Finally I found the directions in the manual, and found I had it right the first time. It had just been too long, even though I had worn it for real i... the service of France, for all those years. I called the girls back in, and they fussed over me like I was some kind of hero or something. I was embarrassed to the point that I was just about to take the whole thing off, when Carver showed up and pulled their attention off of me. While they were making a big fuss over him and asking him about. .. well ... that was the truth. I still feel the effect you have on me." Oh." The humour had vanished from her voice, followed by a period of silence."You still there?" I asked after what felt like an interminable quiet."Yes," came her soft reply."Sorry, Charlotte, I didn't mean to upset you." I know. I'm not upset, just surprised that you are telling me this." There was no hint of concern in her voice."Maybe this isn't the best time or place to discuss this ... on the phone, I mean," I said,. They were even more shocked. They were expecting love. ‘So you think you can buy us off?’ ‘I took this job because I felt I needed to provide for you, and I will do that.’ He said it without emotion, as if he was fulfilling a contract. ‘Marc, this is your home. You belong here, with us, with Julia.’ His facial expression did not change. There was no softening, no recognition, and no re-connection. He repeated ‘I’m sorry,’ for a third time. There was nothing else he could say. All he wanted to. “Yeah.”She turned away and stepped toward Jamie’s place. She turned her head and said over her shoulder “Come on.” I followed her and she continued. “It’s actually kinda perfect. I just moved here and I’m not looking for anything serious either, so… You know?”We walked up the stairs and she slid the key into the lock as silently as she could. As soon as she opened the door, we could hear Jamie moaning from the bedroom. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. Amanda smiled. “It’s.