In a way, he was to be pitied. In just a moment after Beth emerged, Jane came out and impassively announced it was time for lunch. Still brood...ng from his earlier encounter with her, he followed her into the spacious dining room and sat at the only remaining place-setting after she had seated herself. He felt mildly gratified that his momentary lapse of manners at failing to assist her in sitting was not commented on. Indeed, she seemed oblivious of his being there. He was. “I’m fine with it,” replied Steve. “That’s what makes a horse race. A lot of people think they know what the outcome will be, but we still get to play the game. We’ll have sixty minutes on the football field to state our case. It shouldn’t take a minute longer”“Have you heard that Coach Hardman of Michigan told the press this morning he’d rest his best players and empty the bench in the last quarter to keep his starters fresh for the championship game?” asked a TV sportscaster.“Seriously?”. "For the attitude and the tantrum." "Yes, sir." She spoke softly, as she always did when she felt the need to use the title outside of our bedroom, but now a slight smile graced her face as we finished wandering around and headed home.We talked about random things on the ride home until we lapsed into a comfortable silence with the radio playing in the background. Our usual routine for shopping still held. She went and unlocked the door while I grabbed the bags and brought them in."They can. Dreading the answer, I said gingerly,"Ok, that'll be fine, what time will that be Mr Patel?" Oh it will be exactly half past thirty minutes after six of the clock" he beamed at me, showing half the gold in England in his smile.Behind me mum giggled as I fought against the tears rising,"Half past six?" Yes" In the morning?" Yes" he said and looked at me in pity, "He sells newspapers too and has to be there early isn't it?" Is it? I mean does he?" Oh dear, oh dear Tommy, I am thinking that you.