Free Brides of War by June Tate Page B

paint all over you.’
    Laughing she said, ‘Well I’ve been painting the ceiling and it isn’t easily done without a few splashes.’
    The waitress came over and he ordered a club sandwich.
    ‘What’s that?’ she asked.
    ‘A double-decker toasted sandwich with chicken, bacon and salad,’ he explained. When it arrived she was fascinated to see an orange stick keeping the layers together. It looked delicious, she thought, and stored the information away for next time.
    Rick was easy to talk to, she found. He was bright, funny and good company. He encouraged her to try the apple pie, saying it was the best in the area. Then they had coffee to follow.
    ‘So how’s my brother treating you, Gracie, is he looking after you well?’
    ‘Yes, he’s fine … we’re fine,’ she said, with feeling.
    He seemed amused. ‘Take it easy, I only asked. Had you said he wasn’t then I’d have had words with him. He’s a lucky guy, I only hope he appreciates it, that’s all I’m saying.’
    She cast a suspicious glance at him.
    ‘No need to look at me like that, Gracie honey. You’re a member of the family now, so I must make sure you’re happy.’
    ‘That’s nice of you Nick, but what I do is not really any of your business, you know that.’
    He laughed loudly. ‘You’re a smart girl; there’s no fooling you. I just want you to know if things go wrong, I’m always around to pick up the pieces.’
    ‘Yes I bet,’ she said sarcastically. Getting up, she said, ‘Must get on, I need to pay my bill, then it’s back to work.’
    ‘I’ll pick up the tab,’ he said. ‘A treat for all your hard work.’
    ‘There’s no need for that,’ she argued.
    ‘My pleasure. When it’s all done, do I get an invitation to see the place?’
    ‘If Jeff invites you, yes.’
    With an enigmatic smile he said, ‘We both know that’s not going to happen.’
    ‘Thanks for the meal,’ she said and left the diner.
    Gracie had a bounce in her step as she walked home. It was nice to have company for a change. She knew that there was trouble between the brothers, which was a shame because Rick seemed like a nice person. A little dangerous perhaps, which if she were honest, added to the pleasure of his company. But she wouldn’t mention meeting him to Jeff, especially after their spat last night. It would only enrage him and that she didn’t need.
     
    Rick sat and finished his coffee, musing over his conversation with his new sister-in-law. Cute girl. Smart, he liked that in a woman. Much too good for his brother who wouldn’t appreciate Gracie in the same way that he would. His brother was much too staid. Gracie was a girl who could be great fun and Jeff had never had a sense of humour. As for spontaneity, he wouldn’t understand it. Such a waste for such a girl, she definitely married the wrong brother! Then he chuckled softly. He’d bide his time, but he intended to get to know Gracie better. Much better.
     
    When Jeff came home that evening, Gracie greeted him without rancour, for which he looked relieved. But when he sat down to dinner he looked at his plate and asked, ‘What’s this dish then?’
    Gracie had been cooking all the British dishes she was used to, as often as she could and today she’d made another.
    ‘It’s made with minced beef and mashed potatoes on the top. At home we call it cottage pie.’
    He picked some up with his fork and tasted it. He saw the expectancy on her face.
    ‘It’s nice,’ he said, not wanting to upset her further. ‘Don’t suppose there’s any cornbread to go with it?’
    His mother had made and served cornbread with every meal, Gracie remembered. She’d not liked it much.
    ‘No, but there’s plenty of vegetables and I’ve made an apple pie for desert.’ She glared at him, daring him to complain. He didn’t.
    After the meal, Jeff rose from the table and put on his coat, which surprised Gracie.
    ‘Where are you going?’ she asked.
    ‘Me and some of the boys are meeting