He went straight to the tobacco store. He was just in time. Lorene was getting her hat and jacket on to return home. Surprisingly, Ken was not waiting outside for her with the new car.
"I'll walk you home, Lorene," suggested Jack.
"All right," she agreed, smiling at him. "Ken was to pick me up, but he phoned and said he had to work late on inventory."
They left the store together.
"Have some chewing gum," suggested Jack, offering her a stick. It was much better than trying to slip liquid or a tablet in a milk shake.
"Not right now," she said. "It's too soon before supper."
"Oh, come on," he invited jovially. "You only live once. I'll have some, too."
No harm in that. It couldn't change his feelings much, anyhow.
She accepted a stick, and they chewed as they walked. Jack could guess her feelings from the intensification of his own. Suddenly Lorene was the most beautiful woman in the world—Cleopatra, Helen, the Queen of Sheba. He would have died for her gladly.
He took her hand in his and squeezed it. She leaned against his shoulder and turned starry eyes up to him. That walking kiss was the most ecstatic thing he had ever experienced.