Besides being a good tipper, even at the counter, Roxie liked him. He wasn’t like the other politicians who were friendly at election time and treat...ed her like the woodwork any other time. Maybe that was because George didn’t have to worry about getting ahead any more. He was where he was going to be.Before he was County Executive he was Highway Department Superintendent. He was good at his job and parlayed his record into election to the County Executive position. Tight budgeting and a. " Not ignoring you," I said. "Come stick your finger in this sauce."A knock on the door."Come in!" Kim said loudly. To me she said, "That'll be the best man for our wedding." Giggle.Laci entered, striding through the great room and into the kitchen with the rest of us. "Smells like spaghetti sauce."Kim waved her spoon. "Will be as soon as me an' Tim spice it up right. Aunt Jen, there's a big pot in that corner cabinet. Put the pasta water on to boil, please."I was handing spice bottles to Kim,. .“Be a good girl and do what you are told.”My hands shook as I dropped the phone into my purse. I brought out the pen and with both hands I placed it into my mouth. Over my tongue, pushing back, pressure in the corners of my small mouth, jaws clenching at the pen, lips meeting each other.I crossed my wrists behind my back slowly. People passing by, not looking at me. Just tourists wrapped up in their own little adventures.I walked along the pier. It wasn't crowded, but plenty of people. She didn't have a boyfriend at the moment; it wasn't that she didn't like boys just that she didn't feel a need for one just now.They parked the jeep near some woods and Beth helped Marie carry the picnic as they followed a path deep amongst the trees. Marie took Beth's hand and led her deep into the woods, leaving the path they headed through the trees. Suddenly Beth saw a glint of sunlight on water and moments later they stood by a deep secluded pool, a waterfall fell into it and a stream.