She grinned. "I orta to. I spent nigh onto an hour gittin' ready."
Pa came out of the house with Ma and Billy Ray. "We'll follow you in and you two can spend some time together after we leave."
Mary Jo caught her breath and Barrett looked like he didn't know what to think. Ma just smiled at them and followed Pa to the car. Billy Ray gave them a big grin. He was enjoying being with Pa right now.
Barrett helped her into the Car and shut the door before going to the other side. When Mary Jo glanced at Pa's car, Billy Ray was helping Ma into the car. He shut the door and grinned at them.
Mary Jo smiled at Barrett. "See what I mean? Pa can't help but warm to you."
Dinner was informal and everyone gathered at two tables that had been shoved together. It reminded Mary Jo a little of Thanksgiving or Christmas. Barrett's mother and uncle were there as well as his friend/boss, with his wife and children. The conversation was full of good natured humor. You could tell that they all liked Barrett a lot.
When Pa left them for the evening, he told Mary Jo not to worry about the chores. He was going to do them. He didn't say anything more to Barrett about getting her home before midnight. He didn't need to. He said it once and that was enough.
As they walked out the door, Logan winked at Barrett. "Remember what I said."
Barrett laughed, but didn't reply. When they were alone in the car, Mary Jo looked at him.
"What did Logan say that you were supposed to remember?"
Barrett smiled. "He said that what I did on my own time was my business."
She made a face. "Well wasn't that nice of him."
Barrett laughed. "So, what do you want to do?"
She sighed. "I think I was pretty clear about that earlier today. How about a quiet place so we can pick up where we left off last night?"
Barrett glanced at her while he negotiated a turn out onto the highway. "As nice as that sounds, it's probably not safe. You appear to have more faith in my ability to control myself than I do. How about a movie?"
She didn't have to act disappointed, but she gave it a little more drama with a pouting lip. "It's too late for that. We wouldn't get home in time."
He grunted. "Then how about a stroll through a dark park - maybe sit on a park bench and make out for a while…and then get arrested."