Bobbie and Jeff ended up next to Angie and Deacon on the edge of the blanket. The girls immediately began to visit, and within seconds Deacon joined them. It didnt immediately register with any of them that Jeff was playing with a blade of grass, not looking or talking to anyone.

He perked up a bit when they ate, but the fact that Richard and Sylvia were right across from him was almost more than he could take. He told himself not to look at Sylvia, but he did, again and again. Each time her eyes challenged him in a way that should have made him angry but instead just made him want to be with her all the more. Jeff also found it very satisfying that Richard himself noticed how often Sylvia looked across the blanket.

After lunch they played a few games. The Kellers had more planned but nearly everyone said they wanted to sit and talk. Couples sat together at a distance or small groups visited and laughed in the sun.

Jeff and Bobbie ended up back by the picnic lunch, where Bobbie watched Jeff watching Sylvia. She was more confused than hurt. If Jeff had wanted to ask Sylvia, why didnt he? Bobbie didnt believe that he had asked and been turned down, not with the way she had been looking back all afternoon.

Would you rather we joined one of the other couples, Jeff? Bobbie asked solicitously. Everyone else was in sight and Bobbie so much wanted to enjoy the day. But if Jeff kept this up it was going to be miserable.

No, I like it here under the trees. Jeff had finally looked at Bobbie when she spoke to him, and for the first time he caught a very vulnerable look on her face. He told himself he was being unfair to her, so he turned his whole body to face her, also making it impossible to see Richard and Sylvia.

I like it under the trees too.

Is this a new dress? Jeff was hoping it was, since he had never paid any attention to what Bobbie was wearing before. He wouldnt have known if she had worn it once or a hundred times.

Yes. My mother made it for me.

Its nice.

Thanks. Do you want a carrot stick? The basket was lying near and Bobbie offered it to Jeff after taking a stick for herself.

No, thanks. Jeffs mind was wandering again. He wasnt looking at Sylvia but he wasnt talking to Bobbie either.

Im glad Troy isnt here.

Whys that? Jeff asked, thinking he really didnt care.

He always puts carrot sticks up his nose.

Well, kids will do that, Jeff answered noncommittally without even looking at Bobbie.

Of course it isnt any wonder. My mother does it all the time.