’ Reginald lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. He let the hand go. Hermione returned her hand to the table. ‘What was that for?’ �...�Just because I wanted to. I hope you didn’t mind.’ ‘No…’ Hermione didn’t sound convinced. Their main course arrived. While they ate they discussed possible ways that Reginald could make more social contacts. Their suggestions became more and more extreme as they competed to make them most unlikely scenarios. When they had completely finished their meal. His reaction was more than she could have hoped for. There were tears coming down from Laurie’s eyes as she leaned over and gave Brian a kiss on his cheek before she left his car.Driving home, Brian thought that what she said was a shock. He never suspected and he knew it took guts for Laurie to tell him what she did. He eventually concluded that she was the fine person because of her sharing her preference with him.At work next week he tried to put this information about Laurie behind him but. In the wee hours, Lissa finally slept. When Dahra came in and woke her, she didn't feel rested, by any stretch of imagination. But she thought she could make it through the day.The sky was just starting to pale when Dahra portaled both Lissa and herself to the top of the hill. The portaler wanting to get there as early as possible, while Lissa was still fresh. Lissa was not wearing her usual braided ponytail, but instead wore it long, with it just brushing the ground. Dahra had never seen her. You pick your own. Which I don’t care. Pick it and start climbing. You can get to the top of those stairs in life, Scott. I’m going to give you a chance.’ ‘I hope they’re not too steep.’ ‘Don’t be a shitty smart-ass with me. A little humility, Scott. Pray. I’m going to help you.’ I didn’t say anything. The houses, the sky, the grass, even Reeves looked like he was turning gray, all of the objects dissolving into a big gray blob. ‘Scott,’ he said. ‘Can you keep a secret?’ ‘Seal my ruby lips.’.