A soft voice came from downstairs. Gaylord listened without moving, as if rooted to the spot. His mother was saying:
"Gay … Gaylord … Bob's here."
"I'll be right down."
He ran down the steps and crossed the deserted dining room. He saw Blake and for a second was embarrassed, tongue-tied and awkward. Also a little sorry he had used powder. Blake looked so brown and golden.
"Hi, Gay …" Blake said.
"Hi … sorry I wasn't down."
"Forget it … I've been trying to make a date with Mrs. Le Claire," Blake cried enthusiastically, "but she doesn't want to come along."
"I'm sure you two boys would just love for me to tag along with you, wouldn't you?" grinned Carol Le Claire. She turned her face from one to the other. "You know you shouldn't be going out on school nights, don't you? And Gaylord was out last night …"
Gaylord broke in quickly. "Now, Mother, you said I could go with Bob." Why did she say that about last night?
"I'm not saying you can't go dear … I just mean that both of you should be studying … won't be long before both of you will be graduating. You want to graduate, don't you?"
"We'll graduate, Mrs. Le Claire."
"I'm sure you will." She walked toward the door with them.
"Sure you don't want to come along?" said Blake.
"I'm sure, Robert … thanks … be careful boys. Don't drive too fast, and Gaylord, don't stay out too late."
"I won't, Mother."
"He's only a child, Robert, so get him home early."
"Oh, Mother," whispered Gaylord. His face was as scarlet as the roses on the coffee table.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Le Claire," Blake grinned. "I'll drive carefully and we'll be back early."
The two got into Blake's car and drove away.
When Carol Le Claire returned to the living room she was recalling yesterdays. I wish he was a baby again, she dreamed. It's been
