Chapter 4: A Kiss is Just a Kiss
The Rat Patrol, with Andy Peterson filling in for an injured Tully, were currently in Casablanca providing security and transportation for a number of military leaders who were planning strategies for after the war ended in North Africa. They were outlining major invasions of Sicily and Italy. The Rats were bored waiting around for something to happen. Providing security was not something they relished and at this point, they had a lot of free time on their hands. They hadn't heard anything from Tully who was recovering at the hospital in Benghazi, and they refused to allow themselves to think he wasn't recovering as quickly as he ought to be.
After dinner they decided to check out a bar or two. As they approached one establishment they could hear a chanteuse inside singing La Vie En Rose. Troy, Moffitt, and Hitch stopped in their tracks and looked at one another. Andy wasn't sure what was happening. A huge grin covered Hitch's face and he led the way into the club. There she was singing to the crowd of mostly American and French officers, who hung on her every word. Isla was dressed in a blue sequined evening gown with a high slit on the left leg. Long white gloves snaked up her arms and her beloved charm bracelet hung from her left wrist. She had just begun the last verse of the song when she saw her friends standing in the doorway. Exuberant applause followed and, catching Mark's eye, she nodded towards the backstage area. They found her in her dressing room.
"I am so surprised to see you," kissing Mark on both cheeks. "How did you know I was here?"
"We didn't," Mark explained. "We're escorting some brass for a conference. Why are you here? Did you not do another USO tour?"
"Not officially," she explained. "I was asked to entertain that group of brass for several days and then I'm going along the coast to sing at several hospitals before heading back to Scotland." Hitch could tell she was holding back something and noticed her covering the charm bracelet with her right hand. He understood that she must also be carrying microfilmed documents to Allied leaders as she had done before when in North Africa. He sighed and indicated he understood she couldn't discuss her actions. She welcomed her friends with a kiss on the cheek and asked,
"But where is Tully?"
"Tully is in the hospital at Benghazi recovering from bullet and shrapnel wounds," Troy explained. "Andy's filling in for him."
"I hope it's nothing serious," Isla was concerned.
"He'll be out two weeks at least," Moffitt said.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Isla replied. "Maybe he'll still be there when I entertain the patients."
"Well, I have a feeling the two of you would like to be alone for a while," Moffitt spoke. "The rest of us will make ourselves scarce and give you some privacy."
"Thanks," Isla answered. "We do have some things to discuss. We'll catch up with you later." She changed into more appropriate dress and led Hitch to a private booth near the back of the restaurant where they sat across from one another.
"You took me totally by surprise," she said, holding Hitch's hand.
"Likewise," Hitch admitted, giving her hand a squeeze. "You look and sound great. Tell me about performing for the king and queen." They spent some time catching up with one another and enjoying dinner.
"So," Isla prompted, "don't you think we need to discuss what we said to each other in our letters?" Hitch grinned and nodded his head.
"I meant every word," he told her, "and I agree with your wanting to take everything slow and see how it plays out."
"I do love you, Tadpole, I just don't want to rush into anything until we've accomplished some of the goals we've set for our lives." She spoke quietly.
"I love you, too, Zu's," he said sincerely, "and I believe it's best to be cautious." She smiled at him coquettishly and commented,
"There is one thing I would like for us to do, if the moment arises."
"What's that?" he asked.
"I told you in my letter, I am looking forward to our first mutually desired kiss," she smiled seductively.
"I admit, I'm looking forward to that myself," he added with a wicked grin. "So, let's see what happens naturally." After dinner, they took a walk along the shore and continued talking about all they'd experienced since she left Africa. They stopped and looked up at the star-filled night sky. Hitch slid his arm around her waist, and she turned to face him. They gazed into each other's eyes and saw the eagerness reflected therein. Hitch tilted her chin upward and bent towards her. Their arms entwined around one another, and their lips met in a passionate and lengthy kiss. Her left leg popped up like a scene in a romantic movie and he buried his hands in her hair, holding her closer. When they finally released one another, they smiled.
"Well," Isla managed to whisper. "I think I could get used to that."
"Most definitely," Hitch agreed and kissed her again.
"That's a good start, Tadpole," she smiled. "We'd better catch up with the guys before Troy comes looking for us."
"Knowing Sarge and Doc, they're probably somewhere nearby, making sure we accomplished our mission." Unseen or heard by the young couple, Troy nudged Moffitt in the ribs and whispered, "Let's get out of here." The two sergeants silently made their way from the beach and Troy grinned as he quietly commented, "Well, at least Hitch is no longer a fool."