Page 15 of One More Time

‘Did you get a little kiss?’ Grace couldn’t help but ask.

‘Of course I did, just on the cheek.’ The phone line crackled along with Jen’s cackling. ‘And I’m so excited for you, too, Gracie, with you and Charlie making it official.’

‘Thanks. I keep having to pinch myself. I mean, of all the girls in town, and he’s chosen me to be his girlfriend! I never thought I’d see the day, after he ran for the hills after kissing me in high school.’

‘Of course he picked you. You’re a hottie, Grace Denver. And it’s so cool he’s decided to stay a few more months, to spend more time with you.’ Jenny’s excitement travelled down the line.

‘I was so pleased when he told me he was staying longer.’ Grace plonked down on the end of her bed. ‘But then, I’m also really nervous about what’s going to happen when he does have to leave. Because even though I haven’t told him … I think I’m falling in love with him.’ Grace bit back a rise of emotion.

‘I get it. He’s a pretty easy guy to fall for. Just make sure you protect that big heart of yours and take it steady, okay?’

‘I’m trying to, Jen, but he has this way of making me fall for him more and more every time I see him. It’s like I just can’t get enough of him, no matter how much time we have together.’

Jenny sighed. ‘Well, just try and enjoy it for what it is. If something comes from it, great. If not, I’m here to wipe your tears, my beautiful friend.’

Grace smiled sadly. ‘Thank you, Jen. I don’t know what I’d do without you.’

‘No problemo, and I want to hear all about your date tomorrow,’ Jenny said, added, spiritedly, ‘especially if he finally gives you a proper kiss. I mean, come on, Charlie, it’s been over a month of courting! Give the girl a damn good pash.’

‘Go easy on him, Jen,’ Grace said, giggling. ‘He’s trying to be a gentleman, but I’m hoping tonight will be the one we finally kiss like lovers do. And I promise if it happens, I’ll fill you in on all the details.’ Heading over to her dressing table, she swiped on some strawberry gloss over her lips, and then smacked them together. ‘Just as soon as I get to work tomorrow.’

‘Goody.’ Jenny’s cackle sounded down the line. ‘I can’t wait.’ There was a short pause, then a sigh. ‘I do have to ask, though, what are you going to do when Rodger gets back into town?’

‘I don’t think I have to do anything,’ Grace replied. ‘We only went on a couple of dates, and he’s the one who went on holiday to Europe for a year.’

‘I was making sure you were thinking straight, so good answer, Gracie.’ There was a short pause, followed by the sound of a closing door. ‘I just hope Rodger sees it that way too and doesn’t cause any upset for you and Charlie.’

‘Nothing really happened between us. I wasn’t even sure if I liked him any more than a friend, Jen, so there’s no way I’ll let him do anything of the sort.’ She huffed a breath. ‘I just hope he can handle the situation like a gentleman.’

‘Yes, we can only hope.’

The growl of a V8 engine sounded from down the street. ‘Anyhoos, I better run, Jen, I think I can hear Charlie’s car coming.’ Switching off her lava lamp, Grace grabbed her bag from the cupboard door handle and her platforms from the floor. ‘I don’t want to give Dad the chance to get to the door first. I’ve told him he’s not allowed to grill Charlie, but that’s not to say he won’t if given half a chance.’

‘You worry too much, Grace, I’m sure Charlie will be able to handle himself if your dad does give him a fatherly lecture.’ Jenny chuckled softly. ‘He did fight in the war, your man, don’t forget.’

Grace half grimaced and half laughed. ‘Have you met my dad?’

‘Ha, yes, true, he can be a little … let’s say, intimidating, when he’s cross.’ Jenny heaved a breath. ‘Regardless, I’m sure they’ll figure it out. They’ll have to, given that you’re going to be loving them both in the near future.’

Grace instinctively shrugged. ‘Time will tell.’

‘Indeed, it will. Anyway, I better let you get to his rescue, before Mr Boxing Champion flexes his muscles.’ Jenny giggled. ‘Bye for now, little-miss-head-over-heels-in-love’

‘Okay, bye, little-miss-know-it-all.’ Grace laughed as she headed out of her bedroom and hung the phone back on the receiver.

The grumble of Charlie’s Chrysler Valiant Charger now reverberated outside, and Grace quickly made her way down the staircase. Charlie had arrived right on time – his punctuality was endearing.

She was really looking forward to going to the movies with him again, although this time it was at the drive-in rather than the theatre. After reading the book by Joan Lindsay, she couldn’t wait to see Picnic at Hanging Rock. She was also looking forward to Charlie slipping his big strong arm around her shoulder, as he had the last two times, so she could cuddle into him while they shared some popcorn. His touch felt so familiar, so comfortable, as if she’d been in his arms many times – maybe because she’d fantasied about it over the years.

Detouring through the lounge room, where the shag carpet was soft beneath her feet, she saw her parents were glued to their new colour television, where their favourite show, Happy Days, was playing. Thankfully, her father appeared to have missed the growl of Charlie’s car. The scent of her mum’s latest culinary delight, apricot chicken, made her stomach turn. Packet soup and a can of fruit juice, whacked together with some chopped-up chicken breasts, didn’t make the slightest bit of sense.

Leaning over the back of the couch, she poked her head between them. ‘I’m off.’

Her mother looked up from her dinner, sat atop a TV tray. ‘Have fun, just make sure you’re home by curfew, won’t you?’ She leant in and kissed Grace on the cheek. ‘Because you know what your father is like, he’ll be out searching for you if you’re ten minutes late.’

‘Too right I will be, with my shotgun,’ he said with conviction.

‘Dad, behave yourself.’ Grace tapped his shoulder.