I do not worry about her. At the airport, I am at work; best to keep things discreet." How can it matter whom you prefer?" asked Helena."Officially it...makes no difference," Christa replied. "At least half the stewards are gay." So?" Helena persisted."I prefer women. I think I always have. I never understood how much though. Not until I married." A pilot?" I guessed."How did you know?" My husband's a genius." I guess. Yes. Navy. American Navy. I met him in Germany while traveling with my. "What the Hell are you doing here?!"The woman turned back and took hold of Demie's shoulders. "Why, daughter, I've come to see how well you've done for yourself here on Earth. I expected better. And you are?" She had turned to regard me, and I longed for those moments a few seconds ago when she had barely noticed me. Her gaze was intense!"I'm...Tom," I said with difficulty."My master," Demie said as she disengaged and rushed over to me. "Master, may I please speak with you in the other. He sat down opposite her in his favorite chair.They sipped their coffee in companionable silence for a few minutes, then Linda spoke. "Your father called me last night."Al knew what was coming, but he asked anyway. "What did the old fart want?"Linda shifted her position on the couch. "He had called Friday afternoon, and said he was going to make the funeral arrangements if I didn't mind. Of course I didn't mind. I couldn't stand the thought of making them myself. He called me last night to let. Suddenly she stopped everything and pulled back from me. I let out a load moan."Cat, we have to slow down. Take it slowly."A sad look swept across my face and she took my hands in hers and smiled."I'm not saying we have to stop. What I am saying is we need to slow down and do this right. Now, take a sip of your drink and then take a minute to really think if this is what we want."She passed me my glass, and I obediently took a sip. Our eyes met across the rim of the glass, and I knew what.