He banged out Jim Reeves in honor of Mum. That and the fact he could play it in his sleep. It always reminded him of Angela. She was age thirteen, smart as a whip and quite the young lady.

Tim saw the blonde girl approaching. She was short, but she made up for her lack of height in some special ways.

Damn, I'd be blind not to notice.

She looked apprehensive, but as she drew near, he changed to soft, easy notes, no more difficult than basic scales.

When she reached him, he smiled at her. Not the big wide mad smile that he'd acquired the same as his unruly hair, but an it's a pleasant day smile.

She said, "You play very well. Thank you for the song."

"Years of practice paid off. When I was small I played with my mother."

"You don't anymore?" she asked.

"Oh I still play, but not with my mother. She died a long time ago." He said with just a hint of wistful sadness.

Bloody hell, why did I just say that. She's going to think I am some motherless crybaby.

"I'm sorry," she said, looking obviously uncomfortable.

"Thank you, but it was a long time ago and I've a wonderful Mum, have had for years."

Lord, I sound mad now!

"Oh, well lovely," she said.

"I'm Timothy Turner, Tim."

"Julie," she responded with a polite smile before she turned away.

Tim watched as she walked away. Back to life of the party, Jim Albert. Bernie rushed over as Tim swung his legs over the piano bench.

"What did she say?" Bernie asked overly excited.

"She just thanked me for playing. Looks like she's Jim's date."

"Lucky!" Bernie said, "It pays to be posh."

Tim was tired and wishing that he'd gone home instead. He knew Teddy especially missed him. It was strange to be so close to a brother fifteen years younger than him, but he was.

He went to the kitchen to thank Mrs. Walker.

"Oh dear, I enjoyed the entertainment tonight. You know you are welcome to come play anytime."

"Thank you. It really helps me relieve stress. Have a good evening."

"Goodbye dear," she said, as she kissed his cheek.

When Tim turned, she was standing in the kitchen door. She looked surprised to see him.

She asked, "Can I help you, Mrs. Walker?"

"Goodness no dear, you are our guest."

Tim walked slowly so he could hear her response.

"Oh well, I'm used to helping out in the kitchen. I'm the oldest of a large family."

Tim smiled, there was more to this girl, then he frowned remembering that she was Jim's date.

##

When Julie left the kitchen, Kate ran up to her and said, "There you are. I was wondering where you were off to."

"I was with Mrs. Walker. She's very nice. Nothing like my mum."

"You're mum is overworked and as a result looks about ten years older than she is."

Kate reminded her of the truth, her mother was an overweight frump. Mrs. Walker looked like Her Majesty the Queen compared to her mum who looked like a washer woman. Money does make a difference. Perhaps Kate was right and she should give Jim a chance.

Kate continued, "Come on Jim is going to drive us home in his car."

Julie found herself in the front seat listening to a lot of sloppy noise on the backseat. "Can you two come up for air back there?" Julie hollered feeling uncomfortable.

Jim, whose eyes were on the road, started to chat her up a bit, which was ironic since he had ignored her most of the night. She was playing with the radio knob looking for a good song. When she found one she liked, she sang along.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)

Sun-Shiny day…

"You are a lovely singer," Jim complimented her.

"Oh I used to sing in the choir at church."

"I have to admit, that I'm not one for church. The whole formality of it is a bit much."

"I've always found comfort in the formality and the familiar. My faith is important to me. Do you believe in God?"

Julie sounded a bit like a hypocrite, because she hadn't been to church since she moved to London. At home it was the parish itself that gave her great comfort, while church in London would be with strangers. She really couldn't imagine not identifying herself as a member of the Church of England.

"I suppose I believe. I certainly don't not believe. I just don't think much about it or care to."

Jim's opinion on religion didn't bother her as much as his smoking. Truthfully she was only getting a ride home, not marrying him. Covering her mouth, she coughed as he lit another cigarette. She listened as he talked about family. They seemed to be rather wealthy. He spoke of trips to the sea and abroad.

The furthest Julie had ever been from home was probably Oxford that evening. When she said as much, he chuckled and said she was adorable. He sounded patronising.

He surprised her by taking her hand and squeezing it without letting go. She felt the warmth of his hand on hers, but nothing more. It felt nice enough though.

"Do you like the cinema?" he asked.

"I don't go often enough."

"The last movie that I saw was The Poseidon Adventure. It was amazing!"

"I much prefer a comedy or a romance," she admitted awkwardly.

"Would you like to go with me sometime... to a picture?"

"Oh, well I suppose that would be nice," she replied. The idea of going to a picture intrigued her more than spending more time with him. Truthfully she wanted to see the new Neil Simon film.

"Brilliant! It's a date. I'll call you to tell you the next Saturday, that I am off."

When they arrived at the girls' block of flats, Jim opened her door. He walked to the door, all the while Kate was still saying goodbye to Arthur in the backseat.

Jim said, "I had a grand time."

When he leaned in to kiss her, she turned her head so his lips landed on her cheek. They felt wet, like he had just moistened them for the kiss. He also smelt of stale smoke.

"Goodnight." she said and slipped inside.

Kate appeared more than a few minutes later.

"Kate, you snogged the whole trip!"

"I may have done, but I heard that you have a date!"

"It's just the cinema. I don't really like him," Julie argued.

"But Jules, the chap comes from money."

"Who cares? You like Arthur and he's not got much more than us."

"Yes, but he's got potential. Our only potential is finding ourselves husbands who can take care of us."

"Well, if I'm not in love, I'd rather be single," Julie said adamately.