" Good. Mom likes a challenge."By this time, I'd let go of her and eased back into the chair. Funny, how just standing and hugging someone could wear ...e out.Sara left and Jill looked at me closely."Thanks, Jack." For what?" For caring. She needs to know she's still cared for." That sounds kind of strange, the way you just worked her over." Maybe. Jack, she needed me to work her over. And when she gets through this, she'll probably thank me for caring about her. But she also needs to know that. "The Commander looked perplexed. "My Lord, are you expecting he will step down willingly?" It is my hope." He gave the Commander a lopsided smile. "Perhaps I am too idealist after all to become Emperor."The Commander smiled as well. "Not at all, my Lord. So long as it is balanced with a healthy amount of caution and pragmatism. I think that is all anyone really wants in an Emperor."Duric stepped forward and clasped the Commander's shoulder. The Commander did the same in return. "Gather the. "What brings you over Becky?" gramps asked her."Ma needs some eggs"."Okay we've got plenty. Why don't you come in and we'll cool off with a glass of lemonade"."I'm going to go back and get my shirt" I said as I started to head around the house."No you won't need it" he said, which I thought was a little odd but headed into the house with them anyway. We gathered in the kitchen and gramps poured us all a tall glass of lemonade. We sat and chatted for a few minutes and I kept wishing she would. She caught the attention of one young man who bought her a shot of Redbull and cherry vodka (cherry bomb). She drank one with him and he asked if he could buy her another. She said yes and he smiled and got another round. He appeared to be low 20's. The music was very loud and as they talked they had to lean in towards each others ear. She was listening to him ask her if she wanted another shot, and as she nodded her head he kissed her ear. She felt sparks and reached under the table and.