I asked Heather to brew us up a big pot of coffee (hers was nearly as good as Moms) and I filled them both in on my experiences with Madelyne since Th...nksgiving, which to say the least provoked enormous amusement, mostly at my expense. Mom, who is extremely tender hearted and can never bear to speak ill of anyone, just shake her head and muttered, ‘What a sad life that young lady must have. Are you sure you can’t help her?’ I tried but couldn’t think of any suitable reply so I just sadly. Lissa took no chances that I would tire easily. She was building endurance. I was finding some release in sketching, but had been too tired to go back to the studio to paint. My entire focus was on my game. In addition to the hours on the court, I pumped weights first thing in the morning and three times a week I ran with Coach Frederickson. Twice I had Pilates sessions. I sank gratefully into a hot tub each evening, following a topnotch massage from Bree. I was eating more than I ever had, but. I can take care of everything I need to do in a couple hours a day right now. I have to do that late in the evening or at night though, because the old man made me start helping on the trash route again. Hell, I have pallets coming out my ears so I sure don't need to pick up or build any more. Sure wish I could sell more now.''Well, why can't you? Have you checked with some of the other businesses around to see if they need pallets? Darn Kyle, finding them like you do in the dumpsters you could. ” He said solemnly. “Can’t do what?” Nikki replied, “You can’t look at a woman? When was the last time you had sex?” Tony didn’t want to answer that question. It was embarrassing, he knew. “It’s been a while.” He lied. Nikki sensed that there was something strange about his behavior. The intensity with which he had looked at her – even if only for a