Winter in June Read Online Free Page A

ship, there is no smoking on deck at night, though you are welcome to smoke when there is no chance of anyone from an enemy ship being able to see the flame. Also, we do not permit books, papers, playing cards, or anything else on deck that could be inadvertently knocked overboard, leaving a trail of debris for the enemy to sight. Once we leave U.S. waters, we will be under strict blackout conditions.” My mouth went dry. I didn’t think we’d be in danger until we got to our destination. It never occurred to me that we were at risk the moment we left California and headed into the open sea. “You will each be assigned a Mae West that you are to keep with you at all times. Please do not use it as a seat cushion.”
    We looked at one another for an explanation as to why the navywas handing out buxom blondes. Reg clapped his hands, and a sailor appeared with a stack of five life preservers teetering from his arms.
    â€œMaybe my eyes are deceiving me, but those look like life jackets,” said Violet.
    â€œI forgot you don’t know the lingo. They are indeed life vests. We call them Mae Wests.” Reg demonstrated how to don the vest, and it became clear how they’d gotten their nickname. In profile, those of us who weren’t already blessed would look like we had the impressive bosom of W. C. Fields’s favorite leading lady.
    â€œIt is essential,” said Reg, “that you listen to all intercom announcements and respond immediately to any instructions to ensure your safety. In the event of an emergency, you are to convene here in this mess hall. Finally, prior to landing, each of you will be asked to complete a medical physical with the ship’s doctor.” Again he cleared his throat, and I realized that the entire time he’d been speaking, he’d been directing his attention to Gilda. This man, who’d probably fought an endless number of navy battles, turned into a nervous schoolboy in the presence of Hollywood royalty. He wet his finger with his tongue, then used his fingers to smooth his eyebrows. “Any questions?”
    â€œWhat time does the bar open?” Violet muttered under her breath.
    â€œAnd now, ladies, I will leave you in the capable hands of Molly Dubois.” He saluted us—or, rather, Gilda—and hurriedly left the room. Molly Dubois took his place and smiled in everyone’s direction.
    Her spiel was much shorter. Molly was simply there to advise us on the types of material we would be performing and how frequently those performances would be taking place once we reached our destination. We would be assigned a base camp and would travel throughout the islands to perform for as many soldiers as possible, including those who were currently in makeshift military hospitals. We wouldn’t be provided much in the way of costumes, props and set pieces, since the extensive traveling would make it difficult tocarry much with us. It would be a tough schedule, she warned, involving lots of travel by Jeep, boat, and plane, but she guaranteed that it would be an unforgettable experience for all of us.
    â€œI must remind you that from this moment forward, you are ambassadors of the USO. Everything you do—both positive and negative—reflects on the United Service Organizations. We are providing an essential service to our enlisted brothers and sisters, and I would hate for that to be jeopardized because the U.S. military was unhappy with the way one of our girls was behaving. I ask that you remember at all times whom you are representing and maintain a high standard of moral and ethical behavior.
    â€œMiss DeVane will be serving as your troupe’s leader, and, ultimately, your performances will be at her discretion. We have provided her with collections of songs and skits that other USO troupes have used to great success. This is a chance, however, for all of you to expand your talents by creating work that best shows off