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Show 94. "Would you let me buy it in two payments?" JD asked the white haired Mrs. Baker who ran the shop. "I could make the second one in thirty days." "Oh, I think I might, JD," she smiled, "if it's for someone special. You're not quitting your job or leaving the country, are you?" "No, neither. I'm stuck here." "Then let me wrap it for you. Christmas paper?" He nodded, pushing back the considerations that nagged for his attention somewhere around the area of his better judgment. He'd work extra hours during vacation, he told himself. He could make it up. As he left the gift shop, he spotted a 25c lapel button that he bought for Sylvie. "Pinch me!" it screamed in hot orange letters. With his purchases safely stashed under the front seat of the VW, JD left the Holiday Inn parking lot and headed for Gayle's house. It was a clear night. The stars were spectacular. Maybe he could talk her into going for a ride. For once he didn't feel like television in the den with Mrs. Evans popping in at ridiculous intervals to offer chips and drinks. Sometimes it was Gayle's father, retrieving a book, or other times, they'd take turns. What a bore, JD had often thought, to have to keep popping in and out like that, trying to make it look casual. "They never get to relax when I'm over," he'd said to Gayle one night. "Let's go to a movie so they can have some time off." She hadn't thought it was too funny. Tonight, excited about the necklace and eager to see Gayle, he bounded up the stairs and attacked the doorbell with a vigor that surprised him. He hoped Gayle would answer. "Grab your coat," he said before she could propose anything else. "We're going for a ride." "This late? Where do you want to go?" He stopped her questions with a kiss. "Out. Anywhere. I need to blow out the car, take her for a run. It's a beautiful night!" "Okay," she shrugged, "I'll tell Mom." JD found himself whistling, for the first time in ages, and the thought crossed his mind that he might just give that Christmas present to her tonight. |