On New Year’s Eve, actually, a few hours before the ball dropped.”Penelope didn’t “aw” or say she was sorry, or do any of that other predict...able bullshit.“That sucks. Did he give you a reason?”“Said he wasn’t ready for commitment.”“That’s a bullshit excuse.”A corner of my mouth quirked up. “I know. So what do I do about it? Obviously at this point I have to face it’s me.”Penelope brought up her legs and sat on her feet. She was so unorthodox; I liked it. “Why do you say that?”“Why wouldn’t I. My heart started to burn in desire as I then made an oath to never ever lie and cheat on my girlfriend ever again. Right then, the sun broke through the clouds and a rainbow shined to the north. I thought of my dad there as I was driving. Somehow I knew he was there when I made the oath to guide me home and break the clouds to let the sunshine dance throughout the great plains of America. It was getting late and I was getting tired. It was another 490 miles to Woodwind so I decided to check. It was at this time I discovered a predilection for inflicting suffering on the female. It is true that I did not return with all the souvenirs of my contemporary travellers but did bring home a dose of the pox. A posset of mercury did the trick in curing me.In latter days I have inclined to corrupting maidens of innocent years as most stimulating to my jaded palate. I have deflowered seven maidens of an unfit age and found them most willing once induced correctly. Tis unfortunate then, that. He gave me another cigarette, and then he handed me a wad of bills, “This is from the members who where here today—just something to help with your immediate needs.” And then he added with a chuckle, “Like shoes”.After I thanked him and ask him to thank the others for me, he told me, “I want to introduce you to a couple of our female members. They have a two bedroom apartment, but they only use one of them, if you get my meaning. They’ve offered to put you up for a while. Will that be a problem.