A Soldier of No Importance [ Band of Brothers ] 1

TWENTY

Alice couldn't help but laugh when Guarnere stood alone in his dress uniform, waiting for her after she changed into her red dress. Of all the men in Easy, Bill Guarnere was the boldest flirt of them all, and she found it downright hilarious. He stood smoking at the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Alice. She smirked, pulling her coat over her dress. 

"I've got three sisters, I'm used to it." 

Alice chuckled. She pulled out a cigarette. "How'd you get to be the lucky one to walk with me?" 

As they walked out the door, Bill gave her a light. She thanked him. The cold air hit her in the face and she grimaced. The moon had come out already. Wind whipped around them.

"Lucky? I pulled the short straw." He folded his arms across his chest, hiding his gloved hands. "I could be drinkin' beer by the gallon in a warm bar right now if it wasn't for you, sweetheart."

"Hm, that so?" 

"Yeah."

"Right because I thought you were hoping to beat George to the first dance." She couldn't stop herself from smiling, still walking straight ahead across Fort Benning. The usual spot for weekend drinking sessions was on the far end of the base. 

"Maybe I just felt bad about leaving you alone for over a week when Joe and me go to Philly." He took a breath of his cigarette. The smoke he exhaled mingled with his breath. "You know, since you're stuck here."

Alice looked at him with a smirk. "Oh, I'm not staying here."

"What?"

"Winters, Nixon, Speirs and I are going to New York City."

"You fucking kidding me? You're going without me?" 

With a laugh, she pushed him with her shoulder. "Don't be sad. I promise if we ever get to Paris, you boys get the first tour."

"I'm holding you to that. Gotta show us all the places the French broads frequent."

They reached the door to the club on base. Alice had never been. They'd only spent about two weeks on base, but she'd heard good things from a few of the men. The door was made of nice dark wood. Bill Guarnere opened it for her with a wink. 

The club looked huge. There were dozens of tables and a large bar. Three dart boards lined one of the walls. George Luz and Joe Toye appeared to be playing each other. Across from them, Skip Muck and Don Malarkey laughed with each other behind beers. Alex Penkala had left the previous night to be home for Christmas. Still, they didn't seem to miss a beat without their third friend. Joe Liebgott stood with the men playing darts, heckling them. She noticed Lipton, Grant, and Talbert at a table, chatting, leaning back and enjoying themselves. Gene Roe sat alone, smoking. He was writing a letter. But all she had eyes for was the corner to her right.

"A piano!" 

She all but squealed when she caught sight of the black and white keys, the brown wooden body glistening in the low light of the club. Involuntary tears filled her eyes. As she moved over to it, forgetting Bill Guarnere at her side, her heart raced. It's been nearly a year since she'd been able to sit and play. For a few moments, she totally forgot about the men around her. They turned. But now, all Alice had eyes for was the piano in the corner. 

She hesitated, hands mere centimeters from the keys. They shined in the light, recently polished perhaps. Alice smiled. She closed her eyes. Her fingertips rested on the keys gently, not playing them. 

"Hey! Alice!"

The spell broke as Skip called over to her. With a tiny sigh, she turned around. He had a glass of wine in hand. She took it gratefully.