The Melody Girls by Anne Douglas Page B

something warm and comforting. But then – she couldn’t deny it – holding hands with Rod was having something of the same effect.
    Better concentrate on the film, she thought, for the Lord knew, it was exciting enough, with its Salvador Dali dream sequences, and dear handsome Gregory Peck being suspected of murder, and lovely Ingrid Bergman trying to protect him. But why did the pattern of lines upset him? And who was the mysterious proprietor, haunting the mountain slopes? By the end of the thrilling denouement, Lorna found herself quite forgetting to analyse her feelings about Rod and she was just clinging on to his hand like a lifeline.
    â€˜Oh, Lorna,’ he whispered, laughing, as the credits rolled up and the cinema lights came on, ‘you weren’t scared, were you?’
    â€˜No, of course I wasn’t!’ she declared, finally loosening her hand from his. ‘But I thought it was a terrific picture, didn’t you?’
    â€˜I did. Just wish we didn’t have to come back to reality.’ Rod tapped his watch. ‘Must go home, though. Get ready for this evening. Because, this evening, we’re not going to be late, right?’
    â€˜Right. I’m never going to be late for Luke again, that’s for sure.’
    As they stood at the tram stop in the still falling rain, she glanced at Rod who was looking a stranger with his fair hair so wet it seemed dark. Yet his friendly smile was his all right, and so was the blue-grey gaze he turned on her in the fading December light.
    â€˜Thanks for a lovely day, Rod. I really enjoyed it.’
    â€˜Not over yet. We’ll meet tonight. Maybe go for a drink afterwards?’
    â€˜Maybe.’
    But already she’d decided that she wouldn’t. Better go carefully, eh?
    â€˜Very sensible decision,’ Flo told her later. ‘It isn’t just that you might have problems with Rod if you encourage him, but you could be in trouble with Luke as well.’
    â€˜Luke? What’s he got to do with it?’
    â€˜Well, he’s like a lot of bandleaders – they don’t want their musicians getting involved in relationships. Within the band, I mean. Usually falling for the vocalist, of course, and thinking more about her than their playing.’
    â€˜I don’t see that it’s any business of Luke’s to interfere in people’s private lives.’
    â€˜He reckons it is his business when their private lives affect the performance of the band. Look, don’t worry, you’re being sensible about Rod, and we’ll hope he’ll get the message, eh? There won’t be anything for Luke to complain about.’
    â€˜I’ll have to admit, I’m sort of attracted to Rod,’ Lorna said slowly.
    Flo gave her a long steady look. ‘You’ll have to make up your mind, then, what you want.’
    â€˜Well, it’s early days, isn’t it? I’m just starting out. I have to think of that.’
    â€˜Quite right. Stick to concentrating on your career. Find time for Rod later. If he cares for you, he’ll wait.’
    â€˜I suppose he will.’
    â€˜And in the meantime, have you thought about what solos you might play? I’m sure Luke will be asking you soon.’
    â€˜Solos? Help, I did say I wanted solos! But what will Josh say?’
    â€˜Who on earth cares? It’s Luke you have to worry about not Josh.’
    But Lorna was still really worrying about Rod.

Sixteen
    In the weeks that followed, all went well. Better than Lorna could have hoped.
    First, there was Christmas and though she’d been thinking she might not be able to spend it with her mother, Luke having booked the band for a Christmas Eve dance, she did manage to get a train early on Christmas morning which meant she could be home in good time.
    â€˜And you’ve got Christmas Day and Boxing Day?’ Tilly asked, looking pleased when they opened their presents together. ‘I