Red Hot by Cheryl Alldis, Leonie Alldis Page A

this little number!’ She was talking aloud, not realizing her mother was standing in the doorway watching her.
    ‘Eileen, you look absolutely beautiful!’ Dawn admired her. ‘That dress grandma made is lovely on you; that shade of green is perfect with your colour.’
    Eileen did look beautiful, tall and slim with her blonde hair curling softly to her shoulders. She turned to look at her mother.
    ‘You really think so, Mum?’ Being the tomboy she was, Eileen was more comfortable in jeans and shirts. ‘Is my makeup ok?’
    ‘You look really gorgeous. Now come along, we don’t want to be late and I want to make sure all the decorations are right before the hall fills up.’
    Jeff and Dawn did the decorations in the hall every year. They always put a lot of effort into it and did a remarkable job.
    ‘I’m a bit worried about old Harry, Mum. He refuses to leave his place up there and with this firebug running ‘round the place…’
    Dawn cut Eileen off mid-sentence. ‘Don’t worry, dear, Mr Johnson will be keeping an eye on things here for us and I’m sure he will look in on Harry too. Now come on, we really must go. Jeff is already in the car waiting for us.’
    Down the road in the Mason household, everyone was dressed and ready for the big night.
    Laura had come over and got ready with the girls. Her grandparents weren’t going to the dance this year. Wally had offered to keep the watch at Kia-Ora. Ted and Hazel were staying home and the blokes didn’t want Ted to be alone. He wasn’t a young man and Wally kindly offered to help.
    ‘Well, I must say you girls look pretty as a picture,’ Karl told them as they entered the lounge room.
    ‘They certainly do,’ agreed Digger. ‘And Win! Look at you, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes!’ She was wearing a lovely powder blue organza dress that brushed her calves when she moved. She looked lovely.
    Digger made a sweeping bow, grabbed Win around the waist and spun her around the lounge room. Giggling, she laughed into his face. ‘Fred Astaire, eat your heart out!’ She kissed him lovingly on the cheek.
    Karl scrubbed up well himself; he looked very dapper in his navy blue pinstripe suit and white shirt.
    Next to join the festive group was Emmie, Ellie and Francis. Emmie looked elegant in a navy blue and white floral dress. She wore a string of pearls around her throat, with matching earrings and a brooch pinned on her shoulder.
    Ellie was in an ankle-length pale green chiffon dress. She’d caught her shoulder-length hair back with a marquisate clip, a simple style that enhanced the shape of her lovely face.
    Francis was wearing the latest fashion in menswear: black polyester and cotton sports trousers with a red shirt and black tie. He had added the latest in pointed-toe shoes.
    Young Francis was a very snappy dresser!
    ‘Everyone ready?’ he asked them.
    ‘Yes, dear,’ Emmie answered. ‘Dave’s all tucked up in bed with a good book.’
    Dave had declined going to the dance this year. He wasn’t feeling well enough. However, when Emmie had said she would stay home with him, he wouldn’t hear of it. He had stubbornly insisted she go with the rest of the family.
    ‘Well, your limousines await!’ Francis said and led them out to the cars.
    Karl and Digger lingered behind. ‘I’m not all that at ease about goin’ tonight, Dig.’
    ‘Yeah, me either mate, but we can’t let the women down. Wally’s a good bloke; he’ll keep an eye on things.’
    ‘Hey Dad… Uncle Karl… c’mon…’ the girls called. They were anxious to get to the dance and meet the friends who would be waiting for them.
    Kathy was anxious to see Eddie!
    ***
    Inside the hall, Eddie was leaning against the bar. He too was watching for one particular person. He’d made an effort to look snappy himself and ignored the looks cast his way by some of the locals.
    Jeff and Dawn came in with Eileen. She spotted Eddie immediately. She was attracted to him, even though she tried to