" Well," she said with a quiet hickuppy sob, "my father finally accepted his plea deal with the prosecutor today. He knew he couldn't fight it, but...... I can see how that would get you upset. How's everyone taking it?" Well, Mom's kind of distanced herself from him, but she's pretty shaken up even though she won't talk about it. I know I shouldn't feel like this, but—" Hey, baby, there's no right way to feel in a situation like this." You know, it's strange. Dad got some hard prison time, but. " WHAT?" You heard me, Doctor. I want to go aboard, and you better remember who's paying for your missions!" But why, Mr. Floyd?" Simple. Like many a boy, I was enthralled by the astronauts of the 1950's and 1960's. Alan Shepard, John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin, who wasn't awed by watching these brave Americans go into outer space? And don't tell me I'm not physically fit. I may be well into my fifties, but I can still bench-press with the best of them. I've been fit as a fiddle for years; I don't even. Monique can work hermagic with make up and hair styling and Jennifer can suggest ways for youto be perceived as a genetic woman but you have to learn the lessons andbecome the woman you now are."Dinner was as elegant and sumptuous as Suzette had suspected it would be.Elaine talked about what the next few months would be like for Suzette asshe traveled the country to attend the openings of new stores and modeledfor weekly ads.The next morning Suzette was escorted on stage by a handsome, young. ''Got any ideas?''For what?''The summer.''Oh ... it is summer.''Yes ... dummy.'We both laughed."Mom! They're doing it again," Charles had learned we were staying for the summer and was determined to be a pest."Doing what, dear?" Laughing at me." David, Grace ... don't pick on your brother." We weren't, mom." Were too."We decided to just ignore him.'Pestilent ass, ' Grace thought at me.I knew she wasn't referring to me... 'Yes. Buy you a chocolate coke at the Sweet Shop?''Chocolate.