Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/127

 They passed a couple strolling down the sidewalk; looking at them Gaylord returned their wave with a snappy bend of the wrist.

"Who are they?" Rogers asked, glancing back at them.

"Elsie Barnes and Julius Ballew."

"She's pretty, isn't she?"

"Kinda. They're in love." He turned toward Rogers, said, "Ever been in love, Glenn?"

"Hell no," he responded quickly. "Have you?"

Gaylord considered the question and a slow, warm feeling curled down through him to the tips of his toes. "I don't know," he finally said. "I think a whole lot of one person, but I don't know if it's love … I don't know if it could be … it's a problem." He looked at Rogers who in turn looked back at him as if he were studying an unusual problem.

"What's the matter, is she married?"

"Oh, now … you know better than that. They're not married."

"Well, you mustn't be then, 'cause when you're in love, so they tell me, you'll know it."

"I know it when I'm with … with them."

"With who?"

"Somebody you don't know."

"I didn't mean to be personal, Gay." Rogers smiled, a slow quiet smile.

"You're not, Glenn." He stopped short, feeling Rogers's hand resting on his thigh.

"You're worried about something, Gay … don't be … you shouldn't have a worry in the world."

"You're sweet, Glenn. I'm not worried about anything … just kinda tired and hot … I know one thing … I'm glad you live here. I'm glad I got to meet you so soon."

"So am I," perked up Rogers. "How about a drink? Let me buy this time … You paid for the lunch and everything … at least let me buy you a drink … let me do something …"

"That's a good idea … my throat feels parched and I think a coke would taste wonderful … we'll go to the Roxy."

At the Roxy, Gaylord sipped the coke, wondering what feeling had replaced his fear. Rogers drank his root beer, shaking it 117