As the three friends began their search of the house, another group of three strolled around the gardens outside.
"Is she gonna follow us for the whole party?" Carson asked Jo, pointing a thumb over his shoulder.
Overhearing his question, Karyn replied first. "Somebody needs to make sure you treat Jo properly."
"Hey, I know how to treat a girl just fine," Carson insisted, once again wrapping an arm around Jo's waist and pulling her roughly to his side. Her hat bounced off his shoulder and nearly toppled before she reached up and righted it.
"Guys, come on," Jo scolded. Gently, she loosened her date's hold and settled his hand on a more comfortable spot on her hip. "I really don't want us to spend this whole party fighting. Now, can we just concentrate on having a good time?"
"Fine," the other two sighed.
"So, Carson," Jo said, switching to a lighter tone. "Isn't the garden wonderful? Becca really went all out with the decorations, huh."
Her provisional boyfriend scanned their surroundings. They had been walking along a meandering path among a maze of flowerbeds. Elaborate setups with customized scarecrows, carved pumpkin lanterns, and even some animatronics had been added. A vast network of string lights crisscrossed between the trees overhead to lend a soft glow to the scenery. From somewhere hidden, ethereal music completed the atmosphere.
"Uh, yeah, it's nice."
Karyn snorted at such an eloquent assessment. "Right, so what's your favorite part?"
Flailing for an answer, Carson took a second longer look before pointing at a random prop. "The, uh, scarecrow."
Jo nodded hastily. "Yes, that scarecrow is pretty fun. I think it's a zombie."
"Uh-huh," Carson agreed, grateful for her covering for him. Picking up Jo had certainly been a lucky break. She had to be the nicest girl here, and she felt really good on his arm. Perhaps, if they could find some time alone, she might even Could it be possible?
He felt his hands get clammy with excitement and just a hint of shyness. There was no way he was going to let this rare opportunity pass.
