Summer and Chalcey fixed pork chops with scalloped potatoes, a crisp salad with homemade dressing, and fresh bread for supper for the ‘troops’ as Chalcey like to call the new additions to the Ranch. Chalcey was reveling in the attention from Fred and Joe, and making note of subtle changes in the people around her. “Summer, did you notice Oriole put on actual make-up today? She never does that. Do you think it’s because of Joe?”
Summer concealed the smile that crept onto her face before answering, “why do you think it’s because of Joe?”
“Well, I’ve watched how Joe looks at her and how she looks at him. It’s like you look at Doc Chris when he comes out to take care of the horses. “
”What? How I look at the vet? I don’t look at anyone like you’re talking about.”
“Summer, you know you do. At the Equifest, you talked to him for hours. He was drooling all over you. I don’t know why he didn’t ask you out or you didn’t ask him out. That’s what I’m talking about.”
“I think it’s time to set the table, Chalcey. Let’s get busy.”
Joe, Oriole, and Fred got together for supper at the Ranch. Over dinner they exchanged a light banter saving the meat of the investigation for later in the bunk house. By now they had turned the bunk house into a war room with poster boards and bulletins. Each of the officers took turns bringing the task force up to date on the latest discoveries.
“So, what’s going on this weekend?” Joe asked after discussing the case.
“Well, Marlowe and I are taking in a movie and dinner.” Fred sheepishly replied.
“Hey, that sounds fun. Can Oriole and I join you?”
“Whoa. Joe I think he means they are going on a DATE. It’d be like having chaperons. Ummm. That might be fun. I can remember being a teenager and having too many noses in my business. Maybe I can turn the tables on Marlowe.” Oriole was chuckling at the prospect.
“A date? Fred and Marlowe are going on a date?
“No, it’s not a date. We just going to the movies and dinner. It’s not a date.” Fred was stumbling all over himself to convince Joe and Oriole it was not a date.
“So where are you taking her for dinner? Maybe Oriole and I will go watch.”
“Quit with the razing or the date is off.”
“I knew it. I knew it. It is a date.” Joe continued to prod Fred.
“Ok. Joe enough already. I don’t want to see Marlowe lose out on the chance for a free meal ‘cause we had fun at Fred’s expense. Let’s let the old folks have their social time before the rocking chair requirement sets in.” Oriole wanted to tease Fred, but knew when to stop. “Anyway, maybe you, me, Summer and Chalcey can do something that will be even more fun.”
“Ok. I’ll let Fred off the hook. But I want a report tomorrow about the movie.” Turning to Oriole, Joe said, “Just what do you have in mind for the four of us?”
“Chalcey wanted to do Out of Africa. Have you been out there recently? They have really made improvements, new animals and environments. Last time we were there the giraffe’s took carrots out of Chalcey’s mouth. I had the video camera and it was great. We were talking about Mexican, but there’s the Haunted Hamburger up in Jerome. Then we could look at the museum maybe.” Oriole was updating Joe on possible plans as rapidly as she could without sounding anxious or overly interested.
“Let’s leave Fred to stew in his own juice and go talk to Summer and Chalcey to see what they want to do. I promise I’ll leave the DATE stuff alone.” Joe’s mouth curved in the tiniest of smiles.
As Joe and Oriole walked into the kitchen, they saw they had interrupted a discussion with Chalcey and Marlowe about the upcoming festivities Saturday night.
“No, Chalcey this isn’t a date date. It’s more like a get together.” Marlowe was adamant.
“Well, what’s the difference?”
“A date date is where people who are interested in a relationship are going out. A get together is where people who aren’t in a relationship get together for fun.” Marlowe continued to wipe the counters and put away dishes, while trying to make light of the questioning.
“Chalcey. How about you, Oriole, Summer and me doing a ‘get together’?”
Joe interposed giving Marlowe a much needed break.
“Like what?”
“Oriole said you liked Out of Africa. Maybe go there and then to a museum and dinner.” Joe reiterated what Oriole had suggested.
“Can we get dressed up, Oriole, can I wear some make up like you have on?”
“I don’t have make up on. And, yes we can get dressed up.” Oriole was smiling to herself about her 20 something 13 year old.
“Summer are you up for a “get together” tomorrow?” Joe inquired of the Bear Ranch matriarch.
“A chance to get dressed up, go look at animals and go out for dinner? Sweet Mary, Joseph and little baby Jesus, I guess so!”