lifestudent, Gus did acknowledge that he was going to try to influence things positively, yes? Gene has known Mary Lou since before she was expecting Meg and he wasn't scared away by that daunting twist in things. Distance hasn't lessened the attraction, either. Gene has a srong protective instinct toward Mary Lou, he was frustrated when he couldn't quit school and come to her "rescue" so I think Gus recognizes he has the intention to be there for the long haul. Whether that intent (or that attraction) will hold once they actually spend the summer working together will be another thing. Gene still seems very young to me; Mary Lou seems far more mature - but then having a child can do that to you!