Heart Throbs #38

In "Tearful Dates," shy high school senior Sally Rollins struggles with self-doubt over her height, especially when she dreams of starring in a play with Hank Davidson—only to be discouraged by her rival Sharon Duvall and the school’s adviser. As Hank’s kindness grows, Sally wonders if his friendship is genuine or just pity, until a surprise visit to his mother reveals a family secret that changes everything.

A young woman engaged to Bert Evans finds her carefully planned future upended when she unexpectedly reunites with Vic Stuart, forcing her to confront feelings she thought she'd left behind. As the evening unfolds and old emotions resurface, Joan Foster must decide what her heart truly wants—and whether her engagement was built on genuine love or simply settling for what seemed convenient. "On the Rebound" explores how a chance encounter can shift everything in matters of the heart.

A young woman finds herself engaged to two men—Bill Medford, a cadet she's loved since high school, and the wealthy Lawrence Parker—but her impatience with Bill's one-year wait until graduation sets her on a collision course with heartbreak. When Bill is dismissed from West Point for leaving without permission to see her, she realizes where her true feelings lie, only to discover that second chances come with their own heavy price.

Jan Gaines has sworn off serious romance after discovering her first love's infidelity, vowing to keep things light and fun with any man who comes along—until she meets Dave Rowan, whose easy charm and genuine kindness slowly wear down her defenses. As weeks of carefree dates blur together, Jan finds herself wrestling with feelings she promised herself she'd never risk again, wondering if Dave might be worth breaking her own rules for.