“Where are we goin now, Lee?” Elly asked curiously.
Crane looked at his watch and saw that it was close to seventeen thirty hours. A special dinner in honour of the Clampett’s was planned for eighteen hundred hours at the Harbor Restaurant. Nelson had arranged for the spacious restaurant to be closed to the public for this special occasion and there was to be a live band for dancing after the meal was cleared away. “Well, Elly, it looks as if we’d better head over to the Harbor restaurant.”
“The Harbor Restaurant. YeeHaw, that means vittles,” Jethro yelled enthusiastically. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”
“Sorry, Jethro, no horse on this menu,” Crane said, a grin widening on his face.
“Ah, Lee, I was jus kiddin,” Jethro laughed.
“I know, Jethro, so was I,” Crane said.
“Huh,” Jethro exclaimed, thinking that Lee now meant they would be served horsemeat. “They wouldn’t.”
“Why do ya care, Jethro, ya’d eat whatever they put on yer plate, and anyone else’s plate fer that matter,” Elly told him.
“Only if I don’t know what it is,” he stated, eliciting laughter from Crane and everyone within earshot.
“That’s so true. I remember when we had that sponge and you ate the whole thing. Blew up like a balloon.” Granny laughed.
“It sure tasted better than anything Elly cooked,” Jethro stated.
“Five, four, three..” Elly started counting down, upset at the insult, even though she knew he was probably right.
“Sorry, Elly,” Jethro said, knowing that if Elly’s countdown reached one he’d be in for a whuppin. He loved when he could insult his cousin, but also knew when it was time to stop.
“Ya’d better be,” Elly told him.
Jethro sighed, relieved that he seemed to be out of trouble, “All right, Lee,” he said, “lets get to the vittles.”
“We can walk or take the car. The restaurant is just down the beach a ways, so it’s up to you,” Crane explained.
“It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t we all jus walk?” Jed asked.
Everyone agreed and the group started walking along the sidewalk that ran parallel to the beach. Suddenly, Granny pointed excitedly, “Land o’ Goshen, look over yonder, it’s one of them thar California Condors.”
Lee Crane looked in the direction she was pointing and was surprised to see a man in nothing but his birthday suit go streaking past them. He couldn’t hold back the laughter that bubbled up inside.
“Call him over Lee. Maybe we can give that goomer somethin ta buy some clothes with. Hurry, Lee he’s almost outta sight, and look the police are after the poor feller,” Granny said agitatedly.
“Granny, the police are going to help him. Can you please tell me why you called him a California condor?” Crane asked, trying to hold back his laughter.
“Cause that’s what he is. California Condor’s is what we call naked poor folk.” Granny explained. “Are ya sure the police is goin ta hep that poor fella?”
“Oh yeah. They’ll help the poor guy all right. They’ll give him a nice suit of clothes and a nice warm place to sleep.” Crane said, letting his laughter come through. “Let’s get going or we will be late.” The family walked on for another ten minutes, the conversation stemming from their first glimpse of a streaker that they thought was a person who couldn’t afford anything and therefore needed help from those who could. Crane had a hard time convincing them that the police would look after him. “Ah, here we are,” he said, pointing to a large, glass enclosed establishment. White, pink, red and yellow rose bushes in full bloom surrounded the front of the building. On the sides were flowerbeds filled with multi coloured pansies, marigolds and petunias. The scent of the flowers was intoxicating and Lee reached to take Elly’s arm as he led the way to the front doors of one of the finest restaurants in California.
“The flowers are lovely, Lee,” she said, her voice soft and mellow.
“Not near as lovely as you, Elly,” Crane said seriously, holding the door with one hand, the other he wrapped around her tiny waist. When the rest of the family had entered, he escorted Elly inside and up to the smiling Maitre D.
“Hello again, Captain Crane. It is a pleasure to see you again. Are these your honoured guests?”
“Thank-you Maurice. This is the Clampett family and yes they are the group being honoured here tonight. I believe you have a special table set aside for them.” Crane said.
“Of course, Captain, the best table in the house. A beautiful view of the ocean and beachfront although it’s beauty does not compare to the two beautiful ladies you have brought with you.”
Granny and Elly both blushed becomingly and the group followed Maurice to a table that did indeed have a wonderful view. “I hope you enjoy your evening with us, and if you have any questions or problems, please let me know. Oh, Captain, Admiral Nelson and Chip Morton will be along shortly.”
“Thank-you Maurice.”
