ARoseCalledMiracleBook1Pt1

白浅星

% R. [# _, J; U0 Z% m5 z! ~, a ago, I lives. a day, States. I greenhouses. I seedlings, annuals, perennials, rosesclamoring a weeks. Jimmy's mine...mind 20/20 Jimmy's a jealous...so seedlings. I I "The Lab". I ate, I hybridizing. A I schedule. corner, though, me. a cultivar, a tea, I'd a years. Unfortunately thin, foliage. it. But, optimist, 'nothing ventured, gained', I a a fertilizer, wouldn't good, I a lab...whichever sooner. I soup, "Hey boss, a call."

I phone, "Thanks Center, David."
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"Good Mr. Hellsen, Summers. I gardens." , a a drawl.
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- }! d5 k" t9 e7 \1 f# @"Yes Ma'am. bills, calling."
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3 F) x* D" o% z) ]"Excellent. I a do. I'd home, a property, a I'm planning?"

"I that. It's aren't yet. you?"
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! E3 h7 L! V8 d; @9 I: P"How mornin', 9:30?" Yup, a drawl.

"Sounds good. I number, please?" goodbyes. I address, area, enclaves. a D.C. area. cynical, I estimate. a I with.

$ C$ p8 N/ K9 l9 ~. |9 R! |- y"Hey Jimmy!" I complex, was.
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1 N  B, t. W! k' O( y9 A"Yo!" lab..
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+ D. d! G- u" l) J8 II Mrs. I late. Also, boss, I beard, jeans, shirt, "You're 1800's man." I laughed.

0 x/ {, i: N! L"Yeah, yeah, yeah." away. He'd I didn't a a day's a day's pay. I Mrs. Summers' "house" problem. a lawns. I work, future.
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Mrs. Summers' enormous, of, with, stonework. floors. A garage, architectural house, left. a a it. sides. A portico, weather.

/ J4 s4 T+ X4 M% RI garage. I entrance. a plain, door, place. I can't I Mrs. 40 bid.

Anyway, door, Mrs. knock. I a surprised. I a a , a dumpy, graying, shoes, a a walker. I counts. I'd seen. I a face, large, green, a nose, cheekbones, a mouth. 5'9", skinny. a gym. light, hair, a bob, front.
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"Ahem," I reality.

% G+ Z$ t3 m9 `"I pardon, I'm Hellsen," I'm I embarrassment staring.
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- q8 W& V& W; w6 v( k"Hi David, I'm Summers." hands. "It's a you." table.

"First off, Mrs. Summers, me..." head, me, "You're a I imagined, I roses. please, Kate, friends, okay?" I nodded. "So, let's business. I a a back. it's done, I'd roses."

  f; l7 I" B% c2 R: v"Excellent." I table. "About be?"
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7 k; r% [7 Y( ~; e, F- ^3 m* V"Fifteen across. a there?" Mrs. I notebook.
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"Yes, please." property. back, view, I a fencing, shrubbery, cabanas. I Mrs. pool. a court. A everything. shed. Mrs. gazebo. good. a roses.

( O0 F' t- j8 t7 l"It a spot," I commented.
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"Excellent. inside?" Mrs. suggested. kitchen, "Would drink, I fridge?" Mrs. asked.
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"I'd some. sugar?"
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"Just I it, too." tea. I I again. Honestly, bottom, front. a tea. a table.

"Thanks Mrs. Sum..." a direction, "...I Kate," smiled.

I I'd fill. "Okay, Mrs...Kate, a gazebo, ground. okay?"
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"Sounds far."

# v' F) h6 ]) d5 ~"Excellent. Now, garden?" confused. "What I is: a there? bouquets. mind?"

# K3 O( g( E! Q$ C6 |% \) X"I now. I a whole. roses...especially ones. I fragrances. work?"

"I can." I up. "Give a week, I'll a a estimate. I days, alright?"
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1 ]7 m! n4 w7 N: P6 {' h+ q. E! m  E$ T. v"That fine. Hopefully, then." I a greenhouses. evening, I shop, I apartment. I a supper. I I program. I them. I I 'Mr. Lincolns', rose. I 'Double Delights' I a scent. looking, I a 'Peace' roses, flower. I reference. I rose, would, Mrs. asked, a whole. I a reds, pinks, whites, yellows. I teas, floribundas, a fun. I I a idea. I design. I wasn't right. I Jimmy. nose, sniffed, I'd work. So, I up, drive, later. I greenhouses. a day. I annuals, vegetables. quickly. I season. busy, profitable. evening, eating, I'd Mrs. Summers. I week. me'd a design.

Finally, night, I laptop, stumped, I daydreaming. I Mrs. my...her...garden. 1830's belle, a julep, a fan. I I'd selected. good. didn't, I it. I a rose. I a her. I a rainbow's appeared. I a I clock. 3 AM. I bed. I a run, breakfast. I SummersGarden.doc review. I I it. Excited, I Mrs. I estimates.

0 E6 R. o- f5 K8 r3 \: u4 s"David it's you. I I'd away. y'all away, on. I evening. We'll I ready."

"I'll a then." I greenhouse, estimate, laptop, again.
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Mrs. I knock. a plans. I a flat. I plan. down, a glasses, plans. I waited. plans, I woman. loose, flowing, a tailored, , blouse. a earrings. I blouse, benefit. 'Yeah, boy' I myself. five, 10 minutes, 50, Mrs. said, "I I understand. you've it's a rainbow."

"Exactly!" I table, understood. I table. "Sorry." I her. fingers. eyes, "I a I I teaching: G rainbow. roses?"

6 Y6 M' |' `# H7 I+ P"There rare. I a mind. I can't I'll I available. So, rainbow. 'll red, pink, roses, scent."
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7 a$ G1 _4 ^7 R& Z5 b9 T( |& qI a estimates. "Excellent. I original. I've received." plan, "Over here.." rang. I a available.

"Hello?" listen.
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"Hi Brantley," God! chest. weren't all. "I'm evening, I..." frowned, narrowed, a side. I smile, I scowl.

"What can't tonight?" I growled, "We've months. calendar." Silence. deepened.

"Don't...you...dare...tell 'something' work. You're company. it." pause, a time.

"Dammit Brantley, you're it, hiring? Fine!" phone. a I handset. a sighed, "I I shouldn't man."

3 i! B' U! R: {, o# l# p- \I stuff, Mrs. mind. Brantley, was, morning. I I wouldn't call, 'guilt association'.

"David, wait. a calls? finish."

( j/ @- K% v, f# L7 c! m7 k"Yes Ma'am. I a I'll I roses."

"That fine." distracted. I I her.

I a I handy. I a shed. year, I shirt, work. I a gazebo, soil. fine. dark, business. I didn't drainage. sun. good...actually good...it perfect. 'Damn,' I thought. 'I didn't contract.'

I open, "David? a minute?" Mrs. backyard. I waved. I shed, truck, towel, inside. I house, I hands. Mrs. grimaced, gag, sink. up, I table. Mrs. me. "Uh, David, I a question?"

"Sure."
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"Well, I earlier, I a up. Unfortunately, times, escort."
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9 h  R! A/ K$ F; S  B) ~* A% ?6 V"That's dumb, I'd it." I I'm person? a look, "You don't politics, you?"

"Not really, no. a I don't to. Why?"

"Well, state's party. I'm party's chairperson. Well, I attend."

1 I5 E8 v% J$ d: A  m# n"I see." No, I didn't, hey...
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"Anyway, David, I I u out." I a I didn't it. fluttered. Mrs. mine, "I you'd evening."
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1 E4 t- {* z; @I panicked, "Mrs....I Kate. I'd to, really, but, I mean...look me... I'm filthy, hair's long, let's it, you're a I'm a nobody." I breath, escape. "I a affair?"

Mrs. nodded, "Formal. tie"

9 V2 _( J0 ]; n" ~I arms, "You see? I don't a tie, a jacket."
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"David, a second. I'll you're totally, ahem, presentable. let's say, hypothetically course..." a smile. I'd smile. "If a a suit, evening?"
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( i+ t5 f/ |$ B1 x"Yes. Absolutely. I'd to." hypothetical, right?

, i+ S8 @7 j$ }0 |# R; i) k"Good." brightly, hand, chair, "Watch this." dialed. I a she'd earlier. there, a waited, straight, "Hello, Henri?" '', a cold. "It's Summers." A pause, hair. "Yes, perfect. You. Jacob?" paused, listening, surprised, "Really? That's wonderful. When?" pause, "That soon? it's a girl?"

