18-TV FICTION CLASSICS

my company? Look, Denise, you could even invite your mom and dad to the game. We have great tickets!"

Pat blushed furiously with the idea that he again was attractive enough to be asked. He for sure didn't want Denise to go with Jack alone. She wouldn't, would she? Pat did appreciate the admiration and eagerness of Frank, but common sense will surly win out.

Still blushing Pat said, "I'm sorry I have to go home next Tuesday."

Mrs. Johnson broke in with a smile, "Look dear, I'll call your mother and see if you can stay an extra week. I'll even buy you some more dresses if you're short of clothes."

Dr. Johnson burst in, "I can't wait to see you play again Jack."

Denise said, "Come on, Patti. It'll be fun, say you'll come."

Pat felt his back against the wall, confused by his mixed emotions. On one hand, intrigued with the idea, on the other thinking it was crazy for him to go out with a boy. Were they all crazy? One thing for sure he didn't want Denise out with Jack alone. Pat left it at, "We'll see what my mother says.'

Dr. and Mrs. Johnson stood up and said they were going home early and that the guys could walk the girls home later. Jack ordered a bottle of champagne and insisted upon a toast to a renewed relationship with Denise.

Even though Pat complained of a terrible headache, Jack insisted that they finish the bottle. Pat soon realized that he was in no danger of being read and the champagne relaxed him so he had a congenial conversation with Frank. Frank did most of the talking, about football, etc.

The boys insisted on walking the girls home, even though it wasn't far. Denise whispered to Pat, "Just do what I do. Everything will be okay."

Denise and Jack walked in front of Pat and Frank. Pat tried to keep his steps small and girlish like Denise's. Jack slipped his arm around Denise's waist, then Pat felt Frank's arm slip around his narrow waist and pulled him close. Not wanting to make a scene, reluctantly he submitted. It made him feel funny to feel his hips wiggle against his companion.

PAT GOES COED 19

A new sensation welled in Pat, a sense of security...of being protected.

He was glad it was dark, so his deep blush would not be noticed. He hoped that Denise wouldn't turn around to see him in this position. But she did, then smiled at Pat and slipped her arm around Jack's waist. Denise had communicated that the natural feminine thing to do was to put his arm around Frank. Something told him that it was too soon for a lady to do that.

As they walked on Frank talked about his work in Dallas and the new home he was building. Pat tried to limit his replies to a short "Yes" or "That's interesting". Then when asked about Pat's social life, Pat replied, "I stay home a lot, my mother is sickly so I do most of the cooking, housekeeping and sewing. That's why I have to go home early."

"Well someday you will make someone a perfect housewife with all that training. You and your cousin should fly to visit Jack and me sometime. We'd have a wonderful time."With that Frank tightened his grip on Pat's waist.

How gruesome. Every time Pat said something it was turned around to make him feel more feminine. Silently they walked to Denise's house. As they turned onto the walk, Pat saw Jack and Denise in an ardent kissing embrace and suddenly froze. He wanted to slug Jack for holding his wife but suddenly realized that he would look awful funny defending his "male territory" dressed like this. He could always hit Jack with his purse. No, these were very powerful men. He'd just keep his mouth shut. Thinking of keeping his mouth shut, would the same thing happen to him?

Fortunately, Frank was shy and correct. Pat liked him for that. Frank simply took Pat's manicured hand and kissed him on the cheek. "I can't wait to see you next Saturday, Patti."

Pat just nodded, "I can't promise. Bye, Frank." Denise was coming up the porch steps fixing her makeup. Pat stopped her. "I need to talk to you, Denise." "Later, after my mom's in bed."

Mrs. Johnson had waited up and served some hot chocolate. Denise started laughing, "Mom, you should have seen