But everything happens for a reason, Darren.” Sandee placed her hand on his shoulder and stepped up to kiss his cheek, “Everything will work out l...ke it’s supposed to.”“I got a new job, so since my schedule is better, I plan on coming by more often,” Sandee explained.“Great,” He replied, attempting another weak smile. “Do you like it?”“Well it’s a job where I get to keep my clothes on, so that’s always a plus!”“Yeah I can imagine it would be,” Darren smiled again, and then glanced to his mother. ———— December 27 I fixed us a simple dinner of peppercorn-crusted steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus with almonds. And then, when everything was ready and the candles were lit I brought out a bottle of Cline Zinfandel. Monique’s eyes went wide. ‘That’s my favorite!’ she gasped, and that’s when I knew that my Christmas wish had come from her. She confessed during dinner. It was a beautiful evening. I had set up the table out on the terrace and the sun had just sunk into the. ? He tookhis eyes off me and looked over at the woman, ?Let?s go, we?ll be latefor our reservation.? He stated as he walked out the door grabbing aoat and keys. Neither of them said goodbye, and simply closed the doorand locked it.I moved over to the kitchen, standing at the sink and staring outthrough the window there to the back porch and pool. Something didn?tfeel right, they made me feel like a stranger in this house, when thisis my supposed residence. I couldn?t help but shake the feeling. "Suddenly Chet's mouth formed an "O" and he said, "You're a lawyer, aren't you? A partner in a law firm?"When she nodded her head once he slowly shook his head and said, "My dad is on the Board of Trustees of USC's law school. I remember him talking about the greatest graduates in the history of the school: twin sisters from Vietnam. Marie, you're one of them, aren't you?" Yes, I am, Chet," she replied without a giggle this time, "but I truly hope you'll keep our secret. In case it's not very.