Aligail figured she should’ve been a smidgen upset by their intrusion but thought of it as a nice, warm welcome instead. The shop had a small secti...n where bookshelves held new releases and famous novels. Each week, the female owner, Mrs. Viten, would hold a special copy of the newest book for Aligail. Aligail appreciated the gesture very much. She’d always liked to read and wouldn’t waste any opportunity to add to her collection. Mr. Viten was a specialist at making drinks. Whether it was. “Hey, Glen, it’s Stef,” she said, and after a short pause, I heard, “This is a shameless booty call. Got any plans for tonight?” I could hear a smile in her voice as she spoke. “You have my full attention,” I said, smiling back into the phone. “I was thinking of cooking Italian, and inviting you over,” Stephanie said. “Cooking Italian” had become a kind of code between us for “I want to take you to bed tonight,” in recognition of that night Stephanie had taken me to bed the first time,. As I finished getting ready, he stood and watched Carol respond to the device. I thought that I saw a certain longing in his eyes. He was in love with Carol, but she wouldn't be interested in him with his present form. We left for the restaurant while Carol enjoyed the company of her mechanical lover.The restaurant that Peter had selected was excellent. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was charming, and after our meal, we went to a club to do a little dancing. I was glad that I had. “Well, there’s that,” Joanie said with a twinkle in her eye. “But I was going to say the wedding dress.”“Bingo!” Sara actually shouted. “We need to get Nicky something spectacular in a Royal Wedding kind of way.”“How about the dress Grace Kelly wore in Monaco?” Stacy spoke up.“How do you even know about Grace Kelly?” I asked, shocked. “A little before your time.”“Come on, dad,” she sighed. “I Googled wedding dresses. It’s all over the place.”My daughter then showed me what she was talking.