Mystery Date
"So, I guess you're serious about not returning to the States anytime soon," Troy commented to his brother, David as they shared a drink in a London pub.
"No, I like it here and I'm enjoying the opportunity to continue flying. I'm getting training and experience on these new commercial jets and plan to become a pilot for one of the airline companies that are springing up," David replied.
"Hitch's father just launched a commercial airline. He's given us a card to use for free travel anytime, anywhere," Troy remarked.
"That's a sweet deal," David said, "Wonder if he's looking for any pilots."
"Don't know," Troy answered, "Doesn't hurt to ask."
"I wouldn't want him to think I was trying to take advantage of your relationship with his son," David was hesitant.
"I wouldn't want that either," Troy agreed. "I was thinking you could send your resume to the airline or see if you have a mutual connection, other than Hitch. He would be glad to recommend you, but he's had some bad past experiences with people trying to get to his father through him. I was thinking some of your flying buddies, maybe your former commander."
"That would be a better route, I wouldn't want to put Hitch in the middle," David affirmed.
"Good," Troy nodded. "So, what plans do you have for us this evening?"
"I have some plans for you that have nothing to do with me," David teased. "I've arranged dinner with an old friend of yours who will be waiting at this address at 7:30 p.m. What you do afterward is entirely up to the two of you." David slid a paper across the table to his brother.
"Do you mean Moffitt? He's the only one I really know in England." Troy was curious. "Why all the secrecy?"
"I'm not saying it is Moffitt and I'm not saying it's not Moffitt," David grinned as he sipped his drink. "Only that I think you'll have an enjoyable evening."
Troy wasn't sure what to make of David's arrangements, but he showered, shaved, and put on a clean uniform before making his way to the designated restaurant. It was a lovely place, dimly lit with small lamps on the tables. Several more private booths lined the back wall, and he was escorted to one when he gave his name to the maître d'. A bottle of champagne, courtesy of David, was already chilling next to the table. A dance floor was to one side with a mirrored ball hanging from the ceiling and a small orchestra providing a variety of music. Troy had to admit David had gone to a lot of trouble but surely this wasn't the type of place he would select to meet up with an army buddy.
He was watching the dancers when he heard a throaty English accented voice at his side. "Why Sam Troy, this is indeed a surprise."
Looking up in the face of the blonde, shapely woman, his face broke out in a wide smile.
Well, Rule Brittania," he stood and greeted Sergeant Victoria "Vixen" Moore, an exceedingly good friend from his days in North Africa. She kissed his cheek and he smelled deeply of her perfume. She was dressed in a one-shouldered, black, evening dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.
"It's good to see you, Sam," she said as he helped her into the booth. "I wasn't sure what David had in mind when he phoned but it truly is a delightful surprise."
"For me as well," he agreed. "It's been a long time, and you look as lovely as ever."
"Thank you," she replied looking at him closely. "You're looking as fit and handsome as always—maybe a little salt in the pepper," she commented on his hair.
"Yeah, well, that happens. Could be worse—it could be falling out," he kidded as he poured the champagne.
"Oh heavens, no," she protested. "What would I run my fingers through if you lost your hair?" she tasted the champagne. "I suppose there's always the hair on your chest," she added suggestively. Troy did have a lot of chest hair. He smiled at her implication.
"Are you still in the military?" he asked.
"No, I'm a civilian but I work as a private secretary to General Williamson at M15. And you remained in the Army, I see. You finally accepted a commission," she answered.
"Yeah," he answered sheepishly. "David keeps giving me grief although I think I'll have to overlook it since he arranged this evening. I have to confess, meeting you never entered my mind."
"I hope you weren't too disappointed," she spoke. She was still the most seductive, alluring, and exciting woman Troy had ever known.
Over dinner, they shared memories of past escapades together. He brought her up to date on the Rats and their lives and she told him of returning home to find her former neighborhood decimated by the bombing. She now had a small flat near her office and her parents had moved to the country.
"So, you and David," Troy whispered in her ear while holding her close on the dance floor.
"What about David?" she asked in return.
"Are the two of you involved?" he struggled to find the right word.
"You mean, like the two of us?" she breathlessly whispered with a smile.
"Yes," Troy hoped her answer would be negative.
"No, I think I only have room in my private life for one Captain Troy. Two might be injurious to my health," she teased and lightly bit his ear. "David is just a friend, a good friend, but nothing more." Troy grinned and they both knew where the evening was going to end.
Later, when she was dozing in his arms, he lay awake thinking about their relationship. It was more than simply physical. More than just chemistry. More than lust. He realized he was attracted to her wit, her playfulness, her intelligence, her compassion. Surely it was love in some fashion. Perhaps not the love he had witnessed between his teammates and their spouses, but love, nevertheless. Maybe he was just being overly sensitive to the fact that he was the last of the Rats to find a mate. Even Hitch was getting married in a few months. How many women had Hitch had casual romances with during the war?
Did Troy want what the others had? Did he want a wife? Or did he want the love that came with the relationship? Did he want to give love as much as receive it from one special woman? Was he just being sentimental? Was it just the thrill of being with Vixen again? Finally, he realized he wasn't ready for marriage for a number of reasons, and he wasn't quite sure if Vixen was the right woman to be at his side for life.
She stirred and opened her eyes. He kissed her ear and made his way down her long neck. When he reached her mouth she returned the kiss and all thoughts of marriage evaporated from Troy's brain. Their relationship was fine for now he thought taking her tightly in his arms.