“You’re welcome, Captain. Your waitress will be right over to take your drink orders.” Maurice told them, leaving the group to talk amongst themselves.
“Wow, this place is really somethin,” Jethro said, slowly taking in the gorgeous Victorian decor. White ruffled lace table clothes donned each of the tables, there were pink and blue napkins at each place setting and the centre piece for each table was a delicate pinwheel crystal vase filled with the same flowers that grew at the front of the elegant restaurant. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this restaurant was perfect for romantic interludes.
“It sure is, Jethro. I bet the food here is even more expensive than at our hotel.” Jed stated. “I jus hope I brought enough money with me.”
“Now, Uncle Jed, everything has been taken care of already. Your money is no good here,” Crane told him.
“But Jed’s got real money. It’s not confederate paper money,” Granny told Crane seriously, once again forcing him to stifle his laughter.
“That’s not what I mean, Granny. I mean that the institute has paid for everything we order tonight. Hi, Suzie,” he said, diverting their attention from the topic of confederate currency and putting it on the young woman who would be their waitress for the night.
“Hi, Captain, would you and your party like something to drink?” she asked, smiling at Crane.
“Well, does anyone want something from the bar?” Crane asked.
“I’ll just have an ice cold lemonade,” Elly said.
“I think I’ll have the same,” Granny agreed.
“Might as well bring me one as well,” Jed and Jethro told her at the same time.
“Well, looks like we’ll have five of your famous frosted lemonades,” Crane told the waitress and she left to get their orders. Lee looked around and realized the restaurant was quickly filling up. His attention went to the front doors as Nelson and Morton entered and walked towards them.
“I hope you haven’t been waiting long?” Nelson asked, taking the seat between Jed and Granny. Chip sat between Elly and Jethro.
“Not at all, Admiral. We just ordered drinks,” Crane told him.
“Elly,” Chip said, taking her hand in his and forcing her to turn his way. “I must say you’re looking even more lovely than you did at the dedication ceremonies” As he said the words he glanced up into the jealous eyes of his best friend.
“Why thank ya Chip. Ya look lovely yerself,” Elly said seriously.
Crane smiled over her shoulder at Morton, “Elly, will you save some dances for me?” he asked, turning her back to face him.
She looked dreamily into his eyes and said softly, “I’ll save em all fer ya, if ya want me to, Lee.”
Nelson, Granny and Jed were enjoying the friendly little triangle being played out in front of them.
It looked to Nelson as if Morton had lost before it had even begun. Elly had become
infatuated with Lee Crane when she knew him as Leroy Crane and that infatuation seemed to be getting stronger, leaving Chip Morton out in the cold. Not that Chip would let that get him down, with his natural good looks and sense of humour he was used to having females clamour for his attentions. ‘Maybe I’ll have Chip ask Angie to join us,’ Nelson thought as he noticed his secretary come into the room unescorted. “Chip, Angie just arrived by herself, why don’t you ask her if she’d like to sit with us?”
Morton took one last look at his dark haired friend and the blond hillbilly girl and knew it was a lost cause, “I think I will, Admiral, and thanks,” he said walking over to Nelson’s pretty secretary.
Nelson could tell by the grin on her face that she had accepted and soon the table shifted so that Morton and Angie were sitting together.
“Where’s Teresa?” Jethro asked, hoping she would also be in attendance.
“Sorry, Jethro, she won’t be joining us.” Nelson told him.
Jethro’s disappointed face told Nelson, Crane, and Morton, just how much the younger man was hoping the Barracuda liked him.
“You’ll be seeing her tomorrow, Jethro.” Crane reminded him.
“I know that, Lee. You and Elly are still comin with us, ain’t ya?”
“Of course. Any idea where you’d like to go?” Crane asked.
“If we was back in Bug Tussell, I’d take her to the fair. But I don’t know where ta take her ere,” Jethro told him.
Crane and Nelson looked at each, amazed at the opening Jethro had just given Crane for their plan to show Teresa ‘a good time’. “Jethro, there is a great amusement park, which is almost the same as a fair, on Santa Cruz Island. It’s called the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. That will give us a chance to take a boat ride as well. How does that sound?”
“YeeHaw, we’re goin ta the fair.” Jethro said excitedly. “Do they have rides?”
Suzie returned with their drinks and asked the three newcomers what they’d like. Chip and Angie went along with the Lemonade and Nelson ordered a Scotch. As soon as she left the conversation returned to the amusement park, “Jethro they have all kinds of rides, including a famous roller coaster called the Giant Dipper.”