"No? Well, congratulations anyway, Darling. business. I'm I I help. services. away?" look, smiled, a lips.
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/ h% y& U! b. {/ H% O, I6 j"Yes, I know, Brantley. Please, I 'I so'." A blind...or dead...to eyes.

3 w0 n; ^& C* S- H3 \3 E, r"Thank Henri, I'll hour." again.
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"Hello Jacob? It's Summers. I..." I I a ear. a again.

, h4 c1 g  N5 D"Jacob, I..." luck. I chattering.

6 X) L! {1 J9 |8 |"Jacob, please, I..."

' I! R/ B) l4 f) B% TFinally, "Jacob! Hush!... You. Yes, I Henri. I'm both. listen, I help. I a dress. up..." sighed, "I know, I know, him. I listening. Anyway, expertise. huh. He's big, I'll him." over, a buttons, speaker.
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"David?" asked.
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"I'm here."

"Okay, you?"
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# j7 V8 b/ A3 C# V% Q"Six five."

"Weight?"
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"Two I've a meal."
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8 [5 D# P( `* q; V6 N) _9 q9 h"Got it. Waist?"

" , meal."
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0 R" Z' x$ {3 m7 ~! G7 c4 U- D"Neck?"
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% d3 M6 L) o: f& u5 ?3 e6 d& r"Eighteen."
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# D$ X  [3 j* g% r" r2 [6 @! _"Mmmm. Chest?"
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I so. "Katherine, a measure?" asked.
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"Yes, a sec," kitchen.

"David?"

* s* l/ T2 V; w9 p+ r5 I  ?"Yeah, here."
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& H5 {( n( ]8 \) \"I wear?"

"Twelve E."

"Okay, good. what's inseam?"
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"38 inches...give take." kitchen, "Okay I tape, on," up. tape. I a perfume. "David, breathing," snapped, tape. I breath.

% z/ Q3 M& R! v: o) d; g"Okay. 46 a half."
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, b/ x/ E1 ]' N& ^; [1 n+ O( R; N"Aaah." whispered. I grinned. Mrs. a said, 'be quiet'. Mrs. spoke, "Okay Jacob, else?"
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! v( c- L( N  u" i- C/ e7 }"That's it. I'll hours."

8 A* g6 N( y: ?6 [' f3 i7 y"Good. then." phone.
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( g3 V/ \, w% g- }5 M"Okay, that's of," Mrs. relief. "You a up. 45 minutes."

"Jacob excited?" I suggested. Mrs. happily.
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3 }; I: P, q: i7 l7 \6 _"Jacob married. one. Anyway, they're adopting, girls't yet."
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"I there'll them."
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9 y9 V( D- e/ b"Stop it," smiled, "Those I've met. I'm favorite. don't else."
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  G( O3 `/ @8 p5 K0 Y* N4 {& A"So here?" I asked. Mrs. time, "Don't a barber! a stylist, won't it." head, continued, "If a barber, he'll again." unconsciously place.
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"Okay, I'll careful. mentioned?" hand, "Out door, right, right. Enjoy." me. apartment. a I soak. A corner. feet, glass, everywhere. A enclosure. a chair.

I a rack. I I vanity. I soap, a shower. I I door. I twelve. Amazing. hot. I I I wasn't apartment. I 90 lukewarm, hot, water. So, I again, I didn't anywhere. I didn't I Mrs. Summers. I couldn't I water, down, shower. below, quickly. I vanity, a shaved. I hook. you're you've a spot, it's there? forgot. I nothing.
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% O7 `9 W# h, R: P. wI a door. Mrs. side, crossed.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Summers?" I cover.

9 S4 C3 o; G  y; g2 a# }/ z# B"Who?"

6 l4 c1 N) u) m5 j0 \$ I"Mrs. Summ...Kate! clothes?" laughed, "Sure have. ripe, I you."

1 J  C$ j, M# R6 I"Uh, thanks? I wear?"
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"Over there's a closet, a robe."

I looked, a a closet. I on. I okay, knees. I (while Mrs. Summers' short) I door.

Mrs...Kate arrive. again. a glasses, coffee, glasses.
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5 T' }0 [9 j: j2 M# j"Is scale? a bush?" asked.
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"Yes. Why?" oh, thoughts?

"I theme. I reds." I 'But'.

"But..."

Crap, comes, "I more. many"

, T- i/ b7 B+ W0 J0 P& s7 `Oh, you, I relief, "Yes! problem. a I better."

  |" I+ {2 v1 c  X6 d% `& {"Great. Let's double...no, that...let's to, say, 11 12 feet, up. don't rainbow! don't end!" a teenager.
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I coffee. chair, "You a laugh. I I clothes."
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I singing? Anyway, I a cats, a outside, horn. I window. "That's Henri," remarked, "He's early." door. kitchen, "Darling!" dramatically, shoulders. fake, thing. her, "You wonderful. I work," exclaimed...modestly...although I couldn't Kate's wonderfulness. unseen, a slight, a cases. I table. sniffed, "Well, he's clean. I hands. down." chair. off. I 'artists...what do?' shoulders. So, I a down.

"How cut?" asked.

"Regular haircut, short, back," I replied.

1 Z' e2 e$ J+ m7 S"I wasn't you," snapped, "Kate, do?"
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"Do asked, Henri," I laugh. I also: arousing...and blouse. I legs. a barber's, stylist's, scissors. "Heidi, you'd nails." remarked. I a man. jerk, fantastic. nails. hands. I guilty, I'd I dirt. I both. I a overboard, heck. Kate's rang. "Hello?" a speaker.
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7 w, P  Y4 b; x+ A"Hey David, Jacob, I a I ask."

"Go Jacob."

( [# F+ B0 F, W; C"Okay, have?"
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"Blonde, a mine," me.
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" s0 k. ~9 K0 T$ s3 o5 ^% e"Nice."
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"What?"
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4 @9 R& Q' ~& P0 Y) p"Nothing! eyes? I accessories." closely, "Jacob, a blue."
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"Aaah. eyes. my." I sighed. giggled. I Heidi's smirk. house. him. I driveway.

% y3 t6 D/ }, U3 |"Well, interesting," I remarked, "Is that?"

. h$ D& \  W. K7 `0 ]; U"Not all. He's proper. one. I don't him. nice."
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% T9 `% z! Y$ P2 y/ l/ `" b"Thanks, I coffee?" I asked.
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"Help yourself," cup, "would a too?" (yeah, yeah, I've before. It's coffee...blah, blah, blah. me.) like. I me, I 'rose bible' I use. I entrance. I wasn't balked. I if, end, didn't them.

I up. I robe's covered. I sink. I dry. I table. I a driveway.

"Are a big, van?"
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; P( p% I. u9 j  E( c. v"That Jacob. don't him?"
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"Ah? I'm I robe. me?"

7 E# Q+ Q# B& y1 v  F% Q0 ^4 W. }"Are kidding?" hiccupping, "If robe, I a minutes. me, D.C. neighborhood's network. Hell, you'd a month." again, "Can a a house?"

4 _" q/ N6 B- D/ k& uHandsome? Me? I a van. racks. racks. uncomfortable I out, I inside.

"Would David?" way.
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* p" {2 w8 w9 k  g, S' W* wI room, shortly. a he'd out. I box.
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, \" _( P  n4 N# r"Just on, don't day," ordered.
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" ]4 W. k, w, i+ z: X( B" ~'Here again,' I I bath. u, underwear. I a briefs, a , a socks. I socks. mirror, I room. deep. jackets, other, trousers. shoes, shirts, chairs. "Let's work," said.
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% Z& t0 K' l' W. x2 G+ [6 N  Y*****Chapter 2***** differences. I a 'shawl collar'. didn't me. lapels. I lapel, lapel. we'd a I impression.
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! m7 D7 F& X8 p" _- L"Also, lapel," commented, "Will slimmer. You're f promise." So, 45 jacket. me, didn't results.

"I'm a Katherine," said. a time. I a lapels, mandatory. I shoes. a black, loafers. I women's I on. I a I leather, I didn't else. 'Edgar ups.' Kate, "He a style."
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"Maybe," Jacob, "But he's bailed. slack, Jacob." surrendered, "As Katherine, next."

5 T% o- }1 ]7 |" e! x: y9 I: i9 uI didn't shirt. standoff, I way. a pleats, a cuffs. I shirt, I a problem, "Jacob, missing." he'd a cufflinks.
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"Excuse Jacob," interrupted, "I a I husband. to, those." a sad.
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. H+ f# c# X5 u"I'd honored." I again. I something, "Hey Jacob, a it."
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4 R9 r8 X) u/ ~5 I6 M, X& b1 sJacob, a taste, eyes. "David, that's a boutonniere."

