Mind you the discovery process was a hell of a lot of fun. When the movie was over we made love slowly and finally fell asleep in each others arms. It...had been a long day. It was raining when we finally managed to drag ourselves out of bed next morning. In the jungle the arrival of rain had usually been enough to drop the spirits of my merry band of men. Here in my semi rural paradise it hardly mattered. It would mean that I would have to take a little more care on my trip to Langley but other. Ethan Sanders took a deep breath and spoke into his headset, looking at his monitor to see the name."Hello, could I speak to Mr. Houpt?" Who's calling?" This is Northeast Market Research. We are conducting a study, and if you qualify, you could earn $150 for giving us your opinions." What's the catch?" I understand ... We realize many callers are trying to sell you something. All we want is your opinions. Many people are reluctant to give their opinions for free, so we are willing to compensate. A bunk buddy of mine dared me to ask her, bet me a dollar of his canteen money that I wouldn’t have the cajones to venture forth across the dance floor and do what my social betters could do so effortlessly. It took me awhile to get up the nerve, but finally I did it, thinking I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, either a dance with Becky, extra canteen money or both. But I was wrong, because winning the money was small consolation for being summarily shot down and losing what little. " I understand that. You've been doing well." You know why I like you?" Jennifer asked after a pause, looking down at her hands again.My mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding?" I asked carefully. "You hate me." Both." Jennifer blushed. "I hated you for your compliments when you first saw me. I hated you for calling me a bitch and letting the entire office know it." I'm sorry. I'll renounce it."Jennifer laughed again. "I hate myself too, because I knew I liked you." She was still looking at her.