I think I’m going to sign with Jerry on a limited term contract to see how it goes. I’ve learned my lesson about contracts and I’m going to be c...utious before I sign anything. Do you think Clary can act on my behalf? Jerry said I should get a lawyer anyway.”“Let’s ask him,” I grinned. “He’ll tell us quickly enough if he can handle it.”It took a little convincing for Clary to agree, protesting that he wasn’t an entertainment lawyer. But he called Jerry himself and they discussed what was needed. She turned and glanced up at me, and I know I was blushing. I shrugged helplessly. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I’m not even really sure what that meant. She smiled and rested her head on my chest and shoulder again, and softly said “Don’t apologize. It’s kind of a compliment, really, don’t you think?” She glanced up at me again, and I suspect that I was so red I was probably approaching purple. Her acknowledging that she was very aware of my arousal hadn’t helped my embarrassment, despite her. By then he was barely conscious. When the cool night air hit him, he gasped and blinked and drew it into him."Here," the second man grunted as he grabbed hold of Pedro's flailing head. "Drink this."The man shoved the end of the water-skin into Pedro's mouth again and Pedro gulped down what was offered him. He drank and he drank until the man pulled it way from his lips."That should hold you until tomorrow," the man said in a dismissive manner. "Now lie still and be quite for we have some. Mataoka was quiet and introspective and said not much but rarely lost sight of the children nor let go of my hand all winter.The willow fencing grew into thick, impenetrable green hedges around the fields and pens. The silty soil of the field continued to grow our crops well and be easy to work by hand. I um’ed and ah’ed about getting oxen or horses, but without more fields to cultivate we had no need of them. Mataoka was not fond of milk, so cows were not wanted either.The site of the former.