In my mind I could hear him now: begging, screaming, and praying for mercy. There would be none. One does not mess with another man's family, not ever....I packed my bags and did all of the right things necessary for someone about to leave town. I even had Ginger iron extra shirts for me in case I would be delayed in my return."Do you really have to go, Max," she said. "Why can't I go with you? I could use some unwinding too." She was good."Ginger, I am going to be doing some business too. I have. She was dressed in a similar outfit to the waitress on the floor, butit had clearly been modified to have a more daring neckline, not thatit did much good. She had also clearly gone to town on her makeup -she was really trying to sell this kind of smokey-sultry look and Ihad to say it was really working for her. I had always felt kind ofbad for her. She had a really great face, but she totally lacked thebody to go with it.She half-tackled Ellen into a crushing hug, bouncing with excitementin. I want to hear how things are going."When I was finished with the yogurt and orange, Rob came with me to see me out the door. I gave him a big kiss and turned to leave. He gave me a swat on my rear as I went out the door. I took two steps and then looked over my shoulder, smiling while I bent over slightly to wag my butt at him. We both had a laugh and I went on to my car."Don't forget to get updated parking passes for all three cars. I love you," he called after me.He was waving as I drove off. "Do I know you?"I held out my hand. "Hi, I'm Tony Sims." Tony Sims." He repeated, ignoring my hand. "I think it's time for you to go." Honey, Tony was staying for dinner," Darlene's mom said from the kitchen."I see." He obviously wasn't thrilled about the idea.I stood. "That's okay, I'll take off." I stepped around him and headed toward the door. "Darlene, it's been fun."As I was closing the door, I heard the words 'cheap shots'. Evidently Dad was telling Mom why I was persona non grata.Mental.