Read Online A Daughter's Choice by June Francis - Free Book Online Page A

twirled, reflecting shards of glittering light. The band was playing a waltz to which a few couples danced sedately. It was hard to believe the dance had once been banned in England. Clusters of girls sat on one side of the room, and on the other lads talked amongst themselves whilst eyeing up the girls.
    â€˜You grab chairs and I’ll get us drinks,’ said Dougie.
    â€˜Orange juice, please,’ said Katie, handing him some money. He protested but she insisted. So he walked off in search of the bar.
    The girls gazed about them, sitting on the edge of their seats, both longing to dance. Eileen had a net skirt on under her frock and Katie felt sorry for her because they weren’t as fashionable any more.
    Dougie hadn’t been gone long when the waltz came to an end and a quickstep took its place. Immediately some couples began to jive and the girls watched as a youth skirted the floor and came towards them. He had dark hair perfectly styled in a fashionable Tony Curtis quiff and there were black velvet lapels to his jacket.
    Eileen edged forward on her seat but it was Katie he addressed. ‘Are you dancing?’ His green eyes fixed on her face as his jaw moved rhythmically, almost in tune to the music.
    Kitty did not allow Katie to chew gum and she was fascinated by that mobile mouth. ‘I’m with a fella.’
    He glanced around. ‘The invisible man?’
    Her lips twitched. ‘Very funny.’
    He grinned. ‘Glad you appreciate the joke. How’s about it then? It’s not as if I want to take a lease out on you or anything. Just one dance.’
    â€˜No, thanks. He’ll be back in minute.’
    â€˜A minute’ll do me.’ He wriggled his shoulders and did a soft-shoe shuffle. ‘Just a quick bop, love.’
    Katie did her best to hide a smile, and if she had not come to the dance with someone else, would have gone with him then. There was something very attractive about that smile and those eyes.
    â€˜I knew you could crack your face if you tried,’ he said, holding one hand out towards her, but before she could do or say anything Dougie appeared on the scene.
    â€˜You’re bothering my girl,’ he said pugnaciously. ‘Scram!’
    Green-eyes looked him over. ‘I preferred you invisible.’
    â€˜Is that meant to be a joke?’ said Dougie, and poked Green-eyes in the chest.
    The youth fell back a pace. ‘I wouldn’t do that again if I were you,’ he murmured, combing back his quiff with his fingers.
    Katie glanced around and saw that people were watching. ‘Stop it!’ she hissed. ‘The pair of you could get us thrown out! Now will you go away?’ she said to Green-eyes. ‘I’m sorry, but I did tell you I was with someone.’
    â€˜If that’s the way you want it.’ He shrugged and walked away.
    Eileen got up and followed him. Katie stared after her and watched, surprised at how badly she didn’t want Eileen to dance with the green-eyed youth. When she saw them go on to the floor she picked up the smaller of the drinks and drained the glass.
    â€˜You shouldn’t have drunk that so quickly!’ exclaimed Dougie, looking alarmed.
    â€˜Why? I was thirsty.’
    â€˜It wasn’t pure orange juice. I had them put gin in it.’
    Katie stared at the glass as if it had been poisoned and almost choked. ‘I’m not supposed to drink! Ma would have a fit.’
    Dougie sat down heavily and sighed. ‘This evening isn’t going the least bit the way I wanted it. I thought the place would be jumping and we’d have a real cool time.’
    Katie was starting to feel bored with him but they were here now and she supposed she had to make the best of it. She smiled and said, ‘Why don’t you take off your hat and we can dance?’
    â€˜I like my hat,’ he said defensively.
    Katie gave up on him and sat with her hands between her knees, waiting for