Now, as it turns out, I have much less reason to be enrolled in school here. But I had made the choice, applied, been accepted. Changing my plan would... likely have involved at least a semester's delay. I thought I ought to just -- press on."I stopped walking and guided Shirley to a nearby park bench. The area was well-lighted, the evening was mild and pleasant, and the lights of the city sparkled on the surface of the river."I know you were a little -- disappointed when you found out that Herm. . if I made love to you. I think I’d prefer it if we were just friends.” “Just friends?” “Yes. Just friends.” “Have it your own way, then,” said Sophie, who was more annoyed at this sexual rejection than she’d imagined possible. After all, it wasn’t as if Justin was such a great catch. What could be seen of him wasn’t exactly competition for the male porn stars Sophie was accustomed to. Gangly, awkward, skinny. Nothing that would get him past the first audition. She spun round on her heels. She shivered and shook, and we both were kind of breathless when I let go, but it was worth every second. It was dark by then, and we hadn’t watched any TV, had barely even spoken to each other, but I knew in her arms is where I wanted to be, and where I was supposed to be. So I slowly kicked off my pants, and pulled off her pants, and we curled up next to each other, and just slowly began to explore what it was like to kiss like lovers who weren’t in any hurry. We wrapped our arms around. You're right, perhaps I was being deliberatelyobtuse because I didn't want you to think I was completely crazy.However, I can tell you're getting ready to get up and leave the room.Which means you're probably going to avoid speaking to me for the restof the night." I leaned forward and put both hands on the table, palmsdown. "And I really cannot afford for you to do that." Then tell me the whole story," she said, glaring. "Start at thebeginning and go through what happened over at Jackson's. Or.