. I'm not sure." He touched her forehead, then her cheeks. Her breath caught in her throat."Well, I hope you're feeling well enough to help me with so...ething. I left a set piece in the art lab and I need to move it to the auditorium. It's not heavy, it's just awkward." I ... well, I ... suppose ... yes, I'll help you." She was shaking fit to vibrate through the walls, but she followed him to the art lab. His story had the virtue of being true, at least in part. A nine-foot cardboard pine tree,. Tears were burning the backs of her eyes, a lump in her throat making her breath catch. She waited, fidgeting with the drawstring of her sweatpants. ‘Madi,’ he leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. She forced herself to kiss back, he couldn’t know how badly the thought of him leaving hurt. They were just friends who had kissed, that was all. ‘If you ever need someone to listen, about anything, call me first.’ He kissed her again. ‘If you ever just need someone to stay over because you. ..you need to be yourself, don't be embarrassed to say what you want, but be discreet to not let her know what you're thinking,....got it? And follow my lead....'Jane shook her head "yes" then licked my lips and whispered 'got it...'l turned once again towards the entrance, walked over then opened it wide and with a smile, greeted the person standing at my doorstep.Looking back at Jane and l, was none other than Quincy, my only neighbor. Quincy or Quinn as l called her was standing at only 158. Due tounforeseen circumstances involving the cruise ship, the conference hasbeen delayed two weeks. It is hoped that this does not create anyproblems for you. The cruise line has agreed to work with the airline toget your ticket changed. Also, as a way to compensate for the changes,the cruise line has agreed to extend the cruise itself from just fivedays to fourteen days. Please make plans accordingly for this.Also, it has been requested that you be reminded about the dress codefor dinner. For.