46--MY SON, THE BRIDESMAID

brother! I can't stay in town... the word will be all over the place in no time!" wailed the excited young boy.

"Oh, don't panic son," comforted his mother. "how many of your friends read the Society pages?" This did have some soothing affect, as Robin realized that this was true. It was not likely that his friends would read that section of the paper. Still... all it would take was one. He wished that the picture hadn't appeared.

"You know, Mom, this will be great for business. It's like free advertising!" rationalized Trish. Soon she and her mother were discussing how lucky it was . . . that this exposure would really bring in business. Robin just sat there and brooded... first they say that nobody will read it, then they are all excited about how many people will see it!

It was later that afternoon that the phone rang and Trish picked it up. Robin could tell from the conversation that it was Andrew, the young man that had Trish's attention at the Ball last night. He was Steve's cousin, also a college student. After a few moments of conversation, Robin heard his sister say, "Hang on just a minute, I'll just double check with her...

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Putting down the phone, Trish came over to Robin and whispered so that it wouldn't be heard on the other end of the line, "Andrew and Steve want to double date with us tonight-they have to leave for college tomorrow morning and this will be their last chance to see us until summer.'

"Get serious, sis! I'm a boy, remember? I can't go on a date with a guy," Robin complained. Besides, Mrs. Sloan KNOWS!"

"She's obviously keeping the secret. Oh, come on... they just want to go to a movie. It's not as if you were going away for a romantic weekend with him or something. I'll be there to make sure that it's all just nice and friendly.. .please... do this for me." Trish pleaded, giving him that sorrowful look that she knew he couldn't resist.

"Trish . . . Trish," Robin sighed, "what's going to become of me-first we just played a little dress up as kids, then Mom gets me into dress designing, then dress modelling, then I'm on the Society Page as 'Miss Robin'

TV FICTION CLASSICS -47

Wilkes, now you want me to go on a date with a guy! Am I crazy."

"Oh, Robin . you're a dear!" his sister squealed as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She quickly ran back to the phone to give the waiting Andrew a confirmation.

"Wait!" Robin yelled, but it was too late.

Their mother was a little surprised to hear that her 'son' was going on a date, but not unpleasantly surprised. He did make a very beautiful 'daughter' and since he would be accompanied by his sister, things would be reasonably safe.

Trish was excited by the prospect of double dating with her 'sister'. She had always imagined what fun they could have had if they were both girls. She remembered seeing and old sitcom starring a girl who played both twin cousins. The usual bunch of identical twin gags was played

up.

It was decided by Trish that they should wear their identical leather pants outfits. Robin didn't argue, in fact, he was a little relieved that he would at least be wearing some form of pants. How that should make him feel relieved however, he wasn't sure.

Trish also supervised their planned hairstyles, nail color, and makeup. By the time the doorbell rang that evening, two gorgeous Wilkes daughters were ready. Their hair was done in neat French Braids down the nape of their necks. There it was tied with a big red bow, and the remaining hair underneath the bow just spilled onto their backs in a mass of curls.

Both Robin and his sister had similar, full make-up. Make-up that really accentuated their eyes and lips. Their nails were lacquered in the same shade of red as their lipstick. Robin felt particularly uncomfortable with the perfume that Trish had sprayed him with. He smelled heavenly... too heavenly.

What kind of message would that give to his date, Steve?! The look in the eyes of the young men obviously indicated that they were very favorably impressed and happy to be escorting two such beautiful girls that evening.