’ ‘Don, it is only four in the afternoon.’ ‘What?’ ‘Never mind.’ Jack returned with the coffee. ‘What’s with the uniform, Sarge?’ ...said Eddie. ‘It still fits,’ said Jack looking down at himself and pleased with what he saw. ‘Jack,’ said Joey. ‘What are you losing your marbles wearing that thing? I gave mine away to Goodwill. I couldn’t wait to get rid of it.’ ‘So, what’s the occasion, Jack?’ asked Bill. ‘Is there a parade that we don’t know about?’ ‘I wanted to wear it again to remind myself of. It will be your job to watch for the unexpected. Don't hesitate to strike first if you feel that they are about to attack." Of course." That brought back her spoiled teenaged girl attitude."Good. Remember that."It was almost dawn, and I wanted to be at the barracks before the men scattered for the day. Of course the best laid plans can always be destroyed by a beautiful woman walking in the room dressed and ready to accompany us to the morning activities. And she wasn't going to take no for an. I felt like I was taking advantage of her. My silence as I thought that over spurred her to continue. ‘Do you realize what I’m saying? I’m giving up. Tim is all yours.’ ‘Patrice, I—hell, I’m not sure what I want.’ ‘Don’t you want him?’ she asked, a little agitated. ‘Of course I do. He’s wonderful, he’s handsome, loving… but then you know all that,’ I said. ‘Yes, I do. And I really want you to have him.’ She was really giving up without a fight. I wasn’t sure what to do. Have you ever gotten. "No problem", I replied, "come on in and put your books on the table over there. Would you like something to drink, pop or some juice?" Sure, a Cokersumthin." I went to the kitchen and retrieved a can from the fridge. When I came into the dining room, she was standing by one of chairs at the table. "Nice place," she offered.I moved next to her, preparing to move around her, and said, "go ahead and sit down, let's get started." As I motioned toward the chair my hand grazed her back. Gee whiz,.