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{\s9\sa120\keepn\qc\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ai\ab\ltrch\dbch\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\sbasedon10\snext3{\*\soutlvl5} heading 6;}
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{\s15\sa120\keepn\ql\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs36\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs36\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs36\lang1033\b\sbasedon14\snext3{\*\soutlvl7} heading 8;}
{\s16\sa120\keepn\qc\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs28\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs28\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs28\lang1033\b\sbasedon15\snext3{\*\soutlvl8} heading 9;}
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{\s23\li1800\ri0\lin1800\rin0\fi-360\qj\tx1800\tx2160{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2520{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2880{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3240{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3600{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3960{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\sbasedon22\snext23 Level I.A.1.a.1.;}
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{\s27\li1440\ri0\lin1440\rin0\fi0\qj\tx1440\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2520{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2880{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3240{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3600{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\sbasedon22\snext27 Level I.A.1.a. Block;}
{\s28\li1800\ri0\lin1800\rin0\fi0\qj\tx1800\tx2160{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2520{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2880{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3240{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3600{\*\tlswg8236}\tx3960{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\sbasedon23\snext28 Level I.A.1.a.1. Block;}
{\s29\sa120\keepn\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs120\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs120\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs120\lang1033\b\snext1{\*\soutlvl0} WW-heading 1;}
{\s30\sa120\keepn\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs96\lang1081\ai\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs96\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs96\lang1033\b\sbasedon29\snext1{\*\soutlvl1} WW-heading 2;}
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{\s32\sa120\keepn\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs72\lang1081\ai\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs72\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs72\lang1033\b\sbasedon31\snext1{\*\soutlvl3} WW-heading 4;}
{\s33\sa120\keepn\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs60\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs60\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\b\sbasedon32\snext1{\*\soutlvl4} WW-heading 5;}
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}
{\info{\creatim\yr2012\mo6\dy5\hr8\min11}{\revtim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\printim\yr0\mo0\dy0\hr0\min0}{\comment StarWriter}{\vern3200}}\deftab500
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{\pgdsc0\pgdscuse195\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\pgdscnxt0 Standard;}}
{\*\pgdscno0}\paperh15840\paperw12240\margl1134\margr1134\margt1134\margb1134\sectd\sbknone\pgwsxn12240\pghsxn15840\marglsxn1134\margrsxn1134\margtsxn1134\margbsxn1134\ftnbj\ftnstart1\ftnrstcont\ftnnar\aenddoc\aftnrstcont\aftnstart1\aftnnrlc
\pard\plain \ltrpar\s34\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\i0\b Chapter 6}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s33\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\keepn\rtlch\af4\afs60\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs60\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs60\lang1033\i0\b Eternity in Two Days}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s34\cf0\qc{\*\hyphen2\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax0}\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs48\lang1081\ab\ltrch\dbch\af6\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs48\lang1033\b\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\b {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs48\lang1033\i0\b by knight_b_4@hotmail.com}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\b\loch\b Story codes:}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0  Mff, hum, les, rom, preg}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\b\loch\b Author\'92s Note:}}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0   This story involves sexual activity between a variety of people, some of whom are underage. If it is illegal in your jurisdiction to read about such things, please delete this story immediately. (And know that you have my sympathies for liv
ing in such a repressive atmosphere.) This story is entirely a work of fiction; none of the events described herein actually took place (at least not to the author\'92s knowledge). The author does not condone sexual activity with minors, although he {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i does }reco
