Tim, now done with his work, finally let himself be concerned about how Jamie had reacted to his interrupted, but obvious in intent, question. She did...not seem pleased.Despite that, Tim decided he had to get over his worry and finish asking her out. He felt a deep affection for his friend, affection that he knew went well beyond friendship, and felt a stubborn determination to explore it.After changing into a t-shirt and shorts, he pushed aside his apprehension, and jogged the two blocks. ‘Power of the Crowbar, people.’ I said jokingly. ‘Seriously, I think I know why they did, and we’ll discuss that later.’ We were met at the front security checkpoint by a slenderish woman with dark red hair. She was not very attractive, though her legs might’ve looked decent under the pantsuit she was wearing. ‘I’m Lucy Covington,’ she said. ‘If you’ll come with me, I’ll take you to a Conference Room, then Dr. Cubbard and his lawyer will come talk with you.’ ‘Thank you, Mrs. Cubbard,’ I said,. Twenty long minutes past Jed swilling his tea, chatting about his own service days, asking about Cyprus, oblivious of the urgent needs of the two would be lovers, babbling on about the roof of one of the byers needing some tiles, and that he didn’t love ladders nowadays. It was an obvious hint and John promised that, as he was staying all week he would work with the old chap and do whatever he could. Finally, the old chap stood, said he would have everything ready in the morning to do that. There were quite a few people mingling and several groups in the surrounding couches. My eyes scanned the room, looking for Robert. I spotted the familiar frame and the short haircut standing at the bar talking to a beautiful, leggy blond. My heart sank. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting, but I just realized I might be out of my league. I stood frozen in place as I watched her make some gesture with her hands and him smile and lean in close to her ear and whisper something. She threw her head.