Family Bonds

Chapter 11, Episode 2

Jane walked with Marty toward the cars.

"I know what you said, but it's obvious you're tied in knots and he did ask you out on Sunday. Again. Even sent flowers. Red roses. Only guys who are serious do that. How many times has he come to Alice's?"

"I don't know, four or five. Not the best place to meet. Except for one time when Frank made me, I asked someone else to take his table. I can't let Frank see me talking to him." Or answering his messages.

"What about the Bean Blossom? You said yourself you two always sit in the same seat. Haven't you seen him there, too?"

She nodded. "I just don't think we should go out, not after what his father said. ]What if he sees us, or someone he knows does? I won't come between Chet and his family. I'd feel so guilty. Family is family, even when it's not so good." She slowed as they passed the library. "Oh. Gosh. Isn't that him up ahead?"

"Good eyes, Sherlock. Who's he's talking to? If we catch up, you could talk to him. And, if we don't—he's walking so fast—we'll go to my place like we planned. I really need you to listen to my speech and tell me how to fix it so I can pass that class."

Jane and Marty followed at a distance too far for them to hear what the girl, matching Chet stride for stride, was saying. When he stopped next to his car, the girl suddenly turned and pressed her body against his.

"Oh, wow! See that? She just laid a big kiss on him," Marty whispered. "Yikes! She's feeling him up. Good grief! Takes what she wants, doesn't she?"

After a quick peek, Jane refused to look, feeling what had to be jealousy as the heat in her cheeks coursed throughout her body. How dare that girl touch Chet like that. I've never done that, not yet anyway. "Can't look, Marty. Tell me what she's doing."

"See for yourself. If she went any deeper, her tongue would be tickling his tonsils. Oh, man! She's practically undressing him—in front of God and everyone!"

Jane shook her head. "Don't say anymore. Don't want to know." She opened her car door. "Are you getting in? Marty!" Jane leaned her head against the steering wheel, so she wouldn't be tempted to see what was going on only three car lengths ahead. If that's the way he was going to be, it must be over between them. Chet was seeing someone. He'd moved on, because she'd refused to go out with him. She needed to move on, too. She looked up as Marty climbed in.

"Dry those tears, girl. I don't think Chet is into her like she's into him."

"Why not?"

"Looks like he just told her off. He shoved her away and left her standing there. She doesn't look all that happy."

"Maybe a lover's quarrel."

Marty snorted. "Jane, talk to him. Ask him straight up about her. Instead of guessing."

"I'll think about it." But she didn't want to think about it. She needed to stop thinking about Chet and forever. If only she could.

~ ~ ~

Much as she tried to forget, Jane's brain kept circling those images of Chet and Miss Tongue-Down-His-Throat as she half-heartedly listened to Marty's speech and offered suggestions her friend didn't like.

Jane drove home. Bert's note said he wouldn't be home for dinner. She debated calling Chet, tried his cell when she thought he might be at his apartment, but when he didn't answer, she went back to studying. After an hour of frustration, unable to concentrate as she replayed the scene in the parking lot, she gave up and went into the bathroom for a quick shower.