mmend most of the following if done with a consenting adult.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s35\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi283\sa240\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 This story may be posted {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i with no changes or deletions }on a free site, or the free area of a commercial site. The work is copyright 2012 by the author, and all rights are reserved.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The first thing I did the next morning was run to the bathroom and part ways with the remnants of that bastard Daniels and the dirty, sneaking Captain. I hadn\'92t been so drunk I had to puke in a long, long time.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Charlene\'92s prediction was right. It was morning, and I felt like shit.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I stumbled into the kitchen (amazed I remembered the way) and popped a couple slices of bread in the toaster, then drank a big glass of water. It came back up moments later, into the sink, along with a few other, more disgusting items. I rinsed my mouth ou
t, poured another glass of water, and drank it down, too. This time, it stayed there. Muttering and complaining, maybe, but it stayed.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Startled, I jumped when the toast popped up. I ate it dry (butter would be a bad idea, jam or jelly worse), then started coffee and sat down at the table to wait for it, head cradled in my hands. I stared blearily at the clock, then realized I couldn\'92t see
 it because I\'92d left my glasses in the bedroom. Fuck it. I didn\'92t need to see to be miserable. Traveler, sensing my discomfort, jumped on the table and meowed loudly in my face. I scratched her chin, wondering if she always purred as loud as a chainsaw, th
en carefully put her down.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 After my second cup and a couple more slices of toast, I realized maybe seeing clearly wouldn\'92t be such a bad thing, so I carefully made my way back to the bedroom and found my glasses. I stood there for a few minutes, looking at those red and green splash
es of brightness on my pillow, feeling the pain of loss stabbing through me. And then I said \'93Enough.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It wasn\'92t going to be a loss. I\'92d find Christie, and I\'92d figure out some way to talk myself back into her good graces. OK, maybe she didn\'92t want me to love her. Too bad, I do. Maybe she doesn\'92t want me to tell her. OK, I won\'92t. But I can be there for her, 
I can share her hurt and maybe I can take some of it off her shoulders. She wants someone to care about her, and I do, and I\'92m going to find her and help her.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Feeling somewhat better, I stripped down for a shower. I was fiddling with the temperature when the doorbell rang.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Now who the hell is that?\'94 I grumbled, as I turned off the water. The bell rang again, making my head throb, while I was tying my robe and heading for the door. So I was in a less than cheerful mood when I yanked the door open and said, \'93What?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 To find myself staring at two blue uniforms, one of them holding a leash attached to a German shepherd.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Oh, fuck.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Just how mad had I made Christie, and would she really call the cops? And why would they send dogs to help arrest pedophiles? Do they sniff around to see if you\'92ve got a little girl hidden under the couch?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Are you Harry Potter?\'94 the first uniform demanded. Wonderful. I\'92m going to jail in my bathrobe. That\'92ll make it easier for Mad Dog and his buddies, I guess.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Yes. Something I can do for you, officer?\'94 I think my voice squeaked, but I\'92m not sure. It didn\'92t sound very steady, I know that much. The cop looked at me for a moment, with that \'93I know you\'92re guilty of something, and I\'92m going to figure out what\'94 face 
that all cops have. (Do they issue those your first day at the Academy? Or is it that only people with that face become cops? And why was I wondering about it when I was about to be hauled off to jail, and probably have \'93an accidental fall down the stairs\'94
 when I got there?)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The cop finally said, \'93We found this dog wandering the streets, Mr. Potter, and a kid down the street said he thought it might be yours.\'94 His expression said that if it was, I was about to get a really ugly lecture and maybe a ticket or three.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Whoosh. How do {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i you }spell relief?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 No, sir, I don\'92t have a dog.\'94 I looked at it a bit closer. \'93I don\'92t recognize it, either. The people in the red house just down the street have a shepherd, but I don\'92t think that\'92s it. But you might want to ask them.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The cop looked hard at me for a moment longer, then nodded his head. \'93Thank you for your help, sir. Sorry to have bothered you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 No problem,\'94 I said, \'93hope you find out where he goes.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I closed the door, then peeked out through the little window at the top. They got back into their squad car, did a u-turn they\'92d have ticketed me for doing, and headed down the street. I leaned back against the door and took a few deep breaths before headi
