That house where your father grew up and then raised you sat vacant for 5 years before a group of men nobody knew came into town and repaired it. Beck...y and I walked by often and waved to the new occupants, we started to speak to each other. Slowly, over time, I explained that the one I thought would be my one true love had lived there and was suddenly removed from my life. They were sorry to hear it, but if they knew anything about your family they never said. They were new in town and said the. Actually, you have my sympathy. People low class enough to say things, like you and your friends are saying about me, are definitely worthy of pity. Have a nice day." I stalked off leaving the five of them with their mouths hanging open. I felt good—I think. I certainly felt as though I'd gotten my licks in. I wouldn't be seeing Veronica again, I was pretty sure of that. Of course, I was wrong again and that on several levels.I actually saw her, more or less at a distance, several times a week.. " She smiles, her voice trembling. "Oh, baby..." He rushes over to her, fighting back tears himself. "I love you so much." He wraps his arms around her and kisses her on the head. They stay there for a moment, then slowly release. "Are you OK?" He asks down at her in a concerned tone. Emmy nods. "Yeah." She sniffs. "Thanks. I'll wear it forever." She smiles. "Think I'm gonna go to bed now." OK, baby." He says quietly. They both stand up. He hugs her once more, holding her head against his. Sarita raised her hand a third time. “The kind of parties that happen out here almost always have a sexual component to them. I’ve never been to one at this house, but I assume the pillory is there because someone specifically wants to be put in the pillory ... during a sex party.”“Oh. Uh ... wow,” Althea managed to answer before words evaded her entirely.It was much later that night and she was still at the party house when Althea finally got to talk to Julie again. Her cell phone was buried.