Until We Meet Again Read Online Free PDF

happier with a simple
dinner, a few friends. Maybe going to a talkie in Crest Harbor.”
Fay smirks a little. “Not a fan of the crowds?”
“Not exactly.”
“They rather excite me,” she says, a glint in her eye. “But
tell you what, why don’t you and I go somewhere a little more
secluded? I can help you relax.”
Her finger traces my jacket sleeve and brushes ever so slightly
against my hand. She turns and walks slowly toward the house,
her gold dress shimmering with the gentle sway of her hips. It’s
like a siren’s song, and I find myself drawn after her.
Just before I enter the house, Uncle Ned calls my name. He’s
sitting on the patio with his neighborhood cronies. The gleam
of burning cigar ends light their genial smiles. Ned is by far the
largest man in the group. He’s tall and broad, with a belly to
beat them all. His crop of black hair is the only physical trait
he and my father share.
“Lon, my boy, come over here.”
I cast a look at Fay, who’s paused at the base of the marble
staircase. She shrugs a little and grabs a drink from a passing
waiter’s tray. Lifting it, she winks and takes a sip. She’ll wait for
me. I hope.
Ned pours a round of brandy as I approach.
“Here, son. You take a drink. You’re a man now, by George.”
He speaks with genuine affection. Ned’s wife, Stella, died
before she could give him any children and he’s always treated
me like a son. I think that’s why, when Mother died last year,
Ned became more involved in our lives than ever before.
Because he understands the loss.
“Thanks,” I say to him.
Orson Baker gives me a slap on the back. “Little Lonnie’s all
grown up. Who could believe it? When are you going to college, kiddo?”
“His pop back home has it all set up,” Ned answers for me,
his smile positively brimming with pride. “He starts Harvard
in the fall.”
The middle-aged men all nod with approval and lift their
brandies to me. I want to tell them to save their breath. I
want to tell them that my father may have it all set up, but
that doesn’t mean I’m going. But I offer as genial a smile as I
can manage.
Aunt Eloise joins us. She’s Ned and my father’s older sister.
She lives an hour or so away and acts as Ned’s mother hen,
always keeping an eye out for the lonely old bachelor. Tonight,
she’s wearing her gaudiest dress, a knee-length number with
sewn-on pearls and crystals. She wants to look like the wildest flapper in the room. Anything to hide her graying hair and
sagging face. I try my best to compliment her. Aging does vex
her so.
“Lonnie,” she says loudly, already tipsy. “There you are. Fay
was looking everywhere for you.”
“I’m all right, Aunt Eloise,” I say, giving her a quick peck on
the cheek.
“You lovely boy.” She laughs, touching my face. She turns
to her companions. “Such a treat to have him so close by for
the summer. We begged and begged. Didn’t we, Ned? And he’s
having a fine time. You’re having a fine time, aren’t you, Lonnie?”
“Sure am.” I check to make sure Fay’s still waiting for me.
She is, but she’s passing the time chatting with some tall, grinning joe who can’t keep his eyes off Fay’s bosom. My left hand
tightens into a fist.
“I better run,” I say. “Fay’s waiting for me.”
“Of course,” Ned says, giving me a pat on the back. “You
have fun. But be back by midnight to blow out the candles!
There may be a surprise waiting for you.”
He winks at his friends. There’s a dancing girl in the cake.
I’ve already heard from Charles. With a weary smile, I remind
myself to act surprised.
“See you later.”
I weave my way past the jubilant partygoers into my uncle’s
house. When Fay spots me approaching, her lips curl in an
irrepressible smile. I come up beside her. The fellow gives me a
dumb look.
“You got a problem, pal?” he asks. “I was talking with the lady.”
“You were trying. Here’s a hint for next time: her