“A real roller coaster, wow, I ain’t never rode on one of them things. Can we ride it Lee?” Elly asked hopefully.
“Of course we can Elly. We’ll go on any ride you want.”
“Is there room for another couple to go along?” Morton asked.
“Sure there is, Chip,” Crane answered.
“How do you feel about amusement parks, Angie? Want to tag along?”
“I’d love to, Chip. I haven’t been to Santa Cruz Island in close to five years. Thank-you for asking.” Angie told him, as Suzie again returned with the drinks.
“Admiral, would you like to join us tomorrow?” Crane asked.
“Now, Lee, you know I have a meeting with Jiggs tomorrow. But I want you to call me when you return and let me know how things go,” no one noticed the look of amusement that passed between Nelson and Crane. Nelson glanced around the restaurant and was glad to see that every seat was taken, “Well it looks like the place has filled up. They should be serving the meal shortly,” he told them.
Nelson looked towards the kitchen doors just as Suzie and two other waitresses’s walked out, each holding four plates of dinner. They served the Admiral’s table first and then began to help the other’s serve their tables. It wasn’t long before all the tables were served and Nelson turned to Granny, “Would you do us the honour of saying grace, Daisy?”
Granny looked surprised but agreed to do it. The band leader brought over a microphone and everyone stood for the blessing, “Oh Lord, we thank you for the food you have provided us with and the friends who are ere ta share it with us. Amen,” she said and quickly sat down to the echoes of Amen from around the room.
The meal consisted of chefs salad, followed by Chicken Kiev served over a bed of rice pilaf, and topped off with fresh strawberry shortcake and whipped cream.
As soon as the tables were cleared the band made their way on stage. The lights were turned down low as the lead singer took his place behind the microphone and began to speak in a very mellow voice, “Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the Harbor restaurant. We’ll be entertaining you tonight and I’m pretty certain we can play anything you’d like to hear. Before we begin I’d like to introduce our band. My name is Ronald Barker, unfortunately for you guys they’ve made me lead singer, so if your ears start to hurt blame the rest of the band.” These comments were met with raucous laughter, “On lead guitar is Mike Poulter, second guitar is Mary Newman, organ is Rich Dobson and our drummer is Jody Carlisle.”
“We’ll just have to test out that boast, right Chip?” Crane said, a smirk on his face, as he began applauding the band.
“I think we can manage that. I haven’t met a band who can play everything I want to hear yet.” Morton agreed.
“Let’s start with one of my favourites,” Barker said. He gave a signal and as the band began to play, his voice sang out over the microphone, “Tonight you’re mine completely, you gave your love so sweetly, tonight the light of love is in your eyes, but will you love me tomorrow.”
As the music began, Lee turned to Elly, “Would you like to dance, Elly?”
“I’d love ta, Lee, but I’m not very good,” she told him, as he took her hand and they made their way to the centre of the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around her as the words to ‘Will you still love me tomorrow’ drifted softly across the floor.
“Elly, you are absolutely beautiful. I don’t think I’ll be able to let anyone else dance with you tonight.”
“I feel the same, Lee,” Elly whispered, as she moved closer to Cranes body. They swayed to the music, oblivious to everything going on around them. The world ceased to exist for the two of them and Lee very gently leaned down placing his lips softly against Elly’s. “Oh, Lee,” she cried softly as he pulled away.
“Lee, people are watching,” Morton said as he and Angie danced beside them. Lee and Elly continued to dance as if they hadn’t heard what Morton had said.
“But will you love me tomorrow?” Ronald’s voice faded on the last note.
Lee still gazed longingly into Elly’s eyes, still swaying slowly in one another’s arms.
“I see we have a couple who want to make their own music,” Ronald laughed.
“Uh oh,” Crane said, realizing they were the centre of attention in a crowd of almost three hundred. He regrettably pulled away from Elly, took her by the arm and walked back to their table. He pulled out her chair and pushed it back in for her. Taking his seat he looked into the amused eyes of Harriman Nelson.
“Is there anything special you’d like to hear or should we just do our own thing?” Barker asked.
“Something fast,” a male voice called.
“I’ll try and stump them Lee,” Morton said with a mischievous grin, “How about Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock?”
“That’s one of our favourites,” Barker said, smiling directly at Morton, as he began to sing, “The warden threw a party in the county jail. The prison band was there and they began to wail,” Barker’s voice took on the perfect tone as he started imitating Presley’s unique style.
