Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/121

 attractive drive-in. They parked alongside another car. In it four boys were busy devouring large dishes of ice cream covered with different kinds of fruits and nuts.

"Hello, Gaylord," one of the boys cried in a long drawn-out voice.

Stud! Gaylord knew the voice and turned pale. "Hi," he answered.

God, don't let them say anything, he prayed. Please don't let them say anything. He slipped deeper in the seat, and in his eyes was fear.

Rogers noticed the look and asked, "What's wrong, Gay? You all right?"

"I just got an awful pain in my head," he answered, rubbing his eyes. "This sun is right in my eyes. Maybe we can get out of this glare if I pull up to the other side."

Gaylord couldn't meet the eyes. He started the car without delay. He must get away from this boy who had called out to him. This boy who had tried to drag him into God knows what … he could almost feel his naked body against his again … and hear the names … he didn't want Rogers to hear those names … names he was certain the hateful-looking lips would soon utter.

He didn't care if Rogers did think he'd just gone haywire for a minute. At least he'd be away … away from those stained ugly lips.

A pretty girl with straight hair and business-like eyes came up to the car after he had stopped. "Hello, Gay," she said in a friendly way.

"Hello, Marie … how are you?"

"Fine …"

"Whataya want, Glenn?"

"I'll have a hamburger and a root beer."

"I'm sorry, Glenn … Marie this is Glenn Rogers."

"Hello, Glenn," she said, smiling.

"Nice to meet you," blushed Rogers.

"I just want a coke, Marie."

"Is that all you want? I thought you were hungry … you'd better eat a hamburger too."

"I just want a coke."

"You do feel bad, don't you? Want to go?" 111