Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/80

 Guess that's Monita wanting to know what's keeping them, he thought. He picked up the phone, said, "Hello."

"May I speak to Gay, please."

The answer was so immediate, so young and virginal, he swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Gaylord isn't here, who's calling?"

"Mr. Le Claire?"

"Yes."

"This is Joy. Joy Clay, remember me?"

"Joy, why of course. How are you, Joy? Haven't seen you for a long time. Why haven't you been around? I've missed you."

"I've been awfully busy." The voice was soft and low.

"Yah, I guess a pretty girl like you is kept busy."

She laughed. Then said, "Thanks, Mr. Le Claire. And just for that I'll come by and see you real soon." "You do exactly that. How's your mother and that mean old daddy of yours?"

"They're fine, thanks."

"Give them my'regards and I'll tell Gay you called."

"Oh, no." Her tone changed. "Don't tell him I called."

"No?" He was puzzled.

"It wasn't important. Don't tell him, please don't."

"I won't say a word if you don't want me to, honey."

"Thanks Mr. Le Claire … bye."

"Good-bye, Joy, and don't forget you promised to come by real soon."

"I won't forget … bye again."

"Bye."

He hung up the receiver and lit a cigarette. His feeling of wonderment was gone now. Suddenly he knew that she was deeply concerned, that she wanted almost desperately their conversation to remain a secret. He could have told her Gaylord was with Robert. Evidently she had thought he had gone out with another girl. This being the case, he was glad he had remained silent. Keep them guessing, he grinned. He can tell her himself, if he wants to. Think she kinda likes that boy of mine. He glanced with a humorous expression at the evening paper without opening it, and mumbled, "She likes that boy of 70