ng back to my interrupted shower.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The water felt good, and I was starting to approach \'93human\'94 on the evolutionary scale when the doorbell rang again. Cursing, I shut off the water and threw on my robe as I stomped to the door at the end of a trail of wet footprints.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 This time it was the FedEx lady, delivering Jim Jr.\'92s cane. She apologized profusely for dragging me out of the shower. I told her it was no big deal, and she sounded so sincere I decided to actually forgive her. I dropped the cane on the couch, considered
 going back to stand in the hot water some more, then decided I might as well get dressed instead.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The rest of the morning was pretty laid back. I checked my email, did a little work (very little, truth be told), drank lots of coffee, and played some games on the computer. Finally, a little after noon, I realized my head wasn\'92t pounding (much) anymore a
nd I was actually hungry. I thought about fixing a quick sandwich or some soup, but I hadn\'92t eaten the night before and I was more than \'93lunch hungry\'94 hungry. The idea of fixing a big meal wasn\'92t very appealing, but the idea of heading for Murray\'92s was. I 
went into the bedroom to dig my keys out of yesterday\'92s pants\'92 pocket, and on a whim, picked up the green thong and stuffed it in my pocket; didn\'92t want to leave the house without my talisman. I also grabbed the red pair and on my way through the living ro
om, tossed them in the general direction of the copy holder (and missed, of course).}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 On the way to the door, the bell rang.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Now, this is the third time the doorbell has rung today. I\'92m betting each time it has, you thought I\'92d open the door to find Christie, didn\'92t you? And now you\'92re thinking \'93third time\'92s the charm\'94 and she\'92ll be there, apologetic and ready for a tearful reun
ion and some more hot sex, am I right?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Come on. This is reality, not some cheesy porn story on the net.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It was my neighbor Mr. T again, come to see if I might perhaps still have a few of those molasses cookies. Noticing the keys in my hand, he apologized and said he\'92d come back another time, but I wouldn\'92t hear of it. I made him come in while I went to the k
itchen and found the rest of the bag and presented it to him. He protested that he couldn\'92t possibly hide them from his wife, and I suggested he hide them in the garage, the same place he hid his cigarettes.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You know about that?\'94 he asked, incredulous. \'93I thought that was a secret.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She\'92ll never hear it from me, Mr. T,\'94 I said. \'93But I was out for a late-night walk one time and saw a little red glow from the back of the garage when I passed by. Don\'92t worry, I won\'92t bust you for it.\'94 He thanked me for that, and for the cookies. (Althou
gh he still protested he didn\'92t need more than one or two, I insisted he take the half-dozen or so left).}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The drive to Murray\'92s was uneventful and I ignored the wistful tugging at my heart when I drove by the mall. Murray\'92s was crowded with the lunch rush, but since it was nearing 1 and time for people to get back to work, I didn\'92t have to wait long for a spot
 to sit. Joanne waved to me when I walked in, as did Olivia, the morning waitress.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Olivia brought me coffee, and we chatted briefly. She\'92d be leaving in just a few minutes; she and Joanne only overlapped a couple of hours, just enough to handle the lunch crowd. Olivia told me her daughter had just won a sports scholarship that would cove
r a little more than half her college expenses, and I congratulated them both on that. I knew Olivia had been worried about how she was going to cover it and pay the bills too, but she was absolutely determined that her daughter was going to get an educati
on. Whenever I breakfasted at Murray\'92s, I always made sure to slip something extra into the tip; it wasn\'92t much, but every little bit would help come fall term.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Joanne finally came over to take my order, and looked closely at me.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Well, I see she didn\'92t leave a mark,\'94 she said offhandedly.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Pardon?\'94 I may have been feeling better, but the alcohol remnants still had me a little bit slow.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 When Christie slapped you,\'94 she said quietly, so no one else would hear.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You\'92ve talked to her?\'94 I asked, pulse quickening. She nodded.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She must\'92ve come here almost straight from belting you,\'94 she said with a grin.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 How is she?\'94 I asked anxiously.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Not bad, considering she has a really stupid boyfriend. But we can talk later, when things are a little quieter, Harry. Now what do you want to eat?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I finally had my reuben (two of them, actually), along with some iced tea and coleslaw. Maybe it had something to do with knowing Christie was \'93not bad, considering\'94, but I felt wonderful. That \'93she has a really stupid boyfriend\'94 part didn\'92t hurt, either. 
