"I admit that when Tabitha said she knew the runawayprincess, I had my doubts. And when she insisted you'd definitely be theone accompanying our 'hero...ne...' Well. I'm ashamed to say I might havequestioned her sanity."The countess chuckled, faintly, to herself. "I'll have to make it up toher, later." I'm sure you will." Lonna scowled as she spoke, her gaze still almostboring a hole through Tabitha."Of course, I assume you do have proof that you're the true princess?"The countess lifted an. She was back in the same room and would be back to work early tomorrow morning. There wasn't much to say that we hadn't said yesterday, but I was happy to see her face and touch my finger to the screen where her lips were.I returned to work the next day and resumed my conventional career. It seemed so ordinary when I thought of what Nicole might be involved in. But then, my career was safe. I wasn't totally sure about hers. I did some research on eco-terrorism and quickly learned that is was. But then out ongues danced a wild dance together ....This surprise kiss went on for a few minutes, then we got in the car and chatted about the oncoming tournament as if nothing had happened. I admit I had a bad conscience, because Steve had become a real friend.As soon as the tournament started, it grew sweltering hot! I met a lot of new people, we had a lot of fun, I played some really good games – I think everybody had a real good time! After a hard week it was goodbye again, but I was. Dad started to make himself a drink, asking me if I wanted anything. I asked for one of those Collins drinks he sometimes made for Mama. He fixed me a drink without commenting on my being too young for drinking, not pausing at any point in his account, detailing the different ways this new company could be fitted and shaped to improve operating profits for each of the other three.Already, in his mind, he'd worked out complicated marketing strategies, and was able to tell me where savings could.