I looked over, and Ariel's hand was under the covers doing the same thing."So, what does all this have to do with Malcolm?" I asked nonchalantly, even...as my head was spinning, and my mind was screaming for more."I'm coming to that part now," she said, slightly annoyed. "Malcolm Jones is a retired cook who used to work at the hospital with mom. They aren't really friends, more like just former coworkers, or maybe you could call them acquaintances. He is also our next door neighbor. It's not. He was nearly leering, which I could tell pleased Bryan immensely. I could see his mood change instantly. He was just so proud to have his ‘bitch’ on his arm. The one bitch Tony couldn’t have. I just completely relaxed after that. I also noticed Aaron sizing me up, while pretending nonchalance. His gaze lingered on boobs too long for me not to notice his interest, however. That pleased me. The cooler he acted the more I wanted to get to him. Bending over to adjust an ankle strap did the trick.. "Since I found out what having friends is like. SinceI found out that someone wants me. Thanks to you, I have Heather andSteve, and you and..." she stopped short of saying Kim."Anyway. That's not who you are now. Ignore them, you're out of heresoon anyway," Beth showed confidence. She was reminded of the girl shemet that first day; on the ground, hurt and helpless. She rememberedfeeling that way, then and now. It was different this time though. Bethwas there for her, It wasn't like this. Dee groaned, which he ignored, and then she looked over at us and blushed furiously. Willie rushed to her side and took her right hand, comfortingly, while Brenda and I exchanged knowing looks. Dee got off on humiliation, but Willie hadn't figured that out yet.Sullenly, the doc got up, repositioned Dee's legs back on the table, and came around to stand next to his patient. He seemed to soften a little. "Everything's okay down there, Dee. I don't see any problems at all, so far. Let's fire up.