"I felt my face burning, but I followed them in. She introduced us as'her cousins from Elmira', and the guys, the ones we'd hung around withfor years... didn't pick up on it. Dim light and loud music was our friend.I caught one of them, Jesse, staring at my tits. That gave me a bit of athrill. The beer was going to my head a bit, and I became more bold,flirting with them all. Judi was talking with Larry, the one we werealways jealous of because he was the lifeguard who had to fight off. "Aye, the crew looked to be all prime seamen, and them Yankees can sail well enough." The Western Star is an American vessel?" Jane asked.The Harbour Master spat over into the dock. "Aye, that she is, registered in New Orleans. Although I would say that most of her crew had learned their trade in 'the Andrew'."I looked from him to Jane. "The Andrew—?"Jane explained that it was a nickname for the Royal Navy, and that American ships had a high proportion of their crew who were discharged, or. " she said. A few days later, Aunt Ruth was in the kitchen fixing lunch when she called Bailee in to eat. "How is your schoolwork coming along?" Aunt Ruth asked, as she served up lunch. "Fine, I'm almost done. Then I'll get on my chores," Bailee said. "I talked to your mother today, and told her how you are doing. She seems pleased that you are doing better here." "Oh? How's Mom doing at home?" "She's fine. She misses you, of course." "And I miss her too." "Your mother and I talked about you. I know that it’s unlikely that I’ll ever meet a woman who hasn’t been hurt by some guy, but to freeze up over a ride in a car makes me wonder what other mistrust might burn me. At least I’ve been able to keep my distrust hidden while I learn whether she deserves it. ————————————————————————– Oh god, what have I done? I’ve blown it, I’ve blown it, I’ve blown it. It was just a fuckin’ ride in a fuckin’ car and now Karl knows what a fuckin’ victim I am. I had to stop myself from leaving.