Sunday, August 28, 1910
After worship, folks began to meander out of their pews and talk to their friends. Many people spoke with Amanda. The more she talked the more her confidence increased. When the crowd began to dissipate, Amanda spoke to Emily.
"Lynn told me about your agreement. That's very wise."
"I have my moments." Emily shrugged. "Lynn and Sarah are my best friends. I'd hate to see a boy come between us. We're not dating either Tommy or Pete at the moment but just the possibility of dating them was enough to foment harsh attitudes. If Sarah hadn't squirted us with ketchup at that baseball game, we would have hurt Jan and Audrey and, possibly, Jake and Henry Tyler for no reason at all. Not to mention that we'd probably be at each other's throats."
"Then I'm glad you've taken the high road."
"I really have. For the first time in my life I have the maturity to... ah!" Emily exclaimed.
"What's wrong?" asked Amanda.
Emily quickly moved out of the pew. She whispered in Sarah's ear. "I saw that."
Sarah replied, "Saw what?"
"You waved at Pete!"
"And...?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Sarah Conrad! I know what I saw. He gave you that certain smile meaning that the mating process has been initiated in his species."
"You're nuts!"
"But I'm not blind! Amanda could've seen that tawdry little display."
"Emily, I signed the contract. Neither I nor Lynn nor you will exclusively date Tommy or Pete. All three of us shall remain the best of pals. That was my promise."
"And there's nothing going on with you two?"
Sarah bit her lip. "Not at this moment."
Emily's eyes bulged. "At this moment we're standing in a church building so I wouldn't expect you to do any spooning!"
"Last year? Vacation Bible School? That boy from Casper? You smooched with him in the church building?"
"That was downstairs in the kitchen which doesn't count as the church building! Additionally, that was on a Thursday, not a Sunday when God's here!"
"Says who?"
"Hey!"
Amanda nearly shouted. That got Sarah and Emily's attention, they stopped talking.
Amanda was exasperated.
"Please pause from your nonsense for two minutes and help me out of this… holy place."
"Of course"
said Emily in a conciliatory tone.
"I am mature enough to see beyond my own needs; unlike my overly flirty chum here or the other dear acquaintance who wrote 'Lynn Grossman' on the attendance card."
Amanda cackled, "And to think I'm going to miss out on this dime store romance novel because I'll actually be studying in order to broaden my character."
Emily's face fell.
"You're right. I apologize."
Amanda turned around.
"Sarah? Mrs. Grossman? Are you ready to head out to lunch at Casey's?"
Lynn smirked.
"The feeling is mutual. Let's go eat."
Sarah shook her head and mumbled,
"This isn't going to be easy."
"Then you must be in love"
replied Amanda.
