Page 14 of Pink Kryptonite, by Jeanster

CHAPTER 14: DINNER CONVERSATION

"Unlucky in love," said Little Jo to Johnny as they all enjoyed dinner. "Those are the words one could use to describe Haus and me."

"He's right, Johnny," said Haus. "That's pretty much what it's been like for us when it comes to women."

"You don't say," said Johnny as he passed the basket of warm dinner rolls to Haus.

"It's almost as if some higher power upstairs doesn't want us to get married and live happily ever after," said Little Jo.

"Like we're cursed," said Haus.

"Maybe you should look elsewhere for a romantic relationship instead of the traditional ways," said Johnny. "How do you usually look for a potential love interest?"

"Well, sometimes a stagecoach would arrive in town just as Haus and I are there, and some sweet-smelling pretty young filly would step out all doe-eyed and innocent."

"And?"

"That's when some crude boorish oaf usually gets fresh with her, so either Haus or I have to step in and rescue her. Things seem to take off from there with the lady taking an interest in one of us."

"But it never ends happily. She either dies or goes off into the sunset and we never see her again."

"Hmm. Maybe it's time you boys started thinking outside the box," smiled Johnny.

Haus and Little Jo exchanged puzzled looks.

"And as for dying or disappearing off into the sunset, well those are two things I don't plan on doing anytime soon," said Johnny.

Haus and Little Jo again exchanged puzzled looks.

Clark and Bill quietly ate their dinner as they listened to this conversation.

He's mine, thought Clark. I saw him first. I've HAD him first. How can I get Johnny away from those two brothers and back with me where he belongs?

Bill politely wiped his mouth with his dinner napkin. He got up, picked up his plate and silverware.

"Thank you for a delicious dinner, gentlemen," he said. "I'd better turn in if I'm to get up early to tackle those chores. But first I'll take these into the kitchen."

"You're welcome, Bill," said Haus. "See you in the morning. Sorry you couldn't meet Pa and our older brother tonight. They should be back from San Francisco in a few days."

Clark got up and followed Bill into the kitchen. Then they headed for the bunkhouse where they turned in for the night.

"Clark, when are you going to tell me why we're really here?" asked Bill as he settled into his bunk bed. "Does it have something to do with that Johnny fellow? I noticed you could hardly keep your eyes off of him all during dinner."

"I'd rather not talk about it. It's not something I feel comfortable discussing," said Clark as he removed his boots and got ready for bed.

"Okay. Whatever." Bill closed his eyes and quietly drifted off to sleep.

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