C. said, displaying the charm that worked his way into dozens of beds back in college."Only if I make it." Mary answered, ignoring his obvious charm. ...What would Josh say if I let you go without bringing you home for dinner. I know he'd love to see you." OK, you win." A.C. surrendered. Actually the idea of seeing Josh again seemed like a pretty good idea. In fact, just seeing Mrs. Austin again made him feel pretty good."That's settled then." Mary grinned triumphantly. "Now make yourself useful. It wasawful - everyone laughed at me and told how cute andpretty I was! All I could do was listen to them - therewas no way I could get these clothes off without help.After church we went straight home, my sisters were allowedto change but I had to stay dressed. Some of my friendscame over to see me, but just to make fun of me. I am notsure if it was my mom's idea to humiliate me but sheseemed to be enjoying it just a little bit too much.Since I had already started school, I was to. Edna had won seven thousand.Cathy had won twelve thousand five hundred.Robert took all that in a pillow case to a nearby bank and received a certified cashiers check for it.The flight home was pleasant. They had a wonderful time in Reno but were ready to return to the low key life on the island.Edna went to the island with Cathy and Robert and was planing to move back in to her house in a few days. Those days became weeks.One evening Edna wanted to talk.Edna said that for the first time in her. Then I laid on the bed next to her and put my arm over her as I pulled the cozy comforter over us.In the morning I heard David playing a video game down stairs and realized that Nikki wasn’t next to me in bed. I must have slept in, but then again it was Saturday. I lay there thinking of the wonderful events of last night, looking at the box of condoms still on the night stand as if there for evidence that it wasn’t a dream. Also the fact that I was still naked in bed and my clean clothes were.