Mother demurred, while Alex took two. Lydia had hoped lunch would be a distraction, but so far the time with Alex had only served to muddle her nervous thoughts further. She couldn't speak without examining every word, lest anything incriminating slip out. A cinnamon scone fell to her plate."You act like you're eating for two, dear," her mother remarked.She had indeed taken a full lunch, but the words sent Lydia reeling. God, I never even considered it--what if I should become pregnant by Alex?"They're quite good," Alex remarked."Take another," Mother said. "You still have to deal with those dreadful Japs. I know the Army takes care of its troops and all, but you may not see a proper scone for some time.""Indeed," Alex agreed."And when will you be heading out, dear? How much leave have they given you?"Lydia thought the question seemed casual enough, nothing pointed to suggest that Alex's welcome had thinned. Still, it got her thinking. Had her parents been talking? Of course they had. She reached for her mimosa."I have to be out west in ten more days.
