Over the Rainbow by Katie Flynn

Author:Katie Flynn [Flynn, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781473567276
Publisher: Random House

August 1942

Ted waited with nervous anticipation as the Waaf who had answered the telephone went to fetch Olivia. He had rehearsed what he wanted to say over and over until he had got it down pat, because a three-minute call wasn’t long, and he had a lot to get across. He had one chance to plead his case. If he didn’t use the right words, she might slam the phone down and refuse to speak to him ever again.

‘Hello?’ Olivia’s voice came down the receiver, full of anticipation.

‘Toff?’

As soon as Olivia heard him call her by her old pet name, she felt the years melt away. ‘Hello, Ted.’

He smiled; her voice was as he remembered. ‘I’ve a million and one things to tell you, but first things first, how are you?’

‘I’m doing well, although a bit surprised to hear your voice after all these years.’

‘I can imagine,’ said Ted. ‘Is there any chance we could meet up for a chat?’

Olivia hesitated. She had loved Ted once, very much so, and he had broken her heart as well as her faith in men. ‘Can you not just tell me over the phone?’

‘I’ve a lot to say and I’d rather talk in private, which is nigh on impossible when I’m using the phone in the NAAFI,’ Ted said reasonably, ‘or any phone for that matter. There’s always the chance of crossed wires, and I don’t wish to air my dirty laundry in public. I think you’ll understand when you hear what I have to say.’

Olivia hesitated. She hadn’t anticipated that he would ask to meet her in person. She had assumed he would say his piece and that would be an end to the matter.

‘Can you really not tell me over the phone?’ she asked hopefully.

‘Sorry, Toff, but no. I went to your house hoping to see you, but obviously you weren’t there. Your father was, though, and he said some pretty damning things. I’m pretty sure you don’t know about them, but I can guarantee you wouldn’t want just any Tom, Dick or Harry hearing his accusations.’

Oliva rolled her eyes. What on earth had her father said now? She pursed her lips in thought. Surely there could be no harm in her paying her grandparents a visit, especially as she hadn’t seen them since joining the WAAF. If she arranged to meet Ted for ten minutes in a public place, then where could be the harm in that?

‘I’ll see if I can get a bit of leave. I’m due some, so I can’t see it being a problem. I’ll write to let you know when I’m coming home.’

Ted wanted to whoop with joy. ‘Brilliant! Just let me know and I’ll come and meet you at the station.’

Startled by his response, Olivia spoke quickly. ‘I’m coming back to see my grandparents, Ted. I don’t mind meeting you for ten minutes, but that’s all. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since I saw you last, and I don’t fancy taking a trip back up river.

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