We went downstairs and I took babette to the kitchen. I showedher where thing were including the silver serving tray that she wouldalways use. I instr...cted her where the wine and other liquor was alongwith the glasses. I told her that she should study up on her drinksbecause I expected her to be able to mix anything. She should also studyup on presentation because whenever she served me everything should lookas wonderful as it should taste. We then went into the living room and Ibegan her. I still have family there, my uncle owns a small vineyard.’ ‘It must be lovely. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy.’ She sighed. ‘Then I will have to take you there someday.’ I blurted. I don’t know why I said it but something really did want me to take her there away from her own life. She sat back and looked at me for a moment. Her eyes seemed almost pleading and then she smiled slightly. ‘I may just hold you to that.’ I miss her face. I shuffled through the box to find a picture. Fond. I thought we had overcome thisawkwardness on yearbook day, but apparently I was wrong. He lookedscared out of his mind to have me in his house!"I wanted to see how you were doing," I replied. "Plus, I have apresent for you."I dug into my purse to find the tickets to the concert that Dad hadgiven me. Once I pulled them out, I held them out for him. "Sarahwanted you to have these," I said.I didn't think it was possible, but his eyes widened even more. It tookhim a moment, but he finally stepped. ‘You do, Ming. You fucking do. When I’m back in an hour, he’d better be gone.’ Ming nodded in confirmation, her wide brown eyes full of concern. ‘He will, Desmond. He will.’ His face changed. ‘Good,’ he said, lifting a hand to her chin. ‘And you had better be ready to humour me, Ming. I think that would be a good idea!’ With that he planted a soft kiss on her cheek and nodded at her. As he walked away, they both knew what he meant. She turned and retraced her steps back inside. Parker had a.