Nelson's Brand. Diana Palmer

the barbecue—a puzzling outcome.

      “I don’t look the way I did before,” she told Winnie after they’d said good-night to Mrs. Manley and were on the way to the Nelsons’.

      “You look great,” Winnie corrected. “And tonight, will you please be yourself?”

      “Why? Are you hoping that Gene Nelson might keep his distance if he sees what a frump I really am?” she murmured dryly.

      “He seems to be doing that all by himself,” Winnie reminded her. “I’m not trying to be difficult, honestly I’m not.” She sighed worriedly. “I just don’t want to see you hurt. Gene…isn’t himself these days.”

      “What was he like before?” Allison asked softly.

      Winnie laughed. “Full of fun. He always had his eye on the ladies, but he was less blatant with it. Now, he’s reckless and apparently without conscience when it comes to women. He doesn’t really care whom he hurts.”

      “I don’t think he’d hurt me, though, Winnie,” she said.

      “Don’t bet on it,” the other woman replied. “You put too much faith in people’s better instincts. Some people don’t have any.”

      “I’ll never believe that,” Allison said firmly. “Not after what I’ve seen. Beauty often hides in the most horrible places.”

      Winnie’s eyes were gentle as they glanced toward her friend. She didn’t know what to say to Allison. Probably nothing would do much good. She’d just have to hope that Gene was out, or that, if he was home, he wasn’t interested in Allison.