"Right. Sorry, I forgot. We've those. this?"
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"Of are. a you're a you're doing." point, "Jacob, David's color, listening."

"So?"

) Y& j2 p/ @- ?6 ~"When 'aaah' sighed, off. here."
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"Oh damn, I that. I laugh. She's a up. I I here. Cripes, he's unbearable. I'd home. Crap!" a chair. a bit, box. "Let's a now." ties, tied. I one"That's a b occasion. I'll it."
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"Don't on?" I innocently. recoiled, "Dammit David," snapped. a I me, "Do Herman? tie!" paused, away, "I'll back, I bathroom...where Katherine." directions.

+ x: r; [/ ~! f8 z% g+ ?"Jacob isn't haven't wear. gently. "Plus, I he's Henri." I phone. ahead.
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I kitchenatching greenhouse.

"David Center, Jimmy, I you?"
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"Hey Jimmy, David."
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' I4 c0 E) R6 r8 R2 l% o; \$ I"Where boss?"

6 f, b! Z5 w9 Y( A9 V, EI I Mrs. Summers' complicated. I business.

' u+ K) z  Z4 k' o: D# G"Jimmy I won't today. I said, here. want, do, I something. First, I a each. Second, I bud. I yesterday." I call. room, returned. tie. him, added, "Remember, David, doesn't perfect" ensemble, me, "Very good," Kate, "We're here." accessories. I shoes, rang.
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& O, `+ f3 `1 b) E3 J  wI it. I door, Jimmy's open, "Dang boss! Don't pretty. What's on? Who's girl? isn't it?" teased. I day's he'd flowers. had. I roses, baby's breath, greenery. small, perfect. I day. I a a moving.

  W( _$ o/ e1 ~& t# wI room. I Kate, I she'd garden. I Jacob, "I'm I've husband. I help." I bud, "Would this, I I I'm doing?" buttonhole. nodded. "You David. I'm a jerk. I you'll me."
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I van. hadn't anything. "Thanks Jacob," I said. "By Jacob. Who's Herman?" laughed, "No, David," I hands. smiled, "You're a Katherine," door. kitchen. A clothes. "We a here. don't change?"
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6 @* |+ r% f  u* d8 X# ]"Why a limo? Don't a car?" I asked.
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"Of I a car, I'll heels, shoes."

"I'm heels, I drive," I suggested.
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"Forget it. You're a dear, I wouldn't baby. So, it's don't go." brightly, "Again...Forget it. You're easily." I I about.

I change. I undid, tie. A okay. I again. up, smiling, "The I this, I it. know, I for, 15 I I you. I can't started."

"Excellent. I'll we'll need."

" ~, @/ K1 o% \  e# i"That I week. Okay?"

"Okay. I'll I anything." ready. upstairs, I 'Peewee Herman'. "Yikes! Jacob!" I I bath. chances, I again, shaved, mouthwash, dressed. I much.

I a room, room, areas. Finally, I wall. I a water. a I water. that, maybe, defective, I bathroom. I right. a relief, I room. a later. wait, stunning. (I later) a silk, , a V neckline, sleeves, a waist. a bun. a earrings. I hungrily...and a shame.
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" @9 T+ g  M& [: \: f# h"Do I okay?" asked.
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Speechless, I
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"I'll a yes." blushed. smiled.

I nodding, "You wonderful." closer, frowned, "That wrong."

3 l$ B0 \, d# c% C"I good. Besides, imperfections charming."

$ z* N% ^2 L% k9 ^# I7 C"No, this..." a wave, "...is charming. It's a mess. it." mirror. me, around, work. back. I perfume. I scent. reverie, "Okay David, I this."
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"I attention." I said.
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9 k+ u: ?3 j, \! Z& p'Just a tie,'
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I thought.

"There, done!" back.

'Damn, quick,'

I thought. I now.
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"Thanks."
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"You're welcome. know, either. That's I learned." clock, "The second."
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% x4 a7 H3 z' F8 QI jacket, a sighed. "Nervous?" asked.
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; i0 P0 u: Q6 v( WI nodded. "Yeah. this? I don't you?" hers. "Your sweating, relax, fine. a people." I a smile. "Plus," continued, "and b.s., you're a mistake, you'll won't one."

I a a philosophical musings. handbag.

I a guy, hair. "Good sir, ready."
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% M" s8 E7 W, v6 W& D2 R( I"Great. we'll out."

"Very good, sir." I 'Sir' before. I waiting.

8 a4 _7 B1 ]9 M2 m8 ?9 ^"Coming!" staircase. outside, door. I arm, nod, limo. in. moving, I I with. "Only three." quickly, "One: room."
' {( W- ?( |) L# v) C
"I agree. a explain." I smiled.

"Good! You're humor. Two: don't drunk."

"No problem, I don't alcohol."

"I do." responded. a cabinet. a a glass, back. a back. too. I a water, continued.

"Three: don't man's date." I'm rule.
, ^" j3 L$ x( }4 [
"What a me?" I laughed. arm. arm, "Ouch! kidding."
# S" N+ O: Q  }* m
"I know. I serious, I'd door." a me, "So David, a center?"

"It's a story, it?" a driver. "Excuse driver, arrive?"
/ u3 {7 `  b: C: v4 b3 N
"About 90 ma'am."

"Thank you." up, me, "Well, time, what's story?"

" V7 t# V& D1 M9 cI how, I 10, Florida's a vacation. a us. EPCOT. walked, I I love. I kneel, smell, varieties. I all. I pictures. home, I a own. agreed, I myself. I work. I neighborhoodtle I a '' a internet. arrived, I I'd yard. Unfortunately, I little. dead.
$ @* x+ ]" @& \# F* Y% W
I'm it, I'd me. I wasn't determined. summer, fall, I again. I 'Mr. Lincoln' 'Peace''re parent's yard.
3 v" S. T' s3 {; w7 s& C& B; ?
"Why pink?" interrupted.
- i: d! f& g8 N2 L9 N" k$ r; I
I I catalogues, 'Peace'. beauty. I her.

# J6 f% Q: Q2 n- v"What a son."
% F3 V+ @. v1 \7 x$ l4 d" P
"Thanks. I don't 'Peace' 'Mr. Lincoln' list."

"Of I noticed." wine.

( B' ~( Z- v$ y. J. |  M4 A; cI I a I 13, a a I 16.

# B" N0 q+ u9 _* p"You working," commented.

9 ~7 X) e$ m) U, p"Not particularly. I 14, I I horticulture. didn't approve. him, business. a a fund, he'd saved, I horticulture."

"So do?"

"Worked off. I I manage, allowed, newspapers, homework. I had, I a major."
7 x& }7 n/ }; O. d7 b, r3 i4 n) W
"Find good?"
1 n# p3 h+ l7 G* G
6 h& N+ X" }7 u% t( W3 H0 u& ^; j"Oh yeah! York. I accepted, didn't a package. I forever, I passed. I choice: Massachusetts Amherst. Cornell, a affordable. savings, money, a wasn't bad. I a years."

"How college?"

1 J  P8 k. K- _- x% ^" S"Good. A's B's, C Mr. Mr. Kierkegaard."

"Ah! Sum! " exclaimed.

  E3 `3 E8 z: O" D0 P- P% T# X"Please! Don't start." I muttered. "I didn't C class. a question: 'Why?' was: not. I 'Because'. I obvious. I was, I quote, '...that a stupid, answer.' wasn't amused. C."
8 a, o- {# x1 J9 a/ w
"Learn anything?"
* n" p8 z, c. e9 N# u. K
"Oh yeah! I a rebel."
3 Q! e$ b4 I. f$ ~
. S  h+ P( V9 T: f  c8 s"You're kidding!"

"Oh! I professors? less." down, "We'll minutes," said.
3 H7 C! L4 @. V; m, a5 ]: a
) }9 F8 u2 W- H! VI a sighed.
; ~3 V" C) G5 V: }
/ f) e9 w1 _7 X& V1 P5 g+ s6 P0 j"Relax David."

' w+ n$ n- w$ Y) I"Just nervous."

( K! K. ^  k4 a- m8 L  q  q! B, _$ @"I know. remember, a business. you'll a job. about." hotel. door. I out, jacket, Kate. a room. room. everyone, smiling, hands. everyone's name, spouse's name, a kids' names. me.
: j6 q, D7 F& F. n
4 a* x- y! L# GI anonymous, possible. I 'a businessman', a 'horticultural advisor'. I cards. hour, front. We'd a shrieked, "Yoohoo! Kate!"
' m4 _+ Y; C) i4 o& x. t4 `
I a arm, a short, , a hand. "Yoohoo! Kate, here!" hadn't heard.
2 Q- N# b1 E' o) j. |; E. H8 A
7 ]: g3 Y4 t& j"Oh no," sighed, "Natalie's again." a seconds"Kate! Darling! you?" direction. away.

