Out of Time (Book 1)

Hot Date and Heartache

1940

July

She didn't know why, but Betty had made a bit of an extra effort to get ready for this date. A new rose-coloured dress looked great with her dark blonde hair, which hung in shining waves to her collarbones. Perhaps it was because her date, Robert, was a junior doctor and he'd only ever seen her in uniform before. Slipping on her heels, she grabbed her sweater from the bed and looked around for her purse, which was no-where to be seen. She started out of her room, calling out as she shut the door.

"Stevie, have you seen my...Bucky!" She stopped short. He'd been leaning against the kitchen counter but stood straight as she came into the room. "I didn't know you were coming over tonight." Betty offered him a little smile. 

 It took Bucky a second to gather himself before responding. It was so out of character for him that Steve glanced over at him in surprise.

"Oh, yeah, hey Doll. Lookin' good. Are you goin' out?" he almost stammered.  My Bucky?  God that sounded good, he thought, before shaking himself.

"Thanks! Yeah, I have a date." Betty blushed.

"Oh. Right." He seemed to look a little deflated. "I guess us two can't compete with that," he gestured to Steve and himself. 

Steve continued his scrutiny of Bucky. What had gotten into him?  Betty just smiled. 

"I'm looking for my small purse. Stevie, have you seen it?"

"It's under the coats near the door Bets."

"Thanks. What're you guys up to tonight? Will I see you at the dance hall later?" she asked.

"Beer and pizza for us tonight. This jerk is buyin'." Steve inclined his head towards Bucky.

"That actually sounds really good." She caught Bucky's eye and flushed a little again. "Shoot, I gotta go. Maybe you'll still be around when I get in? See ya later boys." She offered them a little wave as she headed to the front door, but Steve stopped her.

"Hold on Bets, is this guy not picking you up?"

"No, I'm meeting him at the movie theatre."

"No, that's not right Bets, a proper guy would pick you up from your door, bring you flowers, pass inspection. I don't know if I like this guy," he said with an air of suspicion.

"God bless you, Stevie. I offered to meet him there to save a trip. He's comin' from the other direction."

"Hmmmm, well I don't like it." Steve grumbled.

"You don't have to like it, brother dear." She smiled, patting his cheek. 

 Steve shrugged her off grumpily. Bucky stepped forward slightly. His hands were in his pockets and his head was dipped slightly. He looked a little awkward as he drew in a breath to speak.

"D'you, umm, would you like me to...walk with you to the movie theatre? You know, for company?" he almost mumbled, worlds away from his usual confident swagger. Steve looked at Bucky like he's lost his mind.

"That's sweet, but no thanks Buck. I'll be OK. Bye!" Betty waved at the two friends and left the apartment, smiling, wondering only slightly at the reason for Bucky's offer.

Steve rounded on his friend with an accusatory expression. "OK jerk. Pick your jaw up off the floor."

"I don't know what you're talkin' about," Bucky shrugged, his attempt at nonchalance failing miserably.

"Umm, erm, want me to walk you?" Steve mocked. "What was that about?"

"Can it, Steve." Bucky grumbled.