Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/78

 Carol came and stood by the kitchen door, carrying her purse. Jane grinned at her, then back at Le Claire. "Always my luck," she said. "Just about the time I get going the wife always enters. Why didn't you stay out for a few minutes more, Carol?"

Carol grinned at her best friend. "Seems like I came in just in the nick of time. I wish you'd stop trying to steal my husband, Jane Cervenka … especially right in my own house."

"He is kinda cute, don't you think so?"

"Now look, he's got enough bad ideas without you giving him any more. If he gets any more like he had tonight, you can have him."

"Fight over me gals … come on … fight."

"You're too willing and I wouldn't have a chance with this young female." They all laughed and then Jane asked, "By the way, where's my real honey?"

"He's gone," Carol sighed. "I think I'm losing him too. You try to steal my husband and Gay's getting so grown-up."

"Where'd he go?"

"He went to Egan."

"By himself?"

"No, he and Robert Blake. I don't know if they went alone or not. I wanted to ask if they had dates but didn't."

"He's that football player, isn't he?"

"You know him," broke in Le Claire. "Fred Blake's son. You know Fred."

Jane nodded that she did. She had heard he was quite a ladies' man.

"He's such a nice-looking boy," put in Carol.

"Not as good-looking as Gay. That boy's really handsome." Jane turned to Le Claire. "Looks like you, Clay." She noticed Carol's forlorn look. "All right. He looks like you too."

"You'd better say that." Carol grinned. Then, with serious pride, she added, "He is handsome, isn't he, Jane?"

"He's sweet too. In fact, I'm afraid too much so for his own good."

"Why?"

"Oh … you know how these young girls are today. I just hope he doesn't get messed up in this love business. He's so serious." 68