Did she really consider me her boyfriend? (And isn\'92t there a better term than \'93boyfriend\'94 for someone my age?)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I was sipping some coffee and enjoying the sunlight filtering in through the windows when things finally settled down enough for Joanne to come and sit with me.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 So talk. What happened?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 And I told her the whole story, from the time we\'92d left the other night. About our time in the car, about Christie\'92s words when she got out, about finding her with Lily and the boys, about the flowers and yesterday\'92s rape (although I left most of the detai
ls out), about the stupid idiotic asshole I\'92d been, about how Christie\'92d reacted, about how sorry I was and how worried. And I finished with, \'93So that\'92s it. The best thing that\'92s ever happened to me, and I screwed it up by being a big fucking asshole.\'94 I w
as depressed again.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Joanne nodded. \'93That\'92s pretty much the story Christie told, including the part about you being a big fucking asshole.\'94 I quirked a corner of my mouth up at that; I couldn\'92t quite bring out a laugh. I couldn\'92t blame Christie for saying it either, since it w
as true.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Harry, I won\'92t tell you what all she said, \'91cause that was girl talk and in confidence.\'94 I nodded.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I wouldn\'92t expect you to, and would\'92ve been surprised if you had, Flower Girl. You\'92re a trustworthy old broad.\'94 She grinned and flipped me off.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 That for your old broad, you old geezer,\'94 she said. This time I did manage a smile. \'93But you\'92ve started something here, Harry, and she\'92ll have to have time to adjust to it. Christie\'92s had\'85 a rough life, we\'92ll leave it at that. Last night, she stayed here 
until we closed, and then I drove her home- her {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i real} home, not the neighborhood you dropped her off in.\'94 I quirked an eyebrow at that. Christie had lied to me? As if reading my mind, Joanne nodded.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 There\'92s a lot of things she has to tell you, Harry, but you have to be patient and wait for her to decide it\'92s time. She\'92s very vulnerable right now. She was coping with life by keeping it at arm\'92s length and wearing a suit of armor. And then you came alo
ng and the armor rusted and fell off, and she\'92s one {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i very }confused and scared little girl.\'94 My heart twinged for my darling; I hadn\'92t meant to hurt her, and said so. Joanne shook her head.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You can\'92t deal with life from behind a shell, Harry,\'94 she said, looking directly into my eyes, and I knew that comment was as much about me as it was Christie. \'93You\'92ve probably helped her, but for a little while you\'92re going to have to be damned careful. 
She could come out of this in great shape, or it could fuck her up for life. Most of that\'92ll be up to her. But some of it\'92s up to you, too, Harry. And if you screw up again, it\'92s going to do some real damage. And then I\'92m going to damage you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Suddenly, I felt like crying again. My poor darling. What kind of hell was she going through? And how could I help her if I couldn\'92t even see her? I studied my coffee cup, willing the tears not to come.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Harry, look at me,\'94 Joanne commanded after a while. I looked up and our eyes locked; I couldn\'92t have looked away if I tried. \'93Are you {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i really }in love with her, Harry? Or are you just a lonely old man who\'92s so happy at getting his rocks off again that he\'92s 
confusing it with love?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I opened my mouth to indignantly answer \'93Of course I am!\'94, but then shut it again. Was I really? Or was Joanne right? It had been a long time since there\'92d been any kind of woman in my life. My own shell had been pretty hard, too. {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Had been? Are you so sur
e it\'92s gone?) }(No, but I\'92m working on it.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I thought about it for a long time, about a life with Christie, about a life without Christie, about loneliness, about sex, about fooling yourself. I thought about Heinlein\'92s definition of love, \'93that condition where someone else\'92s happiness is essential t
o your own.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Finally, slowly, I nodded.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Yeah. I really am. I know it\'92s crazy, I know we just met, I know most people would call me a sick old pervert, but there\'92s something about her- something about {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i us}- that just clicks. She makes me very, very happy. And I know I could make her- no, I know I 
could {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i help }her be happy, too.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Joanne continued looking into my eyes for what seemed like a very long time, then she nodded too.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Alright, Harry,\'94 she said. \'93I think you really mean it. You\'92ll just have to be patient, then. She\'92s got a lot of things to think through before she\'92ll be ready for you. Don\'92t try to find her. Don\'92t go {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i near }the mall, not to say \'91Hi\'92 to Charlene, not even i