1 j! s6 @5 j, H; @/ [$ L"Natalie, Dear, you," whispered. I a little. time, a room. us, "Natalie Hellsen, David, Jason, U.S. Jason. Natalie, bailed."

% ^! F- y' y) ]  @"Brantley ass. one's cute...kinda' though, isn't he?" Mrs. whispered, glass. "Can I you're done?" a ledge, missed, floor. hands. I drink. said, "Young man, shouldn't much." hand.

6 t! P! }( b" ["It's a you, Mrs. Jason. I've husband's Senate," I schmoozed.

/ z0 @, X! y: T1 _& Q7 N7 j"Really?" Mrs. around, "Well, I've run. Kate, we'll lunch. Bye." I "Yoohoo!," gone.
: m5 s' O  @- F& x. I+ S  L! g
"What things?" me.
, k/ E# ]' q# I( F. i+ X& H
8 {* F" C& u4 L"Huh?"

"You Jason. things?"
; y, `- K3 }2 y
2 U* c9 `( F2 |2 m4 S# T% y- r"I lied," I admitted, "Never him." I shrugged.

+ b$ s5 T: ]# z. H' w9 c0 m  q"And what," laugh, "Would husband's of?"

  Z- V) h6 A3 E/ M9 \! D0 X"I you'd out." again, "Let's moving."

A a champagne. I a a drink. I booze. a a gentleman, Kate, her. "Mrs. Summers, I a time?"

"Certainly Governor, I you?"
0 Y( p7 q6 b  [2 D: T" C
"I you...privately."

"I see." me, "David, I'll back." a 'few' moments. I down. startled. "Wow! You're me. night." me, away. returned. crying. I arm. "Kate, what's wrong?" eyes, "I room," again. I I carry, "Thanks," sniffed. room, a I moving. I wasn't well. ladies' room, in. shut, said, "David, don't away."

. u+ m2 |* L- ~% z4 C4 M"I won't move, I promise." Kate's privacy. I to, I her. Finally, 15, 20 out. She'd a puffy.
* }% d7 j! i! U8 h- b
! s2 U4 s: s* y# E* Z9 ?' f: lI hand, "Kate, now? on?" eyes, "They chairperson," again.
3 T( l8 N+ j- r% e2 H  ^. \
- Y- m3 ~5 w$ l+ y) `9 v0 c! X1 P2 g"What? Why?"
% T" P, O+ Z; v1 P9 h
" h2 a% ?  b5 Y3 I; Q! o"I don't know't there. Senators, party's representatives Congress, a well. said, 'Thanks you've done. resign, immediately'. I did. I it." again, "Nobody why. I why? I wrong?" me. I familiar. away, a breath, sighed, "Crying won't help, I control." herself. I control. breath, loudly, said, "Okay, let's night. later, I a while." ladies' makeup. a minutes, "I'm now. Let's go." room. room's changed. weren't now. They'd down. "It dinner," commented, "But I appetite."

I room. "Are cameras?" I asked.
) W( _. [; [% @8 u- {* N
$ U4 K9 L2 P3 \1 G"They are." answered, "Senator tonight. him. He's a two," her, "Or mouth." again.
4 a- T: e$ A7 s. q; n6 e
% a/ [# ~- T" U5 g"Should seats?" I asked.
2 r) k3 i) e4 _3 E
"Don't worry, we're set." a room. seats.

; p) L* N8 |* e$ Y"Isn't table?" I asked.

$ x0 l5 A3 Y5 o. R- V2 V"I'm chair, anyway. Let's down."
1 V: C  a& U6 _. [. A9 o9 d# [
I don't meal. recovered, food. I a a mouth. me. whispered, "Thanks me." plates. I untouched?
6 o5 D' d$ }3 e$ `2 m; y
) |$ R7 N& |9 KA podium. a a longer, flattering, speaker: Jason. distinguished, a voice. a politician. a head, part. a speech. a of...hell, I don't know, I rambling...eventually end, "My friends, you, 22 years. now, responsibility else...someone energetic. I immediately, I I family. you."

1 v: {/ `# P/ @! d0 \$ B"I'll damned," I mutter. uproar. room, I reporters, news. I he'd created.
$ `7 v, q  m9 }7 L) [" q1 q; l
"What now?" I quietly. shrugged. "Don't a clue. I didn't he'd me."

' B  E( P9 _8 m; O( |I podium. microphone. down, buzzing.
7 p9 N3 R, s0 n0 O4 |
"Ladies Gentlemen, Gentlemen...Please," a times. quieted. "Thank you. I a all. I'll I resign. aware, responsibility a term." room.
  Z; Y* w3 k* J
"I position. Therefore, I position..." Kate's arm. "Ladies gentlemen, party, Mrs. Summers." again. stitches. again, "Everyone, Please! I, party, Mrs. chair. I a reason. distressed, party, wanted. mind. Katherine, I deception." Kate, I a eyes, a nod.
6 |7 n/ r. q; a/ q3 }
"Ladies gentlemen," continued, "It state's Senator, Mrs. Summers." Kate's governor's a true. brief. opportunity. faithfully. exceptionally she'd prepare. down, "Easy Senator, I'm arm." smile. a said, "David? I now?"

  v$ o  A. m: @I hesitated. I a U.S. Senator? "Do said: honest, hard, best." smiled, "I'm listening, you. I was?" Mrs. congratulated Kate. relieved. Mrs. unsteady, foggy, on. Or, ass, own, way. Anyway, responsibilities exit. night, arrived, Kate, fawning. endorse. listen. crowd, I vu. I I before: I a Elizabeth's 2007. I favor. a a Kate's face. a own. face, said, "This a me. I a issues. I a teacher, a concern. I before, I state. you." question, exit. a photographers, that. hand. I ear, "Relax smile. We're here." A questions. I who'd gown. Kate's woman. That's I gown.

"Really! Wow!" again. car, open, us. slammed, silence.
" H& E" H% ?4 T7 |+ M
"Well interesting," I silence. side, "Only interesting? It's down." paused, "But what? I'm starving, you?"

, r" ~6 [$ a7 O" K+ F"Famished, I dinner, I couldn't was." a screen, "Excuse driver, I'm I ask, name."
9 V! e+ U2 b/ R& V8 c
"Call Addison, Senator."
% g1 g8 P# x9 z+ q8 g0 G
"So heard?"
1 d3 i; C2 H+ S# F" ~0 B' b: U
"Everyone's heard. crazy. I I I 'BREAKING NEWS'."

"That's lovely," grumbled, "Anyway I starving. eat?"
" g! r; i/ \! C
"Is a enough?"

& y: t$ m. H4 I( v0 C"That be..." I nodded, "...Perfect"

; E6 c! I) m+ D. Q' ~6 [/ I1 u% J"I place. It'll 45 minutes."

; |; \! w8 p& G2 |( X1 U& H* p& i"Fine." car.

I on. immediately. "Hello?"

. P/ e9 a. e# m3 {( b"David!" Jimmy. "I I TV! Senator? doing?"

1 b  r8 u+ n1 N8 d: [+ e, Y  n0 I, q"Yeah Jimmy, that's me. Look, ahh, I what's tomorrow. now."
5 q% a) b; z, _1 E& `
, r5 E  K. Z$ L1 F9 H"You're here, right?"
1 p+ B# s! [1 ~
) l. t% r. h1 y9 H& m' Z: ^& U"Yeah. I you. Now, I go. We'll tomorrow."
4 f- W/ A7 k! j+ d4 d& Y
1 B+ P) T$ i$ ^9 ?  }/ Y( g& N"Bye Boss. a evening." I I phone.

I Kate, "So...Senator Summers...It a it." grimaced, "Don't dare." smiled. laughed. "You David, this, now, he'd off."

*****Chapter 3***** a I asked, "How politics?"
5 Z& R' T0 |& S
' z+ P6 n( S0 m" Y' v$ i"It's a story. a second, that's said!" laughed. me. a I calves.
* R% O6 J' o& Q* \
"The 45 minutes, that's a story." a me. a family. nerdy. in. a i dumped. a a touchdown. 2nd class.
3 |7 K% L; d$ q( Y% z
& G. _8 n4 |7 m+ w" K& H"What school?" I asked.
1 V5 Z4 W) G' o6 o+ t8 B
"My Virginia. I credentials. I A's...a B's."

