In the rearview mirror, I could see the gazebo built on stilts as if some raging flood were expected. Beyond, a pastoral mural painted on the side of ... building. I wondered where in Indiana the artist thought there were towering mountains like those in the painting. To my left was the post office and across a street wide enough for a four-lane highway was a deserted bank. These things were all perfectly clear in my eyes, yet I couldn’t focus on Beca’s hand that gripped my arm like I might try. "They stood there awkwardly. Shannon didn't feel she could ask about Amy's future, and couldn't think of another subject. Suddenly Mr. Jensen spoke again. "You're willing to take a check aren't you? I should have asked that before." I'm willing, especially from you; but I prefer cash." After all, she wasn't quite certain about this budget business. "Checks are fine, but if somebody asks about using me as a babysitter don't tell them that." Well, we probably have the cash between the two of us.. Now, since it is only midnight why don't we grab our drinks, bongs and go skinny dip. It should still be quite nice out since it is Labor day weekend." Okay, that sounds fun."With that he slapped my ass hard. "You forgot the "sir" for the first time, Pet." Sorry Sir." The water will cool the sting some." He said standing up and grabbing his things for the pool.We got out to the pool sat our stuff down at the edge and got in the water. The water was still somewhere around 90, as today was. Conner and Ezra left, Mom, Millie, and I went to the blackberry patch next to our big vineyard. I made sure we didn't have to share the patch with any big black fuzzy critters while we filled six big buckets full of blackberries. Our fingers were purple, as were our lips, from picking and eating so many of the delicious berries.Back home, Mom told us that a couple more good picking trips like this and we'd have enough for blackberry jam. That made us eager to get back out to pick more. Millie.