Lisa stepped to his side and with a hand on his shouldergently turned the now thoroughly alarmed Frankie, so his bare neck andshoulders were on full d...splay."Just perfect," the woman said, "And even better on a warm day like this.Sweetheart," she said looking approvingly at Frankie, "You are very lucky tohave a mother who takes such a great interest in making you look pretty."The woman smiled broadly and met Lisa's nodding assent."So, I'm sure you'll want to take advantage of our special offer. I thought to myself that they matched the gold band shining on my left ring finger. Hand in hand we exited the room and went downstairs to eat breakfast. The final scene of the event. Dozens of relatives congratulated us and wished us a happy future. Tina came over and gave me a long, powerful hug. “How’s my new sister-in-law? Not exhausted after the party I hope?” She had her room next to ours, and her amused look told me more than a thousand words. With a hint of panic, I remembered that. "Well not to my dad anyway he's so homophobic, I think we can trust her tokeep it a secret." Well let's hope so the less people that know about this the better." Why you embarrassed by me," I teased."No it's not that but we can't afford to let some people know it would betaking too much of a risk."I leaned over and poured the last small amount of wine into my glass."I'm going to bed, it was a tough day," George announced."Yeah for me too, I'll be just behind you," I said taking a final drawfrom. . over there... next to the fireplace. Come on." And Gabby tugged her friend's arm as she made for the table on long, coltish limbs. On the way, Leigh envied what appeared to be Gabby's eternal youthfulness."How do you do it?" Leigh asked as she sat down and placed her napkin on her lap."Do what?" Stay so young?" What? Go on. I don't... Leigh -- you do that to me all the time. And look at you... why you look so refreshed and content it's almost unbelievable.Leigh gazed across the table at her.