The Islands by Di Morrissey Read Free Book Online Page B

places overlooking the water and you can put them on,’ he suggested.
    They were sharing the cost of their hotel – Catherine had insisted – and she was quite surprised at how easy and comfortable the arrangement was. She thought it would be awkward living with a stranger but Bradley was so easy to be with. He didn’t snore, he was attentive and sensitive to her needs, excusing himself to go and buy something if he sensed she wanted privacy or time alone. They walked on the beach and went for a swim before breakfast, he planned their day’s sightseeing, made suggestions about where to go for dinner. The days sped past. She was pleased that she’d extended her holiday. They returned to Honolulu and she moved into a smaller hotel set back from the beach but with a view of the ocean from the top floor where she was staying. Bradley returned to work but spent every evening with her.
    Sometimes during the day she opened the closet and touched Bradley’s crisp white spare uniform hanging beside her clothes. She felt a sense of proprietary togetherness seeing his toiletries in the bathroom.
    *
    A few days before she was due to fly back to Australia, Bradley said he had something to ask her. He sounded slightly hesitant.
    â€˜It’s about tomorrow night . . . I was wondering if you’d like to come to a dinner . . . It’s with my superior officer. They have these social get-togethers. His wife is a great hostess and they have a house on the base at Pearl Harbor. Of course, you might find it a bit boring . . .’
    â€˜Why would I find it boring? It’d be nice to meet people who live here. Is it for a special reason?’ she asked.
    â€˜Not really. The idea is for us all to maintain close links, keep in touch socially, which is supposed to help us work together.’
    â€˜Sounds a good idea.’ She wondered why he sounded so formal. ‘Is there anything I should know? What to wear? Who’s who?’
    Bradley grinned. ‘You always look nice. They’re just a bit conservative . . . older ladies, you know. It’ll give you a taste of the other side of my life here.’ He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. ‘So you know what I’m putting up with while you’re galloping around Peel.’
    â€˜My other life,’ mused Catherine. ‘I only gallop around Heatherbrae . Not much to get excited about in Peel.’ She kissed him thinking how dull Peel would seem after all the glamour and fun of Hawaii. And Bradley. It was going to be hard to say goodbye. She refused to think about that moment.
    Commander and Mrs Goodwin were gracious and made a fuss of Catherine. She was introduced to the other wives who were gathered on the terrace. The men, dressed in smart casual clothes, were bunched on the lawn by the pool. The immaculate grass was dotted with palms and its elevated position boasted a lovely view of the harbour.
    â€˜What a spectacular place,’ said Catherine.
    â€˜The senior officers and families are housed in that section over there, the single officers are in an apartment block. It has lovely views,’ said Mrs Goodwin. Then turning to several other wives she said, ‘Don’t you just love Catherine’s accent?’
    â€˜It’s darling. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. My husband visited there on his way to Vietnam. Where’s your home, dear?’ asked a woman with bright red hair lacquered into a helmet that flipped up on her shoulders but didn’t move.
    â€˜Oh, it’s in the country. Nowhere anyone’s heard of,’ answered Catherine.
    â€˜You mean like a ranch, honey?’
    â€˜A small one. Just horses and stud cattle. A hobby for my father. He’s a solicitor. A lawyer,’ she added as Bradley had explained that solicitor wasn’t an American term.
    â€˜And how long have you known Bradley?’ asked another wife,