“Shall we go again, Elly,” Crane asked quickly, afraid someone else would beat him to it.
”If you’ll show me how!” Elly laughed.
“This ones easy. Just let yourself move with the music.” Crane told her as he began to move his own body in time with the music. He watched as Elly began to move her hips and sway quickly from side to side, perfectly matching his own movements. “You’re a natural, Elly May Clampett.” Crane yelled above the music.
“Thank-ya, Lee. Yer real good too,” Elly shouted back, laughing as they moved enticingly around the dance floor. As the song came to an end they held each other and laughed as each tried to catch their breaths. Finally they returned to their seats and Lee called Suzie over to order more drinks.
Granny leaned in close to her grand daughter, “you really like Lee, don’t ya?”
“Oh yes, Granny. He’s so handsome,” she answered.
“Yes he is, Elly. I’m kinda hopin you two will hit it off.”
Jed smiled at his daughter as the band began to play, Daddy’s girl. Jed took Elly by the hand and led her onto the floor. As they began to waltz around the floor, Jed asked, “you and Lee seem ta be really enjoying yerselves.”
“We are, Pa. Can he ever dance.”
“I think I’d better watch that young feller,” Jed stated, half serious.
“Oh, Pa, Lee’s a real nice fella. He wouldn’t do anythin ta me.” Elly said happily.
“He better not. Or there’ll be a shotgun weddin, like back in the hills.”
“Pa, you wouldn’t!” She exclaimed. “We’re only dancing.”
“I know, Elly. I can see that Lee Crane is a gentleman. He jus better keep it that way.”
“He will, Pa,” Elly said, smiling at the love and protection her father seldom openly showed. The song ended and they made their way back to the table.
“Let’s speed it up a little. Anyone out there know how to twist. Here we go. Let’s twist again, like we did last summer, let’s twist again like we did last year, do you remember when, things were really hummin,” Barker’s unique voice sang out as Lee grabbed Elly and Morton grabbed Angie.
Crane took Elly by the hand and started twisting her down to the floor. Morton was doing the same with Angie and pretty soon the foursome were the only ones on the floor. The song ended and without missing a beat, Barker and his band went right on, “Come on, baby let’s do the twist. Come on, baby let’s do the twist. Take me by the little hand and go like this.”
Crane and Morton twisted with their counterparts until the second song ended and hurried back to their seats to a standing ovation.
Lee and Elly danced nearly every song the band played. Nelson, Morton and a few other men were lucky enough to cut in on them, but not often. Finally the band announced the last song and Lee took Elly’s hand before anyone else had a chance.
Barker began to sing; “I had the last dance with you, two lonely people together.”
Lee and Elly held each other tightly and only had eyes for each other. “Thank ya, Lee, fer the wonderful night. I ain’t never danced so many times in one night.”
“You’re welcome, Elly, and thank you for saving this dance for me. You could have had any man in here.”
“I didn’t want any man. I wanted you.” Elly whispered in his ear as the song ended and once again the lights came back on.
“Well, Chip, what do you think. Did the band live up to their boast?” Crane asked his friend.
“Except for Jailhouse Rock we never even had a chance to test them. Besides, they played everything I wanted to hear.” Morton said, as he helped Angie into her coat.
“I noticed that too,” Crane stated as the tired group left the Harbor restaurant. The group was quiet on the way home and quickly said goodnight when they got to the Clampett’s door. Sleep would come easily due to the long day.
Sunday promised to be a fun day for everyone except Teresa. Crane and Morton had discussed everything they planned to put the unsuspecting Barracuda through. Jethro’s fifty-cent allowance was not going to go very far at Santa Cruz, and they knew the woman well enough to know that it wouldn’t take long for her to show her true colours. They hoped Jethro wouldn’t be to disappointed, but it couldn’t be helped.
Both men were dressed casually in tight fitting Levis, which hugged their bodies as if they’d been painted on, white cotton t-shirts rounded out their attire. They stopped by the Clampett’s room to pick up Elly and Jethro.
Elly answered the door in a beautiful flowered sundress, gathered at the waist and flowing to her knees. Her hair was braided down the back and on her feet she wore white sandals. “Come in Lee, Chip. Jethro, are ya ready yet?” she yelled over her shoulder, as she closed the door.
