Everybody knew the story. The whole goddamn world knew how my parents had met. I caught his elbow, made some excuses and steered him away.“Scott’s...here,” I said breezily. “And some woman called Amber. Apparently you know her.”Dad looked at me expectantly.“They’re here together? Do you think they’re together together?” He literally rubbed his hands with excitement. “Those two sure would make a great couple.”I gulped. “What?!”He frowned at me. “Don’t you agree?”“I hardly know either of them,” I. "Thule raised his hands in front of him, "I'm not armed this time." Turn around," said Jake. Thule did. With easy proficiency, Jake patted him down, pulling out his shirt tails and not shying away from the areas where Thule would have put a hold-out weapon."All right," Jake said, holstering his own gun, "You can turn back around." Are you sure you're not muscle?" Thule asked, turning around, "You seem like you would be good at it."Jake scowled, "I've been offered the job. I don't want it." So,". “Uh, Hi ... it’s Karla isn’t it?” I stumbled, hoping I was right.Apparently I was because she gave me a big smile. “Yeah ... I was at R2C2 when you were there. You were seeing Marianna Alvarez then,” she said.“Pardon my manners, have a seat. Can I get you a drink ... or something?” I asked.“No, I’ve got one at the other table. Would you like to join us? I noticed you were here all alone. You’ll probably remember some of the girls too.” She was trying hard not to be awkward.“Uh ... yeah ... well. She could tell it was the hard wooden paddle side of the hairbrush and it was going to be very painful when thrashed down on to her bottom. Nina’s Mum tapped Makalea’s bottom twice with the hairbrush before lifting it above her head. Nina saw Makalea clench her bottom again knowing the paddle was on its way back downwards arcing towards her bare unprotected bottom. Makalea heard the thwack a split second before the pain spread across her right bottom cheek. She knew her bottom bounced back as.