It had been a strange week, Pike reflected, perched somewhat awkwardly on the edge of the bed at the Belle Vue. Gloria, as Walker had mentioned, seemed rather nicer than most seaside landladies, and even smiled when he arrived, which was unusual. Otherwise, and however else she might be towards her guests, he was right in that Head Office hadn't wasted too much money on accommodation. He was in a rather small room with wallpaper that looked about twenty years old, with a desk and chair marked with cigarette burns and an armchair losing its stuffing. There was, though, a large bed crammed into it – it was actually necessary to sit on the bed to use the sink. He'd never slept in a bed like this, and it felt somewhat disconcerting.
Even more so, considering what he'd agreed to, and had to spend the whole week keeping secret. No-one had guessed, probably because the whole Platoon was preoccupied with what Mr Mainwaring and Mrs Grey were supposedly getting up to – not that he'd noticed much evidence of that, beyond having to fetch him back from an increasing number of places that they visited for coffee each morning. There had also been that moment when Pike had noticed what looked like a pre-war brochure for Eastbourne on Mainwaring's desk. That seemed strange too, because as he understood it, Mrs Mainwaring didn't get out much, and so probably wouldn't want to go to Eastbourne.
In any case, he didn't really want to consider what his Commanding Officer might do. It wasn't as important as what would happen to him. In a couple of hours, Ivy would be here, in this room. Surely, Pike thought, that should seem a nicer thought than it now appeared – it had been, at home, in his own room, when – he had to admit – it was no more likely to happen that it was with any Hollywood girl from his posters on the wall. But it would be different when she was here, he told himself, and as to what actually happened next, well…he wasn't sure. Did people just do it straight away, or could you sort of kiss for a bit first? He did like kissing Ivy – to be honest, her kisses were one of the main reasons he'd agreed to this.
Even more concerning was the uncertainty of whether or not things would…work, if they had to. They weren't just now, even though they had done all week, and in the past few weeks since they'd first gone out together.
It wasn't that he didn't want to, he did, and had imagined what it might be like since he was about 13, and they'd been to see a film with Joan Blondell. His Mum had spent the journey home threatening to complain to the cinema manager that such a film was unsuitable for children and sworn that she'd never have let him see it if she'd known. Not she'd thought he was particularly affected by it – she just thought he looked hot, so was coming down with a fever, and had sent him to bed with a cold flannel on his head and an aspirin.
The reality of the situation was, however, rather different. He had to tell she couldn't stay. He'd stick to the original plan – they'd have a nice evening out, and she'd go home. The problem was, Pike wasn't sure he wanted that to happen either. This might be his only chance, and the sensible thing was to let it go, but he wasn't sure that he would when she was actually there.
Ivy clutched a small suitcase on the train, thinking about her pale pink summer nightdress inside. This was such an adventure, like something out of a novel or a film. She was the beautiful heroine escaping to the one she loved, and then they'd be married, and everyone would see how happy they were. She didn't really know what was going to happen either, but unlike Pike, didn't care. She just imagined it as wonderful, like all the books and magazines promised. Only people their age understood – older people didn't know what it was to live their lives knowing they could be cut short any day. They wouldn't wait, they'd take their chances while they still could, and her heart was racing as she stepped off the train, looking around eagerly among the many servicemen around her.
She waved suddenly. The movement caught Pike's eye and despite his misgivings, she did look lovely standing there, and the rush of pride knowing she was there for him did a lot to help. It helped even more when she wrapped her arms around him and looked up with those dark, rather intense eyes.
'What shall we do then?' she asked rather breathlessly as they left the station.
'Umm…' The nerves were creeping back, as Pike found himself keeping a look out for anyone from Head Office, or anyone who could be from another branch, although how he'd know that he didn't know. 'Have you had dinner? We could have fish and chips?'
Ivy nodded, with a small smile. No, she hadn't eaten yet, and it made sense. He was carrying her case for her, and it felt special, sitting together in the little restaurant looking out to sea. Special, but as was usual with her, she didn't say very much. Usually, she didn't mind, but as the meal went on, Ivy began to feel rather more nervous. They both did, but both wanting to appear grown up, neither mentioned it.
'And what now?' she asked again, after they'd finished. 'We could have a drink somewhere?'
'I'm not meant to go in pubs,' Pike replied. It was true, and something told him that the combination of nerves and any kind of alcohol wouldn't be a good idea.
Ivy nodded again. 'Me neither…at least, I wasn't. When Dad was alive. But I'm with you.'
'Yeah…so, we shouldn't?'
'We could have one?' Ivy suggested. If they were going to do what they planned, a drink wasn't going to make much difference?
'Well…' He hesitated. '…all right, but…just one.'
'What's wrong? It's like a honeymoon – everyone will think it is.'
Before long, they were sitting in a smoky, crowded pub, crammed full of sailors, mainly, with a rather watery beer and an equally watery gin and tonic. It wasn't very nice. Even so, it didn't stop them having another, and then trying the less watery cider that the landlord had apparently obtained from a friend of his with a farm, as he explained with a grin.
'That's what these boys are here for,' he said, indicating the sailors. 'This is the good stuff, not what the breweries are putting out these days – one for you and your young lady, is it?'
By the time they'd finished a couple of those, both were feeling a lot less nervous and rather more giggly and flirty than they'd ever get away with at home.
'Let's go,' Ivy said then, draining her glass. 'Show me our hotel!' Pike stood up and caught hold of her hand, pulling her up so quickly she fell against him, and the sailors cheered as he pulled her tight into a cider-tinged kiss.