Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/89

 "I think you're grown, Gay," Blake added tenderly, his hand resting on Gaylord's arm. "You know I don't think you're a kid. I wouldn't have asked you to come along tonight if I had thought that."

"You'd better not," Gaylord said, giving Blake's leg a slight kick.

"Ouch," Blake yelled as if he had been struck by a hammer.

"Oh, Bob … I'm sorry." Gaylord did not hesitate. He bent down quickly and held the leg. "I didn't mean to kick so hard. Does it hurt?"

"Is it bloody?" Blake asked seriously. "Don't take your hand off … rub it … that's better … you'd make a good nurse."

I'd love to nurse you, Gaylord thought. No, I wouldn't either. I don't ever want to see you hurt again. You're too wonderful … too sweet to suffer … don't ever get hurt … I love that grin of yours … you handsome devil … I know I didn't hurt you … but I'm glad I kicked you. Oh, Bob, I wish you'd kiss me. You look so beautiful. He wanted to say all this but instead, he said, "I'd love to nurse you, Bob, but I hope you never need a nurse."

"You would?"

"I wouldn't be much of a friend if I wouldn't."

"And we are friends, aren't we, Gay?"

"Yes, we are. I hope we'll always be friends."

"I think we will … I think we'll be real good friends from now on."

They came to a side road that ran off the highway among huge oak trees. Looking down it, Gaylord could see the large round moon trying to find its way between their leafy branches. There were unseen living things along that path too. Cattle, horses, to say nothing of numerous sly things, their fangs ready for the kill, who ran wildly at the approach of man.

There had never been such a night. The deep blue color above was carelessly splattered with splotches of glistening diamonds, and the air was never so gentle across his cheeks, caressing and passing by softly without a sound, to be lost in the vastness of space around them. The low melodious hum of the motor was like the purr of a kitten. Contented and glad it was with them … tonight when everything was so enchanting, so full of mystery and yet so very simple. The world was wonderful. How marvelous, even with all the far-fetched 79