I opened the envelope and pulled out the evening's directives. He likes to be dramatic about it, using ivory vellum cards and a fountain pen, as if wr...iting invitations to a wedding instead of commands for me. I was glad to read the enclosed message, his only requirements were for me to put on whatever was in the box and be ready to leave in an hour. I already knew I was required to take a bath first. Showers were not permitted. I also knew that whatever was in the box was all I was to wear,. “I’ll meet up with you in the vendors room after this voice acting panel’s over, mm-kay? For all the delicious details.” I’m not ready for this, Stephanie thought as she watched her friend disappear into the throng of convention attendees filling the halls. I’ll never be ready for this. But, she composed herself as best she could and crossed the hall to him, fighting down her fear and embarrassment. Megan was right. She was in college now, it was ridiculous for her to still be afraid of. After each call I got from a girlfriend, I called her back and invited her over the next day for a 'family' get-together. Too bad I wouldn't have the salmon yet. I finally hung up the phone when Elaine pulled into the drive and realized I hadn't even carried my suitcase up to my room yet. Elaine was in my arms as soon as her car door opened. Oh man! My fireball was hot. She wrapped her legs around my waist and her feet never touched the ground as I carried her and her overnight bag to the. I told him yes, and when I get things sorted out I would come in to tell him, in detail, what the “personal problem” really was. His response was short and to the point “Do whatever you have to do Jake, and if I can help you in any way, just ask. He gave me his private cell number with the admonishment. Jake, if I don’t get a call from you, I’ll be super pissed. I may have some resources even you don’t know about.”That evening I went out to our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant and had.