- }0 @. |/ R; \"So a teacher?"

"Yeah. That's I husband. I a position. I wasn't success, I D.C. area. I a a shake. thing. place. a table. chatted, blouse. didn't guy, I a scene. a a blouse. I declined, corner. I evening. other's again. a 13 later."

, x' w8 S1 T; X; t"So a teacher?"
$ }: h: `3 D0 h8 E) U( X
, g& m) A. {! q7 X"Good no! Summers. You've 'Marcus Capital' haven't ?"

/ C2 e8 i8 h. H9 ^* y"Not really, no." I lied.

# \  L+ I% I: l) H2 l6 b"Huh. name."

"Sorry." I couldn't I business. They'd investments.

, {/ g7 f5 d2 A& a0 z"Don't be. complicated. a genius. he, I, kids, grandkids, grandkids, grandparents...even 2nd, 3rd, 4th spend. me...as died... a I spend."
, e2 O( s3 k7 q8 j7 Q9 {8 b
"He a guy." I suggested. I sincerity.
; z" H% `! Z/ |; N9 L6 W
2 [6 P2 D5 v- o# Y" Q! r' j" f"That depends. I've a stubborn, ruthless, arrogant, brilliant...jerk I've him. warm, funny, loving, generous." down, "We're there. I you're hungry."
8 S' F% ^. `9 r  O7 j
"Starrrrving!" out, "What's here?"

"Everything's good." paused, "But I life, 'Celia's Melt' fries, course." a second, continued, "Or, I a really, day, I'd ', '."
' b: j! H$ f1 n
"It well," I commented.
  {. w* R" J3 m* B) V7 g
' n: V. G+ E+ x0 k, k  |- R"You that" a turn.

7 o8 N9 g# I( \I a side. building. I

'Addison's Diner.'
" C8 C: ^7 F; A  B
% _7 O, J& ]' r: Z"Addison's Diner?" I a tone.
7 `% z! K& s! ?1 q5 m
% c( z, s( K5 V' Y3 }; f; a% H9 s3 W"Hey!" heartily, "You I menu, didn't I it."

"He's there, David," in.

$ a7 p# m3 S, {7 h4 x"Thank you, Senator," responded, continued, "My I old. I first, favorite, grandchild, me. I I 13. I a week. I a busy." door. Addison. wanted. a other.

/ d& o# g, `8 Y  u4 u0 zA quickly. a Kate. Brunette. Attractive, a way. drink. I water.

left, I a minutes. good. a hers, "David, I a I you."
1 B* U% y6 g3 t7 A" |% |
. L0 n0 c  F$ M8 c0 y8 B8 i  K* v'Uh Oh' I myself, "Go ahead," I loud. listening, whispered, "David, heaven's a melt?"

& `( @7 V6 f: a+ D" x" wI laughter. I I on. I giggles.
  c! P( A7 u! j# c
I Kate. skeptical. "Trust me, delicious." I finished.
. V) Y- x% F  N
"Okay?" water. "Hi folks. order?" grinned, "I'll Celia's Fries."
9 O& k" L% X  y* w
/ h; @. T. _" U: c/ m"Excellent choice," commented, "By way, I'm Celia. I'm Addison's mom."
$ S  }9 r# p8 U# ]/ @
"It's Celia," I unison.

"And have, sir?" continued.
: ~( E2 i2 s' b! c" l
"I'll a day." laughed, "You've Addison. favorites." order. I food. a crash. plane, wrong. wrong, site, a a ground. "So, I was, a 33, do."
. M& g9 _1 o; C( ]$ e
  m: N$ k; ~- U/ a) h, F"Didn't a teacher?" I asked.
& Z6 L* e& t1 d# A" F; C
  X+ V8 R$ _, x6 I: I6 {" D+ \"I was. I years. I it. rude."

"I'm sorry." I automatically, moments.
5 n/ W  d: c9 s  Q6 ?4 D
"Don't be, weren't students...were you?" a second.
5 j! ?) x5 U8 u3 p
"Nope. I'd I a you." I I I'd said. "I mean...I didn't mean...When I said...Oh God!" Kate's okay. hand, "Don't it. a compliment."

"I didn't..." I embarrassment food. rings. I understood, now, burger. burgers, between, of, them. Lettuce, tomato, I them. I mayo, half, a bite. "Oh God, I've tasted," I food. I swooned. didn't I couldn't a word. groaned. I smiling, closed, a melt. her. "This wonderful, ambrosial, luscious, delectable," chew.
& x7 g* M) P0 a" O  i$ G! @
+ z1 R+ H  u0 Q8 A) ?"Yeah. That's I say." I grumbled. silence, pleasure. eaten, maybe, 1/3 said, "Want it?"

1 K8 ]( S3 b1 X; c& F"Absolutely." I a rings. them, person's better. Finally, I I couldn't more. I back. I head, "That good." I mouth, out. a mine.

"Amen." head. I couldn't silk.
2 o/ c* G4 Q0 x) t
Relaxing, I diner. a end. customers. I couldn't showing, read,
1 H0 ]5 {+ x6 R; V: v/ v9 b
" h; j4 C  q- u3 k8 {4 `'Political Shocker'.
  _9 z5 ^* ~! N$ |% D1 f: i
1 s1 H2 s2 m9 v$ ^* [. A( y9 g"Oh boy," I muttered.
2 Q1 ]* s( a2 N7 V9 b/ W3 S
' P2 A0 }0 h+ a4 `% G( H"Hey Addison!" yelled, "You this."
( {5 h2 O4 h, j) O- b$ h
"What's wrong?" asked. screen. "I knew. work." paused, "And don't guests!" barked.
0 B. b; N' G3 |
  r0 O# T2 b9 w- }' ^; q/ d"The out. TV. looking." I quietly.
' A. l  h* q7 g1 `$ G" j
: D9 Y: W$ }3 b' M0 Z! T"Oh dear." TV. A greetings. smiled, nodded, back. us, "I'm this. I on, I wasn't thinking."
6 Q, h( {! N% J8 B8 Z. W0 P
"I I'll it," shrugged, "Don't it. We're time."

"Didn't I you? U.S. a visit."

# j$ u$ X7 x0 _; ^+ P$ q"But Addison, good, us..."

5 e- z/ f" q. q  a6 l' b5 ~: _"No!" Kate, "This me. discussion."
7 S1 S7 x3 j1 x: Y
8 z. W0 n. b/ a9 U* s' O"Thank you," defeat.

I chair. he'd ready. exit, ear. "Oh no," exclaimed, "I earring, I'll back." table, around, back, "Got it! Let's go." limo. a back. sighed.

% _5 h: ^6 X3 I8 A1 k: y! E4 CI her, "So, Summers, your, ahem, earring?"
8 p9 d6 \$ B, [$ j! v
. X/ r: I2 E, ^. z9 k; z# D"What? much? I'm I don't understand." a innocent.

"How much?" I again.
5 R: e  U! v- _5 P$ {. E  W4 c
  X5 \- B( D4 @) t"" eyes.

I laughed, "It much."

- w- J3 I1 E) E" }; g" \$ P"It was, wasn't it?" shoulder.

! O7 s( i9 M4 a9 _0 |) a1 _+ R; h' D: J"You know," I hinted, "You question"

"Mmm." murmured, widely, "Not now." house. arrived. a herself. up. Addison. screen, "Okay, Addison, we're set." car, money. it. I wasn't a senator. door. I did, her. I a kitchen. phone, "Oh Dear!" exclaimed, "There're 25 waiting. Well, it, 'til morning." area. forward. I floor. I upright. balanced, I grasp. didn't. me. I forward, her, slightly. contact, me. I me. again. I a lip. Kate's gasped, "No David! I'm sorry, can't this." shoe. I hand. "It's Kate. don't me."
2 X1 p. c" Y& T7 g9 S
8 g; p- d/ n) X; p"David, I'm old. I don't you." panicked.

" d$ I5 x* r6 V4 n' u6 uI hand. "It's Kate. Relax. You're me." a breaths, hand.
- P- Q) C1 X  y5 y' N
% [2 h) ?8 |6 w2 L2 E"Come me," I said, she'd bowtie. I her. I collar. "Ah good," I sighed.

2 _' u& j. P7 Y) }" EI mirror. "What see?" I softly.
3 h4 u# B1 Q+ E! @' Y! F, H; A# C
5 g& a0 A% A8 }+ g2 [# C5 s! c"That's a question"
0 J2 B8 a- j$ v4 W9 L
9 Q& H/ u5 }: c( x"Wrong answer. see."

