Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/36

 everyone will hear him … why won't he leave …" He couldn't see the man, he only heard people around him talking.

"God damn, Max … I didn't know ya went for boys too, you dirty bastard." There was a certain excitement in this voice. It continued, "Leave that quail alone 'fore someone hears ya." Then, with a chuckle and a nudge, the voice continued, "I've got a real skirt for ya … says she's ready for anything you've got. Ain't that what ya said, Babe?"

"That's what I said, Sid. He's just my type … rough and ready," a woman cried out. "I'll take that drink, Daddy." She helped Max to his feet. "And anything else ya got … what else ya got, huh?" She giggled at Gaylord and he noticed the outline of a frizzy head, light in color. "He's drunk, honey," she said to Gaylord, "but he's harmless. Ya not scared, are ya?" Gaylord shook his head. "No need to be … he's just drunk. I'll take care of him."

She shouldered Max up and ran a hand through his tangled hair. After several unsuccessful attempts, she pressed her lips on his and felt his groin. "Nice … honey …" She grinned at Max, "Really nice."

"It's all your'n," Max yelled with mirth. He kissed her. "Let's get outa here." He started to walk, looked back at Gaylord and with a drunken stare, grinned and mumbled, "I'll be back for you later … don't leave … you beyootiful doll."

The woman tightened her grip. "Not when I get through with you, baby," she challenged. "When I get through with you … you're going to be pooped … Beautiful doll, huh."

The three left and Gaylord's stare followed them … Max, swinging his arms around the woman, gallantly trying to escort her through the crowd. "Let a lady pass … damn it," he heard Max shout to a couple. Whereupon he stuck his hand out and pushed them aside. The woman trotted along beside him in her high-heeled shoes and cast a spell over him with her loud fluttering voice. She can sure have him, Gaylord thought … what a mess they are … it's funny …

It was funny. It was a comedy but he had been the error. They would have laughed at him in the same hidden smiles if they had known. It was as if he was made to be laughed at. It was the thought of a puzzled and tormented boy, driven into a kind of fatal acceptance. 26