“I’m comin, Elly.” Jethro called, coming out of the room he shared with his uncle. “Can we go pick up Teresa now?” he asked, with boyish enthusiasm. He was also wearing jeans and t-shirt.
“I must say you look wonderful, Elly.” Crane said softly.
“Thank ya, Lee,” she said.
“Where are Granny and Uncle Jed?” Morton asked.
“Admiral Nelson came by fer them. He wanted ta take them out fer somethin he called brunch. They said ta say hi ta ya.” Jethro answered. “Can we go now?”
“Of course, Jethro. Chip, we’ll meet you at the ferry in an hour.” Crane said.
“Ok, Lee. I’ll pick up Angie and we’ll see you all there.” Morton said, leaving to pick up his date.
“The Limo is waiting for us in front of the Hotel. We’ll pick up Teresa and meet Chip and Angie. Remember, Jethro don’t tell her where we’re going. It’s a surprise and she loves surprises.”
“I won’t, Lee. Uncle Jed gave me some extra money fer today,” Jethro revealed.
Crane felt as if his bubble had burst. If Jed gave him extra money then all their well laid plans would be for nought, “That’s great, Jethro. Now you can really show her a good time.”
“I sure can, Lee. I ain’t never had two dollars ta spend before.”
Lee could barely hide his relief as they climbed into the limo. If Jethro had been given a lot of money there would have been no way to get rid of the leech called Teresa. The woman deserved to be taught a lesson and she was going to learn one today. “We have to stop by this address and then we’ll be going to catch the ferry to Santa Cruz Island.” Crane told the driver as he passed him a small piece of paper with Teresa’s address on it.
“Yes, Sir,” the driver agreed as they left the hotel. The drive to Teresa’s apartment took less then ten minutes. Crane smiled as the woman walked towards the car dressed to the nines, just as he knew she would. She wore an ankle length blue skirt that narrowed so that it made walking awkward, a blue silk blouse and matching blue purse topped off her outfit. When Crane saw the two-inch heels she wore he grinned mischievously, ‘oh this is going to be more fun than I thought.’
Teresa waited for someone to get out of the car and let her in. When there was no movement she huffed and opened the door herself and got into the back. She sat beside Jethro and grinned maliciously at Crane.
“What’s wrong Teresa? Having a bad day?” Crane asked snidely.
“I’m fine, Lee,” she answered sarcastically. She turned to her date for the day and smiled animatedly, “Why are you dressed like that?” she asked, looking suspiciously at Crane. “Where are you taking me, Jethro?”
“I can’t tell ya that, Teresa. It’s a big surprise. But I love what yer wearin,” he told her, drooling over the way she moved her body sensuously.
“But, Jethro, darling, I want to know,” she whined.
“Now, Teresa. If you want you can go back and change into something more comfortable.” Crane told her. She shook her head, “Well let Jethro keep his surprise. He’s so looking forward to spending a romantic day with you. Right Jethro?” Crane asked.
“That’s right. Let me do this fer ya Teresa. I got lots a money and I’m plannin on spendin it all on ya.” Jethro said, grinning happily at his date.
“Why, Jethro that’s so kind of you. You can keep it as a surprise if you like. Am I dressed ok for it,” she asked, looking around suspiciously.
“Whatever ya wear is perfect, Teresa,” Jethro replied.
“I bet you say that to all your dates,” she told him.
“Naw, jus you, cause yer so perty!” he stated, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“You’ll be fine, Teresa,” Elly told her in a friendly tone.
“Thank you,” Teresa said.
Crane immediately heard the contempt in her voice. She cared nothing for Jethro and his cousin. All she cared about was Uncle Jed’s twenty-five million dollars. The more she spoke, the easier it was going to be to exact revenge on this particular Barracuda. She would not be a happy woman after today. He sat back and relaxed, a smile on his face.
The Limo pulled up in front of the ticket booth and Crane smiled at the barely concealed anger on Teresa’s face as she realized where they were going.
“We’re going to Santa Cruz!” she stated.
“That’s right. There’s Chip and Angie. They’re coming along as well. What’s the matter Teresa? Don’t you like amusement parks?” Lee asked, smiling innocently.
“Oh I just love amusement parks, Lee. But I’m not really dressed for it. Can we go back to my apartment so I can change.”
“Sorry, Teresa, but Chip already has our tickets bought and the boat leaves in ten minutes. Come on Jethro, Elly, we have to hurry.” Lee and Elly ran over to join Chip and Angie in the line up of people waiting to board the ferryboat. Jethro picked Teresa up and carried her over the sand to the waiting group.