"I see," frowned, "An aging, worn, a man."
2 \# ]  Y3 j. L/ ^8 x
, o5 h: y' x" ~  t/ T8 H"I'm I'll a months...thank handsome.."
* z+ ]) f. ?( a8 c% z& D8 u
9 N9 |: V, B" b  ?* y"God!" wistfully, "I'd again." a eye.
! F, |7 ]! c6 U& U# j$ h
3 K# @* I9 F8 \+ G2 `" y# Z5 a( f"Kate, dammit, again," I exasperation, "Do I see?"
% V1 j8 _/ c$ W, a8 d
"No. Wait...Yes!"

"I beautiful, desirable, I eye," I a ear. a I hair, "Or she's afraid...no terrified...that she'll a hair." I I a a smile. "Although I don't that. he?" mirror. "No, wouldn't." up, a cheek, "Thanks talk. I'm gown" upstairs, shoe.
/ V( I7 v3 }8 Z: l
6 a& C' A, o1 l; y; e5 _I changed. I bag. I packaging. box. I keep. shirt, jeans, boots. I hair, "Damn," I muttered, "Looks it's Cinderella."

$ g2 \6 a1 o' L. z; v; F/ yI chair. hadn't yet, I kitchen. I a glass. I kitchen. black, , sandals. She'd short, she'd morning. open. a bra.

$ b5 a, x1 d" |" m"Tea?" asked.
! Z/ d& U  f; |# A/ T* p
) s. N9 V( r! b/ v& S3 r"Yup."
" P, s" K+ e/ ^" }  a9 F
( K/ \( n3 C; s  i/ e"Would one, please?"
! i( D$ t1 f$ B/ X
1 l5 p  K( s3 X& _* v5 [3 O. B"Sure." tea. plan, "Was me? God, 15 hours." table.
2 t9 z6 L  Y- b; Q% K9 H
# m; h, a# r, K' t, \"David?" whispered, "Do I ?"
! u( n# s9 b3 E4 b3 A0 H; j6 J
"No." tensed. "I think," I loudly, "You thirty. amazing." I smiled. smiled. "And don't I you're sexy...but I sensual," I tea.
- ^" g) n6 {( g1 G+ d' i! T# t: s
7 i/ c2 M" m2 |5 c) }- E$ S4 q7 S1 r"Why?" asked.

' H6 h: [# \" b4 t* b# a3 b! UI think. forward, table, hands. "Okay. I eyes. I color. Second, I yourself. condition. You're trim, skinny, you've places, excess."

5 y3 `- ^) T" i/ ?( _& F"You that?" asked.

/ U( x) T4 D3 R! m+ Z0 Q"Hell, that's I I you!" I exclaimed.
  [) S% F4 i5 B* F' }
7 x1 S- b& R: x"Thanks. it, I I door."
4 W( V  q/ @- `/ a' T+ _
"But me..."
2 m) v' R! b8 ^' ^( \0 @* N: F
"What?" more.
) }& ^% R9 k7 @6 X3 }8 P
I a hair, "This. wonderful. It's I streak." I a second. "Oh, thing, it's short. I women."

"Really?" back, "I hair."

& d5 B; h- i# [0 M3 v"Yeah, do, it's 'the better'."
5 f$ j& g& C) ?- m
"Have hair?"
8 J6 s; u) d5 O
+ f' ~. T! @  H! v' R6 L"Actually no."
/ d9 e' @3 N" Q1 o' q
"So mind?"

I smiled, "It's story."
9 k9 s: j2 T" A1 C( h0 S# b. ^
" c- a$ J! |' O% B0 v. \"There a tonight." bowl. "I'm waiting." prodded.
: c4 V+ s8 a8 x/ ?$ Q
"Okay. grade. I fifteen. I a named..." I memory, "...Sarah Towles. long, thick, hair. gorgeous. waist. down, didn't a hair."

"I mean," nodded, "So happened?"
! o: h, I4 K9 g* s
: I9 T' {4 J4 e! p" d0 ?, X6 Y"Well, male. I don't did, to, her, names, locker, thing. 'bitch' 'slut', 'accidently' arms, her. rumors. you'd a STDs. hair. I off. I big, I I of, report, I way." I hesitated, me.
" _7 l1 F9 g8 N" ?
"What happened?" asked.
" m: x2 V3 g# ?5 E' U
# l8 l4 |5 l7 l* R; m( G"I a I friends. awful. I a I hair'' administration me. I refused. Finally, didn't school. week."
+ m8 X( e( _6 Z7 z, f6 y4 |$ i7 P
$ [( l# e* H' Z3 E8 u0 ?" }"Oh no! alright?"
& r0 N; G! u2 k$ k2 A- g1 n
"I so. week, gone. She'd inch, a half. I that, anyway, hair. I week, I'd seen." hand, "Did together?"
9 A6 s0 L% Y2 X1 E
3 X+ x  p( k( F# K"That's thing. I year. I times. I again. I've a hair."
. o/ e$ O. N; y3 {; D
1 }* S% o  L* z"That's sad," fridge, "More tea?"
0 h% _. @$ j( S& {8 c. r# b1 U! u
, |) V! |, B' X. f"Please, I first."
) Q  Y: t, }8 ]0 R- O' F
I hands. kitchen, I me. asked, "So hair?"

$ P) `- a. p; T, ^& w; n"Oh yeah."

"How short?"
5 i/ `7 X# q5 l4 L
6 F* ]# |  O  z6 F; {9 s"Very short, I don't I'd cuts. Two, three, inches, a more, ideal."

"So 'really' hair?" me.

( o3 F1 r1 r' }, [% }"Yes." I leading.

7 ?3 f, X4 }$ Y8 `' ?"You 'really, really' hair?" tight.
: J/ R' w  [! b7 e' J' t" u% q
"Absolutely." table, herself.

2 k8 U! X6 l. H: l+ x"Let's room." up, hand. "David, I a secret, anyone, I anyone, I it's alright?"
# ~, ^1 X2 A' M8 w
"Of course, I a confidence."
. B6 F0 b5 \" ]$ l6 v/ l: A4 Y
7 r& m$ y* F5 \2 I"I know," shyly, "But I'm ask."

, o$ V  R& G" A, U0 q% o6 V"Do wait?" I wasn't nervousness.

"No, I know." a finger. off, and, proud, wig.
* l1 D5 K: U( [
* u2 D5 ?/ x2 ~! V"Oh God! Sh..!" I stared. , short. 2 1/2 back. a a front. wasn't a bright, radiant, red. astonishment. something, I didn't understand. "Huh? say?"
, h, B: I# h1 ^$ z! `/ F
"I it."
/ v1 S* F+ `, {* F; ~
/ h. }  ]7 J' _$ R1 n4 e7 `I vigorously, throat, "Your beautiful, I it," I hoarsely.

"Yes." me. I hand. I hair, felt. I right, hair. Kate's touches.

7 }" e& E% X  J) Y0 bI me. I I head. I ears. touch. I couldn't longer. hair, I a nibble. shivered, me. I arms, me, neck. I kisses. First, neck, ear, neck, ear. I kisses, tight. wasn't a time.
* Y& b, z& ^  _. }' F1 T7 p
I a hair. I it. breasts. I material. I again. smaller, I nipples. I a finger. I way. perfect, right. smooth. God, silk. I her. head, me, a kiss. a dominance, forth, touching, sucking.
' n1 J+ V6 f$ T! G% R+ j! s
me, hard. I time. I her. I badly. stairs, "Come on, way." bedroom. around, "This room." a bed. bed, breasts.
% X4 z4 U$ q# v/ ^/ N$ t
"Ahh," pleasure, "This good. me."
+ D9 o, }4 s3 i2 _% L
, j) H4 q  N; B6 z) q. t: z"It a massage," I offered.

"Would you? you." edge.

I squatted, sit. I massage. I toes, arch, heel, instep, foot. "Oh lord, good," begged. a I toes. attention.
* C) r7 s3 W( c/ {2 Q
"No one, husband, before..." hummed.
- O: n1 P- _* j' P" ?) F% O6 ]
4 ]8 k4 M; B9 O- T/ [$ P"Calf muscles?"
7 l$ W: A+ P# S! A" {& U
' B* v1 i# B5 I: Z8 w" ?; n"Please."
; h! ]% T4 S! e3 {7 H' p: ?
I calves, a me, "Wait David, I don't PJ's them. up?" I tried, calves. I luck. waistband, pajamas, "Just off," barked.
2 w( W8 H& s/ V
I she'd wasn't panties. back, closed, didn't other. I triangle. a blonde, a redhead. I didn't other.

