I didn’t mind Julie’s manipulation of my lifestyle because we were legally married even though we had both agreed it was in name only. Thinking ba...k on it, I realized I had no regrets other than a sense of loss at my bachelorhood freedom to screw any female I took a liking to and understood I was getting a little too old for that kind of crap anymore.Besides, it was nice having Julie there to do the laundry and make the bed and fix me something to eat like we were truly man and wife. Even with. I just want to be with you, to take care of you. You know I know about betrayal.” Her tone had been caring and very motherly, until she brought up to him what his father did to her. Then she started to cry.Now it was his turn to feel bad for her. Ed considered his dad to be the equivalent of pond scum. Hearing her bawling changed his mind about her coming to the apartment. “Mom, mom. Stop crying. Ok. Come on over.” Though Jackie had genuinely sobbed at the remembrance of her husband’s serial. ‘I.. I never do this.’ Your eyes turned tender, I didn’t expect that. ‘Beautiful,’ your smile was like a sunrise ‘I know.’ I hoped you meant it. I struggled to formulate a reply, stunned by the sweetness of the moment. You moved off of me, and held out your hand to help me up. I took it, pleased by its firm warmth and the way you effortlessly launched me to my feet. I felt like a doll in your arms and it was a new, rather pleasant sensation. Your eyes were grave as you kissed my hand and. " He rolled his eyes as he said it. “Yeah, well she asked me a favor for her birthday and I already said yes. I just want you to know about it." “Bringing her along on this trip wasn't her birthday gift?" he said bitterly. Pax's taste in friends had improved but he had wanted them to be alone on their trip. “Not quite...” Pax began shifting her stance and wringing her hands. “What is it?" “Well..."“What is it, Pax?" Kean was curious and getting upset. “She kinda wants me to...” “To what?!” “To.