f you need to buy something. Wait and let Christie come to you.\'94 She reached out and squeezed my hand. \'93I think she will, Harry. Just give her some time.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I went home then, after slipping a $50 under my plate for Joanne to find after I left. Cheaper than a therapist, and a damned sight better, too. I made a vow to find something nice for Joanne, maybe a pair of earrings. She didn\'92t wear any necklaces, rings 
or other jewelry, at least not while she worked, but she always had a pair of oversized dangly things hanging from her ears, the more ornate and tacky the better. I\'92d have to see what I could come up with.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 At home, there was a message on the answering machine from one of my clients. I grabbed pen and paper, replayed it and jotted down the changes. (Hadn\'92t this guy ever heard of email? So much easier.) The cane still lay on the couch, where I\'92d dropped it tha
t morning, so I propped it next to the door, as a reminder to ship it next time I left the house.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Also just laying where they were thrown were Christie\'92s red panties, on the floor near the computer, with Traveler laying on top of them. I petted her and carefully moved her, then picked the thong up, pulled the green pair out of my pocket, and hung both 
from my copy holder. (Doesn\'92t leave much room for copy; good thing I don\'92t use it much.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I was banging away at the keyboard, putting in the client\'92s changes, when my cell phone rang somewhere in the distance. \'93Christie?\'94 was my first thought, followed quickly by, \'93Now where the hell did I leave it {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i this }time?\'94 Following the chirping, I ran into
 the bedroom and dug it out of the pants I\'92d worn yesterday.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hello?\'94 I must\'92ve sounded breathless, both from running and from hoping.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hi, Harry,\'94 said a cheery, chirpy voice. \'93Had to run to find your phone?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hi, Lily.\'94 I was confused. Why was Lily calling me? \'93How are you? And thanks for finding Christie yesterday. You\'92re a sweetheart, and a good person; I don\'92t care what the other guys say about you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You\'92re a smooth talker, Harry Potter;\'94 she said, laughing.\'94 Keep that up, and I might just have to try stealing you for myself.\'94 She laughed loudly. \'93Like I could steal {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i any }guy from Christie, when she wants him.\'94 My heart soared; did that mean she wants m
e? Oh, please, oh, please, oh, please.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Well, you could give her a run for her money,\'94 I said gallantly. \'93It\'92s hard to say no to a woman whose nipples are so hard they enter the room five minutes before she does.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Lily snorted a laugh. \'93You\'92re such a flatterer. Or just observant.\'94 She laughed again. \'93Listen, Harry, Christie asked me to call you, \'91cause she\'92s just not quite ready to talk to you herself, you know? She said to tell you thanks for the rose, wants to kno
w if your face is OK, and says she\'92s sorry she hit you.\'94 My heart soared more; pretty soon, it\'92d be out near Mars.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Tell her I\'92m fine. And that she should have hit me harder, \'91cause I deserved it.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Lilly laughed loud at that. \'93I think so too, but I\'92ll tell her. Oh, and she said to tell you- it was really weird, let me see if I can remember it exactly- oh, yeah. She said to tell you, \'91If white is for green, what color is for red?\'92 That make sense to y
ou, Harry?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I was grinning so much it was hard to move my lips to talk.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Makes a lot of sense, Lilyflower. Tell her I don\'92t know yet, but it\'92ll be something special, for some{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i one} special.\'94 Lily sighed.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 You\'92re {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i such }a romantic, Harry. Maybe I\'92ll tell her you said you hate her, so you\'92ll fall into my arms for me to console you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Don\'92t you dare, you little wench, or I\'92ll put you over my knee and spank you. Oh, wait, you might like that.\'94 Lily snorted again.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Don\'92t know, Harry, never tried it. But give me your address, grab your belt and I\'92m on my way.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Maybe another time, horny Lily,\'94 I said, joining in her laugh. \'93I should know better than to tempt you. And God forbid I ever dare you.\'94 I barked a couple of times, and Lily laughed.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hey, now. I {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i said }it was just once, and I was drunk. Anyway, I\'92ve gotta go. Mom\'92s yelling something in the kitchen.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 OK,\'94 I said. \'93Just tell her- Christie, not your mom- that I\'92m sorry, really, really, sorry. And that whenever she\'92s ready, she has my number. Oh, and that I\'92m patient- I can wait a long time. And thank you, Lily- a lot. I feel better, and I owe you a big 
hug next time I see you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I\'92ll take the hug, but there\'92s a big something else you\'92ve got that you can give me, too. See ya, Harry.\'94 And, laughing, she hung up.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 What a day. Wake up with a hangover, get the shit scared out of me by the cops, an emotional roller coaster the rest of the time, and now I\'92m perched on top of Mt. Olympus. {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Does the term \'91manic-depressive\'92 mean anything to you, Harry?) }(Oh, be quiet, you.
