I spent four years learning." Book learning," said Ben, shaking his head. "You and Tony are the junior members around here and are on sufferance. Will...amson wants to can Tony and kick you upstairs." He wants you for a secretary. It's no big secret why."Velvet felt herself blushing. Then the humiliation turned to anger. "I'll cut the bastard's balls off! I'll..." Cool it," said Ben sharply. "I know what's happening. He won't get you for any secretarial job while I'm in charge of programming. But. They watch, apparently looking forward to the show they're coming to expect before the start of each class.I took my seat in History class and glanced at Mr. Curry. He grinned at me for a second or two and then ignored me for the rest of the class. But I know what's on his mind. He's looking forward to lunch because for him, I'm what's on the menu today.I tried not to think about it as I sat through my next class, Spanish. Mr. Perez has apparently forgotten all about me missing a class on. I know how hard you've worked for Damon and me. You've given your whole life to us. I can see why he wanted to make you happy. I want to make you happy, too."There I said it.Again, deadly quiet."Oh, Phil, you ... oh, I can't believe this. This isn't something you have to do, Phil, please believe me. Yes, I did have a relationship with Damon, he told you the truth about that. Honestly, it was quite wonderful. Maybe I shouldn't say that but, well, it was." He told me the same thing, Mom. About. The fresh air and slight breeze helped my dull paperwork seem not quite unbearable. I glanced up and let my eyes rest on the trees that swayed gently on this mild summery afternoon. Then my gaze was jerked rudely away from the botany, and to a figure lying on the grass. It was a girl, a very attractive and subtly sexy girl, lounging in the ankle-high fescue. She lay on her side, propped up on one elbow, appearing to study a small daisy or clover flower. Her knees were pulled up, ever so.