Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/170

 "No … oh no, Bob," he almost screamed; shaken; afraid a second would be too late. Afraid the other would vanish in the mist before his eyes. "I wasn't out with Glenn … please believe me …" He didn't like Blake's air of inner calmness and strength. "Don't be mad at me … I'll die if you are."

"I'm not mad … Should I be?" Blake reached out and drew the other closer. "Come here … see … now do you think I'm mad?"

"No, Bob."

"Your car wasn't here when I drove up so I just thought I'd wait for a few minutes. Kinda felt you'd be right back. Been gone long?" He raised his head and looked into the red pools.

"The few minutes you've waited too long. I wish I'd been here when you drove up …" he sobbed.

Blake tightened his arm. "I don't like to see you cry, stinker," he announced sorrowfully. "Don't smear that pretty face with tears any more. Why, your eyes are all bloodshot now. Don't get them any redder." Blake kissed the tear-soaked cheek.

"Oh, Bob … is it wrong for me to love you?"

"I don't think so," Blake grinned. "You'd better like me or I'll," he tightened his arm, "break every rib in this torso of yours."

Gaylord was not thinking of his ribs or caring what happened to them at that moment. They moved toward each other at the same time. Blake's big hands came to meet him and were the first things that touched him. He could feel them pressing hard and big around him as Blake took him in his arms.

It was as if they were obeying unspoken orders. Their mouths met again and when they parted Gaylord began to tremble. He clung to the other as though for support. They embraced again and his trembling increased. He seemed unable to control it. He might have been afraid.

"You don't have to go in, do you Gay?"

"No," Gaylord whispered. "I don't … I want to be with you … just you …"

"You do?"

"You know I do."

"Want to take a little ride?" 160