Then, She crossed her legs at knees, took out an old nokia from her faded chocolate-colored purse and hunched over it and said, "just a sec, hon ... I...'m switching off the phone." A momentary smile. Well, that eased a lot of tension. I also switched my phone off.So began my first date with Miss A. The manager of the restaurant came and apologized for the corner seat. It was almost dusky; the light from a dusty chandelier swaying in the middle of ceiling was throwing many small, dancing rainbows. She scooped up one of their first aid kits and followed Chet as fast as she could.After shaking her head briefly, Lori realized she wasn't lying on the hard surface of the running track. She shifted to one side and awkwardly rolled off her rescuer. She struggled up to a sitting position, and looked down at Jimmy in alarm.His eyes were huge, blinking rapidly as he gasped for air like a fish suddenly pulled from the water.Chet knelt opposite Lori, unsure what to do. Lori heard Rhonda repeatedly. “CFO/COO for a local manufacturing company. Keeps me busy and on my toes. What about yourself?” I asked Jessie.“I buy and turn around companies that are not doing so well. I am working on a deal next week. I had plans to take the grandkids and daughter up skiing this weekend, but I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow when the roads are clear.”“What does your daughter do, if I may ask?” I said.“She is my right-hand lady. I do the buying, she does the running and turning things around at. ‘The lady does not feel well, Cien. I fear she has caught a fever.’ Cien stood quickly. ‘A fever? I should send Maggie to tend to her.’ But Tilda just shook her head. ‘She insists she is fine, Cien, but wishes to rest tonight and not sup in the hall.’ Cien stared at Tilda as he weighed her words. She had never lied to him before, and he had no reason to believe she had lied to him now. He gave a stiff nod, and sat back down at the table. When Tilda was gone back up to Lady Rose’s chamber, Cien.