Heat flooded his face. “Is that what she told you? She’s lying,” he said defensively. “I didn’t kiss her. She kissed me. But it was just the one time, promise.”
“Relax.” Ellie lowered herself into the swing. “I believe you. Besides, I didn’t even know you then, so what difference does it make?”
“I guess you’re right.” He breathed a sigh of relief. “Wait. She’s not jealous, is she… of us?”
“If she is, she hasn’t said anything to me. Not that she would. I mean, we’re not best friends or anything. And besides, I never told her we were together. Did you?”
Jack shook his head. “But she’s not blind either. I imagine she’s put two and two together by now.”
“Even so, a girl like Sara wouldn’t say anything to anyone, especially not me. She’d just sit and stew over it. I don’t understand folks like that, letting things eat away at them. I prefer to get it out in the open, attack it head on.”
“I know what you mean,” said Jack. “I’m the same way. Mama always says never to let things fester.”
“Your mama sounds like a smart woman.”
“She is. You’d like her.” Jack paused as he tossed around an idea in his head. “Speaking of that, if I were to invite you to supper at my house, with me and Mama, would you come?”
Ellie beamed. “Of course I would, and I’d love to meet your mama.”
Relief brought a smile to his face. “I was hoping you’d say that. How about this Friday?”
“Friday is good,” she said.
“Great. I’ll come by and get you around six.”
* * *
Friday, after work, Jack escorted Ellie to his place for supper.
“I like your dress,” he said as they walked up the drive.
“Thank you. My father bought it for me when I got home from school. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to wear it. I hope it’s not too much.”
“No, you look beautiful.”
When they reached the porch, Jack jumped ahead and opened the door for her. “I’m back,” he shouted.
Helen appeared then and greeted Ellie. “Well my, my, my. You must be Ellie, the one my JB keeps goin’ on about.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Ellie politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bennett.”
“Please call me Helen.” She pulled Ellie into a hug and then stepped back to admire her. “You’re right,” she said to Jack. “She’s as pretty as a picture.”
Jack flushed with embarrassment.
“Supper will be ready shortly,” Helen said on her way back to the kitchen. “Why don’t you show her into the living room, JB, and I’ll call you when it’s ready.”
Jack did what he was told and offered Ellie a seat.
“I don’t know why,” Ellie whispered, pressing the wrinkles out of her dress, “but I’m nervous tonight.”
Jack held her hand. “Don’t be. It’s just supper. Besides, I can tell she likes you.”
“Maybe I should see if I can help her.” Ellie stood and went into the kitchen. “I could help, Helen,” Jack heard her say.
“You know your way around the kitchen?”
“Yes, ma’am. My mother says I’m an expert with a knife. I can peel, cut, chop, and mince.”
