean forward to hear more. ‘He’s gorgeous, much older than me, but I can’t say more. It’s a little complicated.’
‘What kind of complicated? He’s not married, is he?’ Florence asked.
‘Let’s just say that he won’t be for much longer. He’s made it very clear that he wants me, not her.’
‘I know we’ve only just met, but Ava, please be careful,’ Olivia cautioned. ‘A man who will betray his vows – well, I’d just hate to see you get hurt.’
