Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/117

 different today. She hadn't been like this in a long time and he wondered why the difference.

He forgot about Joy and wondered what was keeping Rogers. If he didn't come pretty soon he'd …

"Boo!"

He stood, scared, feeling large hands on his ribs, and turning with a toss of his head was ready to defend himself.

It was Robert Blake.

"Oh," Gaylord sighed deeply. "Hello, Bob … you scared me for a minute." He was glad Joy had left.

"I'm sorry," Blake answered dramatically. "And just because of that, how about some lunch?" Gaylord frowned, and Blake added, "Not only because I scared you, Gay, but …" he spoke more softly, "I want to very much."

He couldn't stand it. Outside, he couldn't put it into words, but thoughts kept running around in his mind. How can I say no to him? After last night and what happened in the shower, how can I? Should I go on and leave Glenn? He should have been here by now. I wonder what's keeping him … I wonder how Bob feels about last night. He looks happy but he always looks like that … gosh, he's wonderful … I think I'll go … No … I'd better wait … maybe Bob would join us … should I ask him to?"

"I'd love to, Bob, but I told Glenn I'd have lunch with him."

"Glenn?" Blake questioned.

"Glenn Rogers. He's new here. Only been here a few days and he's in my home-room. He's awfully nice." Now why did I say that, he thought. He looked up at Blake. "Why don't you come with us? I'd like you to meet him."

"I want to have lunch with you. What the hell do I want to meet him for?" Blake grinned.

"That doesn't sound like you, Bob. You'd like him. You like everybody and everybody likes you."

"What are you trying to do, pull my leg? I just want you to like me, and you said you did last night." Blake ruffled his eyebrows. "Remember, last night you said I was your best friend?"

"You are, Bob, you know that," he flushed. "I'd love to but …"

Blake interrupted. "… but you've promised him." 107