58--CONTEMPORARY TV FICTION

"Don't you know? He's still in Europe. In fact, Mom flew out two days ago to be with him."

"Is he okay? I mean, is there something wrong? His contract's up, right? He's supposed to be home by now?"

"He's fine. Really! It's just some unfinished business.. .that's all."

Rachel's poorly disguised evasiveness left me disappointed and bewildered. Although she swore Wayne would be home that summer, this "unfinished business" worried me sick.

Back at school, I resumed writing. Yet, not only didn't Wayne write back, but all my letters were returned, “ADDRESSEE UNKNOWN"!

I thought of dozens of scenarios to explain his apparent disappearance. A remote modeling shoot, a whirlwind tour of Europe or maybe, I prayed, his Mom was helping him get back into shape!

Football practice delayed my return for the summer by a week. But when I finally arrived, Wayne still wasn't home.

A Wettington booster got me a great summer job at an exclusive health club. When I wasn't handing out locker room towels, I got to lift weights all day!

During my second week at work, I ran into Rachel at the club. A bit surprised, I asked, "How long have you belonged?" "I don't. It's actually Wayne's membership. The agency wants all its models to stay fit and firm."

"He signed up for another year? The money's THAT good!"

"Not exactly," she warily replied. But then obtusely added, "Stop by later tonight. There are some things even I can't explain!"

At five o'clock, I got off work. Not bothering to stop at home, I made a made rush for the Carr's house.

"RON!" Mrs. Carr cheered, welcoming me in. "A real live football hero. You've made us all proud!"

33

"Thanks, Ma'am. But I'm here to see..." "INDEED! Make yourself at home, dear. We'll be right

back!"

The secrecy drove me crazy, but what choice did I have? Biding my time, I sat in the den and impatiently waited.

"Mon ami?" a soft, airy voice whispered. "Comment se va?"

BOSOM BUDDY -59 "Wayne!" I gulped, eying the svelte, feminine figure in a belted shirt dress and spectator pumps. "Is it REALLY you?"

"Oui, mon cheri!" he warmly smiled. Then, before I knew it, he leaped, springing his weightless body into my burly arms.

"Oh, Ron, I've missed you SO!" he purred in a soft French accent. Hugging me tightly, he cooed, "Miss me, too?

"Yeah. Yeah, I really did," I gulped. I knew he'd changed, but even his letters

never prepared me for THIS kind of reception!

I tried wiggling away, but Wayne grasped tighter, passionately digging his long, red fingernail into my back. But the real shocker was when he reached up and KISSED me square on the lips!

"What the HECK!" Anxiously, I rubbed the smeared red lipstick from my face.

"I'm sorry, I got carried away," he giggled, “I've been treated like a girl for so long, I forgot..

He scurried away like a scared rabbit. "I just missed you," I heard him sob.

Yet, before I could say another word, Wayne was gone. Flying up the stairs, he slammed the door to his room.

"What's happened?" Mrs. Carr urgently asked, hurrying into the den. "I heard Wendy crying. Is she alright?"

I just shook my head in confusion. "HIS name is WAYNE! He's a HE...NOŤ a SHE!”

"My poor, dear boy," she sighed, shaking her head. Taking my hand she sat down beside me. "How WRONG you are!" "NO?" I gasped in disbelief. "Not THAT!"

"Afraid so, Ron," Mrs. Carr kindly smiled. "After his contract ended in April, we met in Paris, then went to a clinic in Copenhagen and.”. .”

"Spare me the details, PLEASE! I still can't get over it. Wayne's now Wendy...He's really a SHE!"