I wasn’t sure that was such a good idea, but I talked to Rhonda and she agreed it might be for the best, at least for a few days. It would give them...a rest from each other, a chance to cool down. We have that spare room next to yours. Would you have any objection to her staying with us for a few days?”For some reason that he couldn’t put his finger on, Eric was suspicious. He knew from recent experience that Rachael and her mom were devious, manipulative creatures, and he suspected one or both. Sarah and Rachelle moved in front of Adam and put their hands on Shelly's shoulders."I was kidding, Shelly," Rachelle said. "I didn't think you'd take it this way. It wasn't Allie's idea to pick on you. It was mine and I convinced her. I'm sorry. I really am."Shelly took a deep breath and swallowed hard."I didn't even think about whose clothes I was wearing until I was in Trig class this afternoon," she said. "I was planning to tell you as soon as I saw you. I was really worried you would be. The ‘plain disgusting’ category has been shrinking at an alarming rate.Rune takes a couple of minutes to sort out his words and eventually deigns to answer. Sweet boy.“I was sired by Varfyledoalburune,” he says like that name means anything to me.Of course it doesn’t, but it sure sounds impressive as heck.“I killed all his other male offspring, therefore I am the crown prince of High Y’Dryth.”Alllllright.I swallow the question of exactly how many other male offspring there were. It doesn’t. " How long have you been in town? I'm guessing you're new to the city?" Yes. We got here about four weeks ago."I waited for more of her story until after we had ordered. I made sure to suggest that the little girl ordered enough food to keep her mother at my table for at least a half hour. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and I'd had a lonely week – hell, I'd had a lonely year and I was sincerely hoping to change that as soon as possible.We found our table and I encouraged Pam, her name was Pam.