)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Whistling, I slipped Etta James into the CD player, sat down at the computer again, typed three words, then stopped. An idea had just flitted by in the back of my head. I just needed to wait for it to flit by again so I could grab it. It apparently gained 
some weight on its journey, because it was bigger and better formed when it came back. This time, it settled down in the middle of my head and looked around, while I stalked it with a net. I grabbed it, forced it into the light and took a good look.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hmmm. I hadn\'92t done that in a while.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It could be done.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It could be shit.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It could be good.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Some of the others were damned good. A lot weren\'92t.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 So if it\'92s not, she doesn\'92t see it.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 That works.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I closed the client\'92s document and opened up a new page. At the top, in large boldface type, I typed, \'93Christie, My Christie\'94.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 And for the next two hours, I wrote and erased and rewrote and edited and shifted phrases around and erased again and rewrote again and on and on until finally it was just so. Not great, I\'92ve done better. But good. I like it. My annoying little inner voice
 must\'92ve been distracted during all this, because when it finally noticed what was going on, it was amazed.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Poetry, Harry? You\'92ve written her a }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 poem? {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i You haven\'92t written a poem in almost seven years. More than half her lifetime ago.) }I winced at that thought; damned inner voice has a way of pointing out uncomfortable truths. I\'92d never written a lot of poetry, b
ut for a long time I did at least one or two a year. Some of them were silly, some of them were fun, some of them were tragic, and some of them were even romantic. But I\'92d stopped a long time ago. I used to enjoy it, I thought; why did I ever stop?}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (You\'92ve stopped a lot of things you used to enjoy, Harry. Prison wouldn\'92t be such a big change from the way you\'92ve been living for years, would it? Except that you\'92d spend more time seeing other people.) }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 (Ouch. You\'92re way too right on that, my friend.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\sa360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I spent the rest of the evening with Etta, Miles, Muddy and Dave Brubeck, playing games and pissing around on the computer. The heck with work. OK, it wasn\'92t like I was getting out and seeing people, but I was at least breaking my routine.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 The next day was semi-busy. I got up a little earlier than usual and took a walk around the neighborhood. I hadn\'92t done that in a while, either. It felt good to be out in the crisp morning air, I got to wave at all the poor saps heading off to offices and 
factories, and even stopped in to have some coffee with Mr. and Mrs. T. Poor Sheila\'92s arthritis is so bad she hardly ever gets out anymore, so she was glad of the company. Mr. T was glad to see me, too, not least because it made Mrs. T so happy.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I wondered if Christie and I would be like that after so many years, and shocked myself when I thought it. When had marriage crept into the picture? {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Jesus Christ, Harry. It\'92s a week ago tomorrow that you met, and you\'92re already thinking }marriage?{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i ) }(I\'92m no
t really sure where that one came from. I haven\'92t {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i consciously }been thinking about it.) {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Must\'92ve been you, Harry. }I\'92m {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i your subconscious, remember, and }I {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i sure haven\'92t been thinking about it.)}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Then it occurred to me that we\'92d never have that many years together anyway, not given my age. The Towsleys had been married almost 60 years; in 60 years, I\'92d be 106 and likely dead. Guess we\'92ll just have to see what we can do with however many years we ca
n squeeze in, then. {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (For someone who hasn\'92t been thinking about it, you sure accepted it awfully fast.) }(I like you better when you\'92re silent.) {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (Tough. Silent\'92s not my job.)}}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I excused myself not long after that; the Towsleys would\'92ve been happy to see me there all morning, but I had things to do. Back at the house, I ignored the computer and grabbed my keys. I whistled my way over to the computer then and picked up the green t
hong and smiled at it for a moment before sticking it in my pocket. On impulse, I picked up the red one and held it close to my face. It still smelled like my Christie, pungent but fresh. {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (OK, you\'92re sniffing panties now, Harry. This is getting weird.) }(I 
just needed to feel her presence, something more tangible than a memory, OK?) I inhaled again, a long deep breath, then hung them from the copy holder again. (But you\'92re right, that {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i is }getting a little weird.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Grabbing the cane box, I left the house and drove to UPS, reminding myself that I\'92d have to email my brother it was coming. The next stop was at a computer store for some more blank CDs and a quick rummage through their bargain games bin; found a couple of
 old games I remembered fondly from years past, and bought them. (One wouldn\'92t run under newer operating systems, and the other wasn\'92t nearly as much fun as I remembered. Oh well.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 After that, it was a quick trip to a jewelry store down the street, where I picked out the gaudiest, dangliest, biggest pair of earrings I could find. I asked the sales clerk to wrap them for me ($12.95 for wrapping an earring box? Damn, I\'92m in the wrong b
usiness.) and picked out a card to go with it. I spent a long time with the card open in front of me, trying to figure out just what to write. I finally settled on the only thing that seemed appropriate- \'93Thank you. Harry.\'94 I almost added \'93and Christie\'94 bu
t didn\'92t.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I pulled out my credit card to pay when on a sudden impulse, I went back to the earring counter. This time, I looked at the classy stuff. I wanted to get something for Christie. Oh, I knew I\'92d have to wait to give it to her, but I really wanted to get her 
a present, just to let her know I was thinking about her and to thank her, a little, for coming into my life. (I had lots of other ideas on how to thank her for that too, and no, they did {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i not }all involve full or partial nudity. Not even most of \'91em, in fac
t.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 There were a few I liked, but they had pretty high price tags. I was willing to pay that much, but I didn\'92t want Christie to think I was trying to buy her affection. I finally settled on a pair of reasonably priced fiery blue opals, with a little fancy sil
ver filigree work around the edges.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I stopped at Murray\'92s for breakfast; it wasn\'92t quite 10, so Joanne wasn\'92t in. I gave the box and card to Olivia, and she promised to give them to Joanne as soon as she walked in. I tipped a little extra; I was in a crackling good mood.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Back at home, I checked my email and got to work on projects. I may be trying to break my routine, but I still had to pay the bills. And babies always needed something, not to mention a lot of attention, so I figured I\'92d better get work done while I could.
