His eyes were out on stalks.I approached with two HUGE glasses of wine to calm our nerves. "So.. why did you invite me here?" he ventured at lastI gri...ned to myself, trying to hide it behind the glass."I wanted.... I want you to ... make love to me, if you'd like to!" I explained, gently and clinked our glasses.He was taken aback"I was HOPING beyond hope it was that" he said "....But I did think you were probably wanting to... help me with my homework .. or something"We both laughed heartily. " Again, what do you want with me?" Well, first I came in here for a cappuccino, then I saw you here and I wanted to wager your soul and tempt you with riches or desires, if you get my drift, but I realize that you already have me at a disadvantage. You cannot be tempted by such earthly items and you are not scared by me at all. So I now find myself intrigued instead. If I asked other people what is the most powerful force in the world is I would get answers like nuclear bombs, wind, rushing. "Edward nodded understandingly."So," said Mark, "I'm taking my sister." He grinned at Edward's mockingly raised eyebrows. "She and Victoria are like sisters. I got Victoria to ask Master Fitz whether we could sit at their table. He was deeply sorry but it wasn't possible." Such a shame," said Edward his shrewd eyes dancing. "So you want me to fix you on an adjacent table so that you can keep an eye on things."Mark smiled. "How did you guess?" he said."Well, Mark, your being so slow off the. She and I are friends, and not friends who would marry.”“Don’t be so sure! Life has ways of throwing us curveballs.”I had managed to get myself into a situation where he was going to mention Clarissa to Mom, and that idea would take on a life of its own. I had to put a stop to it before it started.“Dad, it’s not going to happen. Clarissa is a lesbian. OK? And you CAN NOT repeat that! To anyone. Not even Mom! I only told you to put a stop to the silly speculation which was going to start. I know.