The dance floor teemed with sweaty bodies—men in uniform, men in civilian clothes, and women of every shape and size. Some of the women, who far outnumbered the men, danced with each other.

Mary shouted to be heard over the music blaring from the jukebox. “Are these dances always this crowded?”

“No,” Rosalie answered. “They’re usually far more crowded than this.”

Mary’s mouth formed an “O.”

“C’mon. I love this song. Dance with me!” Betty grabbed Rosalie’s hand and the two of them disappeared in the crowd.

A handsome MP materialized out of the throng. “Wanna dance?”

Before Mary knew it, they were swallowed up and surrounded by gyrating hips and swinging elbows.

“What’s your name?”

“Mary. What’s yours?”

“Bill.”

“Nice to meet you, Bill.”

He took her hand and swung her around. The room spun. “I don’t have much experience at dancing,” she shouted.

“That’s okay. Just relax and go with the momentum.”

Mary tried to do as he said, but she was having trouble keeping up. He turned her in one direction, then looped her around the other way. By the time the song ended, she wondered if her shoulder was still in its socket.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Wait. We’re not done yet,” he answered, as another song played.

“Oh, I think I am.” She withdrew her hand and retreated to the sidelines.

“He’s a good-looking guy,” Betty said. She and Rosalie joined Mary in line for a Coca-Cola.

“I guess.”

“Hey.” Rosalie jabbed Betty in the arm. “I can’t believe it. Look what the cat dragged in.” She pointed toward the door.

“You’re kidding me. I never thought she’d show.”

Mary followed their sightline. She stood on her tiptoes to see over the crowd. Her breath caught as she glimpsed Nora standing just inside the entrance to the hall. It never occurred to her that Nora might be here; the girls said she’d turned them down.

Rosalie waved wildly.

Nora nodded in recognition and arrived a few moments later.

“Hi,” she said.

Betty pinched her on the arm.

“Ow. What was that for?”

“I needed to be sure it wasn’t a mirage. You’re actually here.”

“Very funny.” Nora glanced around nervously, and Mary thought she might bolt.

“Hello,” she said, and Nora turned in her direction. She smiled, revealing straight, white teeth, and Mary blinked. Stunning. She wore her hair swept up off her face, accentuating her high cheekbones. The blue of her dress matched the exact shade of her eyes.

“Hi. I see you’re awake this time.”

“Day shift this week.”

“Since you’re here, you must dance.” Rosalie nudged Nora toward the dance floor.

“But, I have no idea how to dance.”

“I’ll teach you.”

Whatever Nora answered, it was lost in the beat of the music.

“Let’s go,” Betty said, pulling Mary along with her.