Morton and Crane exchanged winks at the look of anger on Teresa’s face. She glared at the two of them angrily, and turned back to her date, “Thank-you, Jethro. You can put me down now,” she told him.
“I can carry you till we get ta the ferry. Yer not much heavier than Elly is.” Jethro told her, not realizing she would take it as an insult rather than a compliment.
Crane and Morton didn’t bother to hide their amusement, “Maybe it’s time for another diet,” Lee stated.
“I told you not to eat that chocolate bar, Teresa” Morton said, and the two Seaview men couldn’t hold back their laughter any longer.
“Teresa don’t need no diet,” Jethro told the two men. “She’s perfect jus the way she is. Besides, I like woman who aren’t to bony,” he said innocently, sending Crane and Morton off into uncontrollable laughter again.
“Let me down, Jethro,” she stated, vehemently glaring at the objects of her fury. Jethro put her gently on her feet and she straightened out her dress, not once looking at Crane or Morton.
The ferry began to load and they quickly made their way to the front of the boat. “Why don’t we go up on the deck?” Angie asked.
“That’s a great idea,” Crane said, again looking at the two inch heels Teresa wore. As they made their way to the stairs Crane turned to her and said, “Maybe it would be better if you took off your shoes.”
“Why? So you can throw them overboard?” she asked, sarcastically. She stepped onto the first wrought iron step and her heel immediately sunk through one of the openings.
“No. So that doesn’t happen to you,” Crane said.
“Oh, I hate you,” she whispered so he was the only one to hear. She reached down and pulled off her shoes, pushing past Crane and up the stairs. Jethro hurried to catch up with her. Elly and Angie were right behind him.
“This is going better than we could have hoped,” Crane told Morton.
“That’s an understatement,” Morton said and both men laughed. “We’d better get up there.”
When they reached the top steps they saw Jethro and Teresa standing by the rail. Jethro had his arm protectively around her waist, but the look on Teresa’s face told them she did not want it there.
Crane looked up and saw a rather large flock of seagulls flying overhead and kept Elly back under cover. He saw both Chip and Angie do the same, and the four of them sat on a wooden bench. The birds were noisy and seemed to be diving for the fish churned up by the ferry as it left the docks.
“You two might want to come in here until we’re clear of the docks. Looks like a seagull convention out there.” Crane told Jethro and Teresa.
“We’re fine where we are, Lee,” she said sarcastically, as she pulled away from Jethro’s embrace.
“Suit yourself,” Crane said, grinning happily.
“Damn,” Teresa said, using a few more colourful expletives as she tried to wipe the mess from her shoulder.
Crane and Morton could do nothing to hide their enjoyment of seeing Teresa dumped on by one of the gulls. They were laughing heartily as she and Jethro made their way back under the covering. “I told you to come back from the railing,” Crane stated, not bothering to conceal his laughter.
“As if you care. Is there a washroom on this thing?” she asked angrily.
“Downstairs,” Morton chimed in, not wanting Crane to have all the fun. Again they laughed as the woman tried to navigate the stairs in her two-inch heels and tight skirt. Jethro followed quickly behind.
“You two should be ashamed of yourselves,” Angie told them. The twinkle in her eye betrayed the fact that she was also enjoying Teresa’s troubles.
“How come ya don’t seem ta like Teresa?” Elly asked Lee.
“She’s just not a nice person. I just hope we can convince Jethro of that. If I know Teresa, she doesn’t even want to be here with your cousin,” Crane told her.
“But he likes her.”
“I know, Elly. I’m hoping when he sees what she’s really like he’ll realize he’s better off without her.”
“But, Lee, why is she going out with him?”
“Do you remember what she first told Jethro?”
Elly thought for a moment, “You mean when she told him he wasn’t her type and couldn’t afford ta take her where she wanted ta go.”
“That’s right, but as soon as Jethro let it slip that his uncle has twenty-five million dollars, she became very interested. She’s after the money.” Crane told her.
“Teresa has two interests. Herself and money,” Morton said seriously.
“We can’t let her hurt Jethro. What are we gonna do?” Elly asked.
“We’ll figure something out, don’t worry,” Crane assured her.
“Don’t worry, Elly. If anyone can help Jethro, it’s these two.” Angie told her. Elly relaxed, confident that things would work out. After Jethro and Teresa returned the group sat talking of the fun they were going to have on all the rides.
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