I'm a little confused right now, Ricky. I just... I just didn'tthink that tonight would end this way - with kissing, I mean." Hestraightened his dress...just to do something other than look intoRicky's eyes."Well, that's disappointing, because all day long, I've been hoping itwould end with kissing, but... hey, I understand if you don't feel thesame way that I do. Why don't we... let's just call it a night andmaybe we can talk after class tomorrow, ok? I'm really sorry about allthis, but... I. Pam stuck her tongue out at her.“He loves me best,” Pam announced.It was my turn to roll my eyes. It was my own fault for telling her that.When we got back to the house, everyone was up. The kitchen looked like a bomb had gone off in it. Last night, Brook, Tami and I had done cleanup. This was going to stop today. I spotted Cassidy and sent her to round up everybody who was going on our yacht trip today. They gathered around in the living room while Cassidy and Manaia got the cars ready to take. I say, “No, you’re not eccentric. No, you’re—”A loud electronic screech interrupts me.Applause, with roars of approval, accompanies a booming voice calling out doom. I turn, and see a large box with a wavering pixellated image of a man raising his arms, stirring up an audience with his words reminding me of a pontifex, an evil sorcerer, or an inquisitor. Devilish eyes swim like sharks below his wide-brimmed hat.I stand transfixed by the images.Noting the horror on my face, she says, “That’s a. Instead, I checked the time and took a last look at myself in the rear view mirror. My makeup looked nice and professional, and I applied a last touchup with the glossy red lipstick where I’d been chewing my lip while I’d been thinking. Climbing out of the rental car, I mentally crossed my fingers for luck and strode towards the lobby, trying to exude calm confidence. If all went well, I was about to make my employer — and myself — a ton of money. All it took was to a signed agreement to go.