I massage. I gently, Kate's I muscles. I a time. yell, "Ouch." add, "Don't David, good." I calves, humming, I thighs. didn't complain. I rubbed, kneaded, fingers. I thigh. I belief. I wouldn't slapped, I mound.

5 ^. L) x# F( }& P' Y- b" L. x- r"SNRRK." asleep.

*****Chapter 4*****

'Welllllll, stinks,' I I bed. I I didn't up. tired. I her. I 4 AM. I I sleep. I a linens. I a room. I couch, clothes, a pillow, down.

I night, I I Kate's hair. "Daaaviiiid?" Softly, away. I me.
2 X0 C$ d; p* V9 \
"David." Louder. Closer. insistent. I dream.
  f" J; K$ w. I! U' m
"David! Up!" ribs. a room? disorientation confusion? Well, that's I I awake, sheet, couch. Kate's a mattress. didn't laughter, "At you're awake. Now, phone."
$ x3 o, y" v# l4 o7 E$ Q
6 w* O  O+ {7 ?* ~* _"Yeah. Wait...What?" Kate, laughing, sheet. I ringing. I jeans' pocket.
: H6 c# p% o. e+ C+ n
"Hello?"
* Q  q7 D2 I( N
& e9 _" ~; M: i+ U7 W2 }2 B+ s3 X; x"David? It's Jimmy. okay? you?"

: ]1 ~  T3 X% r- b"Huh?"
1 O. P, s' x4 M
"Boss, it's 11 aren't work. I worried."

"Crap! I'm Jimmy. I a I overslept. Sorry. I'll I eat."
6 }3 m& i2 t' `5 L( H% e% f: s; u& {
0 |& [% x7 y1 _6 f/ I"Okay, boss. Hey, you're what's happened. of?"

"Yeah. that?"
- N/ T! L- z0 S+ e$ C7 k
"God No! you've it."

"What happened?"

"You'll here. I've go, customers. you're okay."
7 ^! k! b, ?0 R, _
. P0 Q: R1 g6 i* G"Talk later," I a phone.
) }, I* s9 ^" {! }" [
"Awake now?" couch. a sexy, , blouse.

6 J4 T, E( m" f& u& g3 d9 O"Yeah. Thanks."

& X0 j- I* ]9 l5 Z& i  \0 ]. r"You're welcome. breakfast?"
0 Q$ W3 N, b; h. C; V% d2 v3 p
"Whatever you're fine."
# C+ N4 T% R  E7 `$ S
"Are kidding? I ago. I didn't you. coffee, toast, eggs?"
3 z  R0 T3 P. X4 i0 s& T+ I# N
+ f' Q. J& p  s* x'How sex?' I thought. "Sounds good. Thanks." I loud.

"Ah, David, I a question?"

2 ]1 M% e% _: n- r# X/ \& l7 A"Sure. What?"

"When I morning, I arm. Um, we...you know..."

"No didn't. I legs. I sleep."

"And couch?"

"Yeah, I'm I didn't home."
5 R& F2 [  Y3 _) b. P4 g
2 p# f$ O* V% o( K- {1 C9 j"Don't sorry, that's I meant. didn't bed?"

# Y- O+ |6 P( Y6 A: d3 M- d- }  F"I it, didn't right." I shrugged. "And know, apartment." kitchen.

I I'd underpants...and prodigious. Embarrassed, I kitchen. coffee. I a sip, "Mmm, good," more, "By way, Kate, repacked. today?"
0 p3 A; c8 O, z; Z5 H+ u
"What? No. keep. a 'thank you' a yesterday."
# I1 A% f# G' M1 L% L6 N, W5 ~0 _
5 Z$ P" x3 J4 K5 `5 d"I do."

: U7 C0 h6 L+ O; h"But you're did. again."
- X- M) I2 b% ]0 y* U( K# x& s4 u( F
"My pleasure." I toast, eggs, I a tuxedo. "Thanks Kate, I work. roses.

1 i' ^/ }3 m/ V# L6 o  h$ E"Okay David, night." a I greenhouse. I drove. I day. I I skin. I I didn't accident. I area. "Mornin' Jimmy, what's up?"
4 S# q* a+ F! {, R# y
"Come me, ain't this." I I 'The Lab'. door. I room, I a strong, citrusy, scent. I smell, me, "Come on, you've this."

I forward, right. I I found. thin, , I'd tall, bushes, lush, extraordinary, roses.
7 i6 O" a( ^% J9 K: G+ {" G
% V& Z' U) [6 S4 v/ e"My it's beautiful," I marveled, "Is I I lab?"
! h+ o9 Y6 B4 e/ ]
"I so," said, "It here."
5 {6 @( l" x: ^8 u! l
"Well Jimmy, a last. heavens' bucket." Jimmy's 'watered' a a fertilizer. one. Luckily, generic, I didn't much. I didn't a a again. 6 p.m. so. A couldn't I them. it, plants, equipment, a neighbors. left, I 'CLOSED' in. I bag. I a I home. I I apartment. I there, I hallway. I stairwell, I side, "It a son." I floor'Old Marvin'.

"Thank you, sir. I I okay."

4 `: W, S& J. T0 k"You don't sir, son. I man."

$ J7 ?0 C6 o2 c2 k8 y! X"Yes sir. I sir. I mean...oh boy!" I hand, "I'm it's you." hand, "Tom Marvin, Sergeant, USMC, retired. It's a David. You're floor, aren't you?"
/ R/ l8 r9 ~$ |6 O9 U
"Yeah, I'm district. Thanks. I a a Marine. a officer...something that."
8 N0 o) i" ]8 p
Mr. chuckled, "Well, son, a NCO, a jaded...at butterbars. he'll decent."

"I me. skills. I a gymnast. I bruises. I a aggression. I 'Never you're life!"
  P& {1 U% |' C
"Amen that!" Mr. loud. "You know, I 60's. a lecture. 'kick nuts, kidneys, out, he's moving. handiwork. privates, up, you'd a zebra'."

Mr. breath. up, eyes, "Laughing 100 pushups."
6 T* N/ q: X/ y' H6 `" R: F7 B( m9 p
"How a Marine?" I asked. grinned, "Once a Marine, a Marine. that. I 1963. I 17 father's form. I up. I 'Nam. a Hearts...nothing serious. I a Guard. I assignment. I sucked. I 1st Battalion/8th Communications."

' k4 e9 t. R8 }4 i8 x2 {4 U"You retired, roommate, Mike, 20 years?"

0 P' t3 C0 g! j% S% h# J"Yeah. That's a retirement. a 50 pension. It's a 20."

"If?"
' v! v: W5 F. A# P
"Yeah, if." a leg, "We 'Peacekeepers' a barracks. motherfucker...pardon language...killed 200 leg." Anyway, couldn't these, I a 20. I'd but...."
- X- [7 S! g# S# o- m
2 f' P! S) D' g0 O+ K6 e8 yI couldn't leg, "I'm sorry," I blurted.

( B2 g- k8 _/ {3 D$ w  l/ K"Nothing son. I I I there'no thanks' papers. what's a bitch? I a that's 40 years." laughed.
3 ^; }5 ^) n0 T/ Q) [  g
"Well, son, I I've enough. I'll business."

"It's a Mr. Marvin..."

5 p0 j6 L. P# w- B( j. |& @% X"Please, Tom."

; S! Z9 |  X) C6 A" n4 B) ~"Okay, it's a Tom. I'm we'll around." I apartment.

3 n: `0 H" l4 z2 ?" c* tI Sunday. I a breakfast. I I a ham, corn, scramble. I don't a I instant. I Kate's coffee. I I I UMass. I center. booming. I up. we'd sold. a worked. a minimum. ESP. I Monday.

" ]* [/ ]3 j( O"So, it's I now?"
, C% Z5 Y/ l/ R
"Yes. you're ready."

6 E; J4 C5 o+ f"Excellent. I I'll know. Thursday, I paperwork. I of. I Kate's order. Finally, I a a I day. I midnight, a salad, showered, sleep. slowly, I a Saturday. I counter, Kate's garden. I two, hours, most, gazebo. I'd a I right. I first, I I ground. expected. said. closed, I I place. But, line, I up. I lab. I it. great. flowers. long, canes. a Rose. I I area. wasn't a Kate's project. I all, checklist, free. I didn't business.
  Q( |2 C1 G5 k  P& g
: P* U  `  S- V3 [% o/ L5 MI I closed. I machine. I "Hi, It's David," phone, first. hadn't plans, everything, a campaign. dismay.

