Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/193

 He liked the way he told the history of buildings they passed. What they had been in the past and some, even the name of the ones who had built them. He made them sound romantic, so full of adventure. He was lucky he ran into Paul. Paul who knew and was part of this wonderful city. He did know all about New Orleans. Why shouldn't he … he was probably born here.

"I like New Orleans," Paul began. "Sometimes I get awfully lonely here and leave, but I always come back."

"I was beginning to get lonely too … that is before you came up … It's no fun to go around by yourself."

"No, it isn't. I was a bit lonely myself … New Orleans with all its gayety can be mighty lonesome."

"I guess you're right."

"You want to know something? Something, maybe I shouldn't tell you?"

"What?"

"Promise you won't be angry?"

"I won't be angry … what?"

"I've been following you."

"Following me."

"Ever since you left the hotel."

Gaylord grinned without any reason. "Why?" he asked innocently.

"I wanted to meet you … Didn't know just how to start a conversation … Then when you said something about a buddy … that gave me an opening."

"I'm glad it did," Gaylord grinned. "I'm awfully glad. This is one time I've got a wish … I wished I'd meet someone … and sure enough … here you are. Did I do something to attract your attention?"

Paul put his hand around Gaylord's waist and gave his hip a firm pat. "Just wanted you, Gay," he said. "It's such a beautiful night … Too beautiful to spend it alone. I guess you did do something to attract my attention. I can't say what it was, but it was something, Gaylord … I mean Gay."

A little thrill leaped through Gaylord. Leaped with the same raucous rhythm of the juke box playing "Twelfth Street Rag." The