His parents don’t get home for a few hours at least.”“How convenient,” Chloe said. “Yeah, I’ll come over for a bit.”“Sweet,” Grace s...iled. “Also, one last thing before we go inside. I want your opinion on this, but I think I already know what you’re gonna say.”“Sure, what’s up?”“Well, I was thinking about making it so the guys could pay me extra for me to take my shirt off while I blew them.”Chloe looked at her wide-eyed. “Really?”“Yeah. I mean, what guy wouldn’t want to see some boobs while he. A few seconds, which felt like an eternity, passed, before he rolled over towards her. ‘I was waiting to see if you were going to disappear again.’ ‘I deserve that.’ ‘So we should talk?’ Virginia sighed. ‘Later—promise.’ ”Til then?’ Now or never. ‘Hold me?’ Robert smiled. ‘Roll on your side.’ Virginia rolled over until she was facing away from him, and Robert began to spoon her. She could feel his warmth against her—it was always cold in his apartment, and lying there naked, she was especially. ‘Yes my family mentioned something about it to me last night. I suppose I’ll be going, especially if everyone else is. I wouldn’t want to miss out on all the fun…’ That last part was said rather dryly, as I thought about bright lights, loud music and large crowds. It would probably be even worse than the typical nights that took place at the Lodge. Suddenly I wasn’t so excited anymore. ‘Excellent. Well I suppose I’ll see you there then…’ I could tell this was leading up to something. ‘Yes…I. "Jim reached in his back pocket and took out his wallet. "Bank of Jim, at your service," he quipped. Warren took the fiver and saluted. "Back in about twenty-don't burn the chicken wings before I come back, OK, Dad?" Wouldn't hear of it."They walked out the driveway, headed towards the store. Peg and Ellen took a seat at the picnic table, while Jim kept his eye on the grill.Peg took a deep breath. "Let me start. There's one thing you need to know. I found out that Warren and Sophia are sleeping.