Page 31 of Pages of My Heart
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Charlie’s cheeks flush. “Now let’s get this shit over and done with,” he says, bumping Thomas with his shoulder to get him moving.
They continue down the busy street until they reach the small malt shop on the corner. It’s warm inside and packed with young people their age, but they quickly spot the two girls they’re here to meet in a booth in the back and make their way over. Mary and Carol. They’re both from his college, and, to be fair, they are lovely girls, even if a little too giggly.
Ten minutes later they are sipping hot chocolates piled high with whipped cream and making small talk. Thomas knows the drill. They will both flirt a little but ensure the girls know they are gentlemen. At the end of the afternoon, each will kiss his date on the hand and tell her he had a wonderful time. If the girls are the type to play hard to get, then they’ll ask them out again, sometimes even a third time, before moving on. Ifthe girls come across as easy, they’ll leave it at one date, because fending off the kisses and wandering hands of someone else is not something either of them can stomach. Thomas will chance some lovesick looks at Charlie when the girls are engaged in their own conversation, which is often, and he will let his mind wander ahead to when he will finally get Charlie alone.
It’s far from ideal, but it’s their life. And endure it, they must.
Later that evening, they lie naked in each other’s arms inside their boat cabin and joke about the date. Thomas snuck two blankets out of his house, so they have one under them and a heavy quilt over them. Their little cocoon is bathed in the soft glow of a full moon stealing in through the cabin windows, and while the air around them is frigid, they are still warm from their love making. They remain pressed to each other, maximizing their body heat, chest to chest and limbs entwined. Thomas cherishes those weekends when he can sleep next to Charlie and wake up to beautiful blue eyes in the morning. But this is good too.
“Carol really liked you,” he teases.
Charlie pinches his ass. “She did not! She seemed bored.”
“Nope. Didn’t you see her flick her hair and bat her eyelashes at you?”
Charlie shakes his head. “Yeah? Well, I’ve only got eyes for you, sweetheart.”
“Hmm, you better.”
“Oh? And what are you gonna do about it if I don’t?” Charlie raises his eyebrows, mischief dancing in his eyes.
Thomas rolls on top of him, grabbing Charlie’s wrists and pinning them above his head. “Oh, you knowexactlywhat I’ll do.”
“Tough guy, huh? Guess you better show me.”
“Guess I better.”
Chapter 19
March 13th, 1944
Charlie my darling
I can’t go on like this. Without you.
DON’T TELL ME I HAVE TO!
no no no no no no
So tired my love. Can’t hold pen in my ha
Sleep doesn’t help. Bridget told themschool I taken ill
I wish I was strong like you.
Food has no taste. Putrid
Only want YOU
Just come home. Please Charlie I beg you.
I love you
Love you, my darlin
Only you.
FUCK THE CHURCH!!
