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Show Pepp e rmint Monday a sophisticated hot-shot like Barton screaming. Even Russ had smiled at that, and Russ didn't smile a whole lot anymore. Jason and I hurried outside so Barton and ma wouldn't see us laughing. We layed on the soft, spring grass and laughed until we cried. I doubt if it was all that funny, but it sure released a lot of built-up tension. "Is he in college?" Renae wasn't giving up yet. She wasn't about to let me get away without more information. "Barton? He's still a sophomore in high school." If Renae had heard him scream, she wouldn't think he was a college boy. "Oh," she sounded slightly disappointed, but still interested. "How long will he be here?" "Nine more days." I was about to add the hours and minutes, but I restrained myself. It might make Renae more anxious to see Barton if she knew I didn't like him. In my opinion, they deserved each other, but I wasn't going to make it easier for Renae to like him. If I acted like I thought he was an all right cousin, she might not be quite as eager to meet him. Renae and Barton together might be more than I could stomach. "Well, bring him around. We'd like to meet him." "Sure." I should have asked her if she wanted to meet at the gas station or the store, but she was already giggling her way across the gym. I wondered if Renae knew Barton's dad had run for the United States Senate. I wonder if she knew his parents had more money than the Todds had. I didn't think Barton alone could get her attention. I knew his background could. Barton was in the front room when I got home from school. Jason had went to Mark's, so I had to face Barton alone. He was working on a cross- |