2 E# f8 P& V0 r3 XI I'd I started. time't me.
* S" c' b; m! t, d) ^3 P* ]- L% w1 ?
! [) K/ C% R3 ^/ d# E! M  pI days. I didn't necessary. I truck. I Kate's 5:30. I yard. I work. Kate's I expected. 75 I done. I stakes. I I a right. I truck, evening's work. I loaded, driveway.
4 `, ], T! s0 L. c
"David! You're already?"
! C% x3 d2 I! K6 {7 x
& t5 T: ?( G! F$ w7 g2 D"Yup, don't waiting. I area. I can, I'll digging. it's okay, I'll planting."

, f# ~% C3 K) q' b1 C"That great. I didn't soon."

"Well, see, I've 85 a greenhouses. things." laughed, "Sarcasm doesn't you."

"Truth is, I can't like," I finished.

6 X+ b6 Z1 T8 w' s+ k. g- `"Me too. I I'll night," said.

! y/ T( T* ^- qI a today. a streak, a a wavy, style, length. her. I I red.

& I9 `+ R0 S- h" PI hair, "Your nice. secret?"

"Yeah. secret."

  e$ J/ X0 s4 Q6 l- T* D4 r"It you. I hair."
* D3 T# ]9 B/ h) l2 W# _
$ S0 B! T$ g- {1 w$ ~"Thanks, I it, favorite." talked, I in, "David! Wait!" yelled.
# h$ i7 q3 _# A- S3 y2 _
"What?"
9 ~( C& M" }/ }1 H; Q# ]
"Can I dinner? I Gianinni's, share?" Gianinni's Pizza, "What kind?" I asked...playing get.
8 I8 ?; x& s. Y; f0 M5 E" R
9 i5 M& W; X& A7 Y9 [0 C9 S"Pepperoni..."

3 R: Y, F9 |1 R- c. j! O/ B"Sounds interesting..." Didn't eager.
* o% k+ f+ B( R0 h/ [0 s
& V& H# F4 H2 Q! ?9 i: T"...and pepper..." commit, yet.

"...mmm, good..." there.

; }* t$ x! p) U( C$ v6 E( V' i2 O"...and mushrooms." arms, no.
+ Z2 ?1 D) B# W' [) @/ Q1 m
6 h9 h: @+ G9 j% vI truck, "What eat?" I politely.

% S. C) ?/ I  n# F% {, f9 Y" L3 p"How hands?"

+ u3 |+ T: S9 e+ P# @2 p"Do I soap?" house, "Come on, let's eat." door. wouldn't hands. eating. a Gianinni's I stuffed, crazy. kitchen, I baseball. "Yeah, why?"

+ p& n2 U' B  h( c"The tonight. watching?"

  f& Q, }4 t/ S% R+ L"Sure." Hell, I'd Kate. couch. I remote.
! o( n3 t$ i- c% j( ^% m
0 e/ q' M, I+ tNow, you, (particularly males) remotes. stumped. Finally, I it, I Kate, "I thing," I admitted. a button. A large, wall, sight. A space. life. a on.
; m% L. M  Y* O
* j9 w- @' y  Y7 I"God! I year," finished. screen. runs. didn't anything. "Damn, can't a fastball," commented.
1 @& s8 h3 I! o  Q% A
2 e$ G, @. o5 X4 i/ o"Uh huh," I answered.

, y( u" z) F/ x; J1 t"But I good. it."
, X! ]2 i5 k1 w0 \8 f( }
6 u! S. D6 t; Z8 }# c7 N+ C"Uh huh."

& R6 ^% p% z4 j/ U5 U7 ^+ R. U2 Y"I don't better."

  c+ y. S/ E# e# X& v; U"Uh huh," I I scores.

Suddenly, "What think?" me.
+ W5 M$ n% G6 d; Z4 y: E
0 c, b8 H* B' Q2 _+ p- H"I agree!" I bluffed.
  ^& Y! ?* c8 ^
"Really? playoffs?"

+ D: J8 d2 q) {6 MI shrugged.
! O3 G! t. C, K) m
" o2 l4 r& a( O7 T. {% G"David, don't care, you? I baseball?"

, p1 x6 S! N' H# |* x! k& uI again. "I do."

; x' |, E% J+ Y' K7 l4 C% ]"Well?" insisted.
0 a9 x/ G. U1 Y5 ?' n
" w4 _& _/ i, ?! M2 ]"Go Sox," I admitted.

"What!!!?" couch, faint. "How you?" dismay. "You nice. normal." I I a tear. "Such a man." dismay, "How I a creature." kitchen, "Get Out, now!"
0 W; I- k, X0 Y8 x
- S. S* _6 O# Y( N# @0 ^"Kate, I..." I up. she'd ordered. I a step, laughing, "Oh my, priceless. down. God, leave. a treasure." laughing. I hands. "I'm a trick."

5 R" u7 }& Z! V0 ]" r5 h% lI nodded, "You me. actress." chuckling, "You too. white, I out. I'm sorry." a run. "Yes!, Yes!, Yes!" a dance. breasts. My! down, me, "So David, you're area, right?"

"Yes."
* z4 V- ^; U" ~9 a2 {9 x' M
* j. C2 I0 r6 x"How a fan?"

) `3 a* B4 F0 X" T7 o! R"Teenage rebellion," I answered.
! h& [( L7 |. A
- A& `0 ?; n$ k% K' ["What?"

"Yeah. Rebellion. see, Yankees." hissed. "I know. a Yankee's cable. I Yankee's 'Theee Win!' I Sox. fact, I UMass, a a a game." asked, "What Orioles?"

- E) [# C# u1 Y+ Q4 R"Meh." I shrugged. frowned. disagree, and, a season, sit, games, couch, results, ended.

3 ~$ S$ J% D, u$ u) D"What it's playoffs," I asked.
( D/ D$ j6 a0 {, M% p
6 l" ~: S. Q4 `* b/ Z+ S' j"Letting a longer," a smirk. ended, apartment. hand. a night. I I a a home. I night. I yelled, "Hey, a second!"

5 W) {, w" w8 ?0 l4 L"What?"

"You Sox, right?"

"Yeah, so?"
0 c/ L' o; ]; V* a; o  L1 e
' q: g# Y  E. L$ R"Do football?"
4 `- `- p8 w: D0 {; g  H, @+ ]
"Of course."

"Do Ravens?" asked.

"Go Patriots!"

"Oh No!" arms. I door. kisses. I didn't Kate's Monday. I a home. I didn't Kate. I Kate's Gazebo. 11 a.m. a she'd a a Badlands. I I I dogs.

1 k' K3 T( T+ q: j1 zI morning, greenhouse, 40 truck. I Kate's 8 a.m. work. I cooler. wouldn't mind, I a sandwich, chips, soup. a I again. I help, I no. anyway, roses, I gazebo. I day, I stretched. I I'd roses.
6 k7 X5 S& g. s# S) W1 v
* g$ o+ W2 e) W+ I"Hey David?" asked.

"Yeah?"

"If you're night, supper? We're turkey."
3 Q- i# ]2 P8 B7 R6 g
2 o! a8 O5 _( K2 n"That'll great. I turkey. I occasions?"

! p- P& A/ \5 X5 C/ h"Sort of. We'll Mrs. Senate."
: W6 [; t* j0 o" [1 P
. ]3 A' z, C6 V$ j- y0 G. ]"Are I won't way?" I asked, paused, "Well, a dinner, I I a a hours." laughed. "Do anything?"

) e5 ]3 j4 m; t5 d; e"How table?"
  y' b  P  h- i5 v8 \' J: T9 a
"No problem. time?"

# s. N2 K1 K3 [* M0 z"Dinner's seven. can, I I you."
5 T6 W- W. e' k7 _, d. V
$ M+ Z3 p+ z$ d! k"Oh yeah, what?"

"You'll see." I couldn't sleep. I clothes. I a a underwear, socks, a bag. I early. I Kate's noon. arrived, I a arrangement, a roses. I rose. later, I customers, arrangements. He'd a natural. I once, said, "I I want, right."
" n; r) q1 ?. A7 L' N( c3 ~
A work. beautiful. hadn't rose. last. lab. inside, I a distance. a table. cut, bush, a sniff. "Aaah, that's amazing," sighed. up, me. I floor. head, "Whoa, man, intense!"

1 ^- E; c7 ]) X" @$ e8 J0 H"Are okay," I asked.
$ b7 H5 L  e1 w# N7 G5 k$ I
"Yeah, fine." a times, pants. "David, was. I f ever."

2 j* ]) h' c2 F" c"You're sure?"
0 F* b4 t4 q6 ^/ H8 ^2 t5 m/ @. \
) D2 o# q* [  V"Absolutely. , I've better. C'mon let's work." 1