Doc thanked Ma Smalley for preparing his picnic basket and tipped his hat as he left the boarding house to cross the street to the Long Branch. It was just past 11 in the morning on another warm summer day and Sam was just opening the doors for the day's business. "Good mornin' Doc."
Doc stepped up onto the board walk, "It is indeed a good morning! Kitty in?"
Sam nodded and watch the doctor entre the saloon. He was almost springing with every step he took. Sam shook his head in wonder.
Kitty was busy stacking glasses behind the bar and setting out a few bottles of whiskey. "Mornin' Doc." She didn't need to turn to see who entered the saloon. She saw him in the mirror. "I see you have your picnic basket ready." Kitty said as she turned around.
"Yup. I just one more thing." Doc's eyes were twinkling as a sly grin curled under his moustache.
Kitty played along. "And just what that might be?" She asked almost flirtatiously as she rested her chin in her right hand while leaning on the bar top.
"Two wine glasses and a bottle of wine. Something that would be nice with Ma Smalley's fried chicken." Doc was a little bashful about his request.
Kitty could only smile at her friend. As she went to get the glasses and wine she asked, "Where are you taking Annie for the picnic?"
Doc chuckled. "I thought I would show her the little creek just north of here. Should be pretty this time of year with the green leaves and wild flowers..."
"Sounds nice." Kitty placed the items in front of Doc who then gently added them to his basket.
"Say..." Doc looked up at Kitty. "Have you seen Festus around lately?"
Kitty nodded yes but said nothing.
"Is he alright?" I haven't seen him in days!" The doctor questioned.
Kitty smiled slightly. "Yeah. He's okay."
"Where is he? Usually he's all over the place making a menace of himself." Doc uttered.
Kitty patted Doc on the hand. "Doc. I can't put it any other way."
"Put what, what way!" Doc was slowly getting annoyed at Kitty's caginess.
Kitty sighed. "Festus is jealous of you and Annie." And that's all that Kitty would tell Doc, knowing full well the real reason Festus was acting strangely.
"That's ridiculous!" Doc retorted.
Kitty slowly shook her head no. "It's true."
"How could he be jealous of Annie? She hasn't done anything to him." Doc countered and wiped his moustache in exasperation.
"In his eye she has. She's taken his best friend away from him..." Kitty's eyes were soft as she spoke quietly and understandingly.
Doc stood looking at Kitty. He was speechless. A lump began to grow develop in his throat. "I guess I have spent a lot of time with her." Doc looked at the picnic basket. "She's very special to me, Kitty." His eyes met hers and she nodded. She knew that he was speaking from his heart. "I'll take Festus fishing tomorrow." He smiled gently while picking up the basket to leave.
Kitty watch her friend head to the door of the saloon where he stopped and turned around. "Thank you for telling me." He winked and left. Kitty sighed.