“I’ve seen all your pictures!” Elizabeth told the big star, shaking his hand in turn. And then she smiled at Bob. “Mr. Ek said everything you told us about having to break our dates was true.”
“We’re sorry we gave you such a hard time!” Kelly said. She squeezed his arm. “Forgive me?”
“You bet!” Pete said, grinning from ear to ear.
Silas Ek was having a great time. “After the movie, I’ll meet you at the bowling alley for hamburgers and all the lines you want to roll.” He turned to Jupiter. “Oh, by the way, Jupiter. I hope you won’t mind being Qute’s date!”
Just then there was a mighty woof. Everyone looked up the sidewalk as a giant black mutt galloped full speed toward them.
“Monster!” called a gray-haired woman in a turquoise sweat suit. “Come here, Monster! Come here! Please, Monster!”
As Monster barked again, Jupe grabbed Qute’s hand and dashed toward the theater entrance. But it was too late. Monster leaped up, knocking Jupe down, and pinned his shoulders to the sidewalk. Then he tenderly licked Jupe’s peanut-butter-scented face.
As everyone laughed, Qute leaned over Jupe and said very seriously, “I’m so glad you like dogs. I do too. I can only relate to animal lovers.”
As Bob and Pete pulled the friendly dog away from Jupe, he sat up and said, “I think maybe I’ll get a puppy!”
Qute clapped and everyone laughed.
“And I’m going off peanut butter,” Jupe added. “The stuff is too dangerous. It’s burgers and shakes from now on!”