"I told you." "Isn't there..? I mean, can't we..?" I had no ideas. "There's got to be a way." I tried again, futilely. Maybe if I had some tools. Lik... some needle-nose pliers or something. But who packs anything like that for a conference? "Maybe if we untucked your blouse from your skirt," I suggested. Kriti pulled the dark red fabric from the waistline of her skirt. "Lift it, so I can see," I instructed. Kriti held the side of her blouse up. I took a second - not too long - to admire the. I roll out of bed and strip off the clothes I hadn't bothered to take off last night when I dragged myself home in exhaustion. I manage to walk in a straight line to the bathroom and turn on my shower; I wait until I see the steam rise from it, and step in. I allow the hot water to unknot my muscles. I remember the way James's hands felt on my body, and tilt my head back as I recall his fingers tangling in my hair. I sigh and jerk myself out of my thoughts. It's best not to dwell. "I'll see you when you get home." Well, don't wait up for me," her mother said. She gave her a kiss. "At any rate, I'll see you in the morning." See you in the morning," Devlin agreed.She got her books and a sweater and headed over to Sue and Danny's. Sue had dinner already in hand, and the kids were playing in the back yard, the oldest with a doll, the younger on a blanket while Sue tended an ice cream maker."Danny's already home," Sue said. She carefully poured a cup of milk in the ice cream. "No, Isabella. You have to take things easy. I shall deal with the food preparation. It is time I did more in that line, anyway."Isabella said softly, "The painkillers are helping, but my tummy is still not right, so I fancy scrambled egg or something else light, Euphemia."Ebenezer unexpectedly giggled uncontrollably. They both stared at him, confused. When he had recovered, he said, gently, "I think that was perfect diplomat-speak for "I don't trust you in my kitchen, woman!" Very good,.