 {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (You\'92re scaring me, Harry. Her mother isn\'92t going to let her and the baby move in with you.) }(I know. I\'92ll just have to go over there to help out.)}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Another project finished and emailed to the client, and I finally decided to tackle the ditzy bitch\'92s brochure. I printed out her emails and spread them out on the desk, along with notes from phone messages, and started crossing out changes that she change
d again later. By the time I finished, there were about half a dozen things left that she wanted altered. Half an hour\'92s work at most, I thought, as I opened her brochure in my publishing program.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Turned out to be closer to two hours, as some of her changes required me to redo other parts of the brochure to make it all fit. When it was done, I thought it looked pretty good. I printed it out, wrote a short cover letter (warning her we were almost at 
her deadline, she\'92d already paid for a lot of reworking, and subtly hinting that if she changed anything else without good reason, she could find someone else to do it), then put it all in an envelope and printed an address label. I dropped it on the desk,
 stretched and thought about what to do next.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It was dinner time, so I decided this was a good time to stop for the day. I slipped in The Wall, turned the CD player up enough I could hear it in the kitchen, and started working on a stir fry; hadn\'92t had it in a while, and it sounded really good. While 
the meat was marinating, I stuck the Jack Daniels and Captain Morgan bottles (each seriously depleted, I noted) in the back of a cabinet, tossed the two empty two liters into a box with other empty pop cans (I live in a state with a deposit law) and just g
enerally futzed around cleaning up the place.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Dinner was good, and life looked pretty good while I sipped my after-dinner coffee. Only one thing was missing to make it complete, and I\'92d just have to wait for her. I imagined Christie sitting across the table, probably sipping an after-dinner Coke. I li
ked that picture, especially when it shifted slightly and a small auburn-haired baby with green eyes appeared in her arms. The phone interrupted that pleasant idea.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It was the house phone this time, so there was no scramble to remember where I\'92d left my cell. I picked up the kitchen extension and said, \'93Hello?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Ha-,\'94 and there was a small cough, and someone cleared her throat. \'93Harry? It\'92s Christie.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 My throat closed and a hand squeezed my heart; adrenalin shot through me as I tried to panic and exult at the same time.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Hi!\'94 Down boy, don\'92t sound so eager. \'93How are you?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I\'92m,\'94 she paused briefly, \'93OK, I guess. You?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I\'92m OK, too.\'94 }
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 How\'92s your face?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It\'92s OK. No permanent damage.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 So this wasn\'92t going to win awards for brilliant dialogue. Sue me. There was a brief awkward pause and then we both started talking at once.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Harry, I\'92m sorry I got mad and hit you and-\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Christie, I\'92m sorry I was an asshole and-\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 And we both stopped, and then laughed. It was good to hear her laugh.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Me first,\'94 I said.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 OK.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Look, I was an idiot and I\'92m really, really sorry. Things have just moved kinda fast, and my head\'92s still spinning a little, and I got out of line, and I\'92m sorry. What you do and who you do it with isn\'92t any of my business, and I\'92m sorry I made you feel b
ad, and I\'92m {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i really }sorry I made you cry, and I really hope you can forgive me. I like you, Christie, and seeing you with those guys just kinda threw me. I know I don\'92t have any claims on you, and won\'92t ever say anything like that again. I don\'92t know what k
ind of spell you threw on Harry Potter\'94 she snickered at that \'93but I like being around you. And I\'92d like being around you even if we weren\'92t having some of the best sex I\'92ve ever had.\'94 She chuckled at that, too.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 We are pretty good together, aren\'92t we? I\'92m sorry, too. I shouldn\'92t have hit you, but it\'92s just-\'94 she stopped for a few seconds. \'93It\'92s just that you\'92ve stirred up a lot of things in me, Harry, and it all exploded back out at you, and that wasn\'92t very fair
