“No,” said Carol. “It was pinned different.”
Martin smiled.
“Are you sure,” he asked, “that it wasn’t Drew about whom you were concerned?”
“Oh!” said Carol, flushing, “I never felt that way about Drew. I just love to talk with him and be a pal; but I never felt about him—like this—” His lips trembled a little. “Maybe I was a little flirty—he’s been so sweet to me; but then I’ve been that way before, and I’ve never been in love. It was all puppy stuff before.”
Martin slumped down in his chair.
“I’ve changed quite a bit in my opinions about things too, Carol,” he said. “But it hasn’t boiled over and I don’t believe it ever will. You know, Carol, that I love Deane.”
The boy leaned forward eagerly.
“Oh, I know lots of boys that like girls,” he replied, nodding his head wisely. “But they like boys, too.” With a timid gesture he reached out and touched Martin’s hand. The back of Martin’s scalp tingled and he felt like shivering; but he did not move.
“It’s no go, Carol,” he said, with finality. “It damned well gives me the creeps.”