Jane Smiled

Jane Smiled

“How does this look? Are these shoes too flashy?” Jane asked.

“I don’t know,” her brother Ted said, looking up from his book. “Why would you even ask me?”

“I don’t know. You’re the only one here.”

“You’re nervous? You’re never nervous. What’s up?”

“Nothing’s up.”

“Hey, we’ve been related for seventeen years now, ever since you were born to be exact. I know you never worry about what you’re wearing, ever. Something is different, something’s up.”

“Nothing is up! I just wanted to look good.”

“For?”

“What does that mean?”

“For what? For who?” Why are you suddenly worried that you don’t look good? I have never heard you ever wonder if you looked OK before.”

“I just wanted to look good today.”

“Ah ha! And, would this have anything to do with a person?”

“What are you trying to prove?”

“Nothing much, I just seemed to notice a change in you ever since I mentioned Frank Cassidy was going to be at the park when you dropped me off.”

“Oh really? I don’t remember you even saying that.”

“Right. Oh by the way, you’ll need to help me carry over the boxes. I know you hate that, but I can’t just leave them in the parking lot, somebody might swipe them.”

“Oh, well, I guess I could help you today...”

“I thought you might be persuaded.”

Jane smiled.