“I think that Jodi may be thinking that there are more boys like you than is actually the case. The rest of you, too — Jeff isn’t the normal hig...h school boy so don’t start thinking that just any old boy is going to treat you as well has he would.”“Okay, Mom,” Jodi replied, “since Trish has Jeff hogtied that means that the rest of us are destined to be either old maids or notches in someone’s belt, right?”Mrs. Nelson didn’t look happy with that question — at a guess she figured that unless she. ”“Great.”“What would you like for lunch?”“Gail, most anything would be fine. I usually only eat one big meal at day at supper. Breakfast and lunch are just to get me to that time. You’ve seen my idea of breakfast. At home, lunch has been delivery or pretty simplistic. So, it doesn’t matter.”“Okay. I’ll fix grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. How many sandwiches do you want?”“Two, since you’re cooking them.” She smiled at me and I smiled back. She had an infectious smile. It was kindly. ' When Nimbeou had finished his call he touched my head pushing me away saying '...you do well for a slave. You will earn your rewards later. Come we have people coming...' I crawled out the door behind him. Nimbeou stopped and said '...stand and walk behind me to my left...' We went to the kitchen and I was stood in a corner like a trophy as Nimbeou made food. Nimbeou came o me with a glass that was three quarters full of his tonic and held it to my lips saying '...open and swallow every. I rubbed them gentlywith my hand, and suspected she was right.I finished getting dressed and looked at myself in the full length mirroron the back of the door to the room. Fully dressed, I looked the same asI had been this morning, save for the high-beams I now sported. Nataliestood beside me and put her arm around my waist, which seemed as if itwas tapered just a touch.She reached out her free hand and cupped my modest chest."I know you made reservations for us, but I am really just hungry.