, and I\'92m sorry. And you\'92re right- it {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i isn\'92t }any of your business, but I\'92m really sorry it got thrown in your face like that. If I\'92d known you were back there, I\'92d have gone somewhere else. Or maybe I\'92d have dumped them and come on back anyway. I like you, 
too, Harry. You\'92re nice to me. Not a lot of guys are nice to me. And I\'92m sorry if I hurt you.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Since we\'92re both a couple of sorry ass people, what say we just forget it, then? Maybe we can have dinner and just be friends for a night?\'94 No, don\'92t push it, you idiot. Everyone tells you to take it slow, and the first thing you do is start pushing to se
e her again. Dumb, dumb, dumb.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I\'92d like that,\'94 she said softly. \'93In fact, that\'92s kinda why I called. Tomorrow\'92s Friday, Harry. I told my Mom I was going to spend the night at Lily\'92s. But if you want to, I\'92d like to spend the night with you. If that\'92s OK, and you don\'92t have any plans or
 anything. Lily will cover for me if Mom calls.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She wanted to spend the night with me? I\'92d have bailed out on a private orgy at the Hefner Mansion for a chance at that.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 That sounds wonderful, Christie. Are you really sure that\'92s what you want, though? I mean, you don\'92t have to do it just to show me you\'92re sorry or anything.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 No, I really want to. There\'92s some stuff I should tell you, maybe some stuff we should talk about.\'94 She hesitated. \'93You know, stuff about me and\'85 um, us. I mean, if you even want to think about\'85 us.\'94 She sounded scared, like she was afraid I would reject 
her.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 As if.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 I\'92ve been thinking about {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i us }a lot, honey,\'94 I said softly. \'93I really like the idea of an us. Are you sure that\'92s what you want, though? I mean, you\'92re a gorgeous and sweet little lady, and you could do a lot better than an old fart like me.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Just as softly, she answered, \'93Nope. I don\'92t think I could do {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i any }better.\'94 She actually sounded like she meant it; I glowed.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 What time should I pick you up, then?\'94 I asked. \'93And where?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Well, I get out of school at 2:30, then I\'92ll have to go home and pack a few things. Why don\'92t you pick me up at the mall at 4? Say out back, the door by the food court?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Sounds good. How about dinner and a movie?\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 That would be cool, Harry. An actual date, like.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 It\'92ll be a twofer for me. I\'92ll get to be with the prettiest lady in the restaurant {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i and }the theater.\'94 She laughed at that.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Lily\'92s right, you {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i are }a sweet talker. See you tomorrow, Harry.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 OK. G\'92night, Christie.\'94}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch \'93}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Good night, Harry. L- Miss you.\'94 And with that, she hung up.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 She almost said she loved me. Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod. My heart raced at NASCAR levels. I felt like singing (dogs howl) and dancing (people howl) and jumping up and down (low ceiling). So I settled for calling one of the better restaurants in town and so
mehow got lucky enough to get reservations at 6.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033 {\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 Then, on an impulse, I jumped online and surfed to the local entertainment page for our city. The local university was hosting the traveling cast of Phantom of the Opera, and it was only half-way through its run and would probably be sold out but I tried a
nyway. Lady Luck was riding my shoulder that day, because much to my surprise I was able to get two tickets, and fairly decent seats, too. I didn\'92t know if she\'92d ever seen it, but I had and liked it. But no matter who they had playing the female lead, I wa
s willing to bet {\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i my }Christine was cuter.}
\par \pard\plain \ltrpar\s3\qj\tx360{\*\tlswg8236}\tx720{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1080{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1440{\*\tlswg8236}\tx1800{\*\tlswg8236}\tx2160{\*\hyphen3\hyphlead2\hyphtrail2\hyphmax2}\aspalpha\li0\ri0\lin0\rin0\fi360\rtlch\af4\afs22\lang1081\ltrch\dbch\af5\langfe2052\hich\f4\fs22\lang1033\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0{\rtlch\ltrch\hich\i\loch\i (You\'92re getting kind of sickeningly disgusting, you know.) }}{\rtlch \ltrch\loch\f4\fs22\lang1033\i0\b0 (I know. And I don\'92t care.)}
\par }