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Show All the Variables & Other Love Stories 51 and they were on their way back when Beau presented himself and grabbed Melissa by the wrist. "What's to Jay Meeks," he wanted to know. "I find him quite interesting," Melissa said, "and you're not very interesting, are you, Beau?" "I suspect not, if by interesting you say 'weird'V "That's exactly what I say. Good day, sir." Beau's heart broke for want of love and he nearly bawled, "But, why him?" "Hove him!" Melissa sang out, "Hove him, and he loves me!" Jay Meeks, who until now had been standing aside, his arms full of grocery bags, said, "No." Melissa looked back at him. Her face deepened in shadow and she said, calmly, to Beau Walker: "Because he shows me what I need to see. He sees me, and it burns me straight through." Beau found himself relieved of his duties that day and ever after. Melissa went to noon breakfast with Jay Meeks every day and even permitted him to smoke at the table. His braises were all gone, as well as the dry blood on his face. He assumed a healthy luster after that and was even quite handsome. Jay accompanied her on Sunday afternoon walks in the park, and to the market where she did her shopping. Sheriff Walker commented to her concerning her choice in company and reminded her of his oath to her father. But she only said, "Sheriff Walker, you are such a gentleman. My father would be pleased at the faith you keep, but never you mind about my visitor." She continued to invite Jay upstairs. Sometimes he even stayed all through the night. When he did, the glow that came from the window was so intense as to turn the |