‘This is nice,’ Nancy said. ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten out for dinner.’ The waitress appeared, took their order, then left. ...��You’re probably wondering why I called you,’ Ted said. Nancy nodded. ‘Yes, I was,’ she replied. ‘Actually, other than the fact that I really enjoy your company,’ Ted said, ‘There really is no valid reason. I hope you aren’t angry. I suppose you could say I got you here under false pretenses.’ ‘I…I’m not angry,’ Nancy stammered. ‘I…I guess I’m flattered. How. "Those two you brought with you are a strong argument that says you might be an Alpha. Both are even a little older than you, yet you have attracted them."Jeremy's face flushed red. "We're just good friends."Jeff, Dave and Evie all smiled knowingly at each other, then Dave turned to Jeff. "Lee gave us Mr. Jackson's number and we called. His wife wouldn't let me talk to him until I told her that we were interested in buying the construction company. Even then, she stayed on the line. I set up a. "Oh, Curtis, if we take next year off, that would be it for us, for eligible competition. We'd just go to school. Or, we could go to Stars on Ice--we've already had an offer."Curtis didn't say anything for a minute. "Wait a minute... you're thinking retirement? I thought you had already decided to stay in for four years?" That was before we got screwed at Worlds." That's not going to happen again." You can't guarantee that, Curtis. Not as long as the ISU is headed by that moron The Speedskater,. Did she just kiss me? ‘Anytime Joanie, I just need to give my fingers a break now and then.’ I responded. ‘Want some dinner?’ ‘Yeah, I’m famished,’ she replied. We ambled over to the cafeteria to see what the cooks might have left behind. ‘So how’s school going?’ Joanie asked. ‘Pretty good. One more year than I get to see if I can make it out in the real world.’ I replied. ‘How about you?’ ‘I’m pretty much like you. One more year left, but I don’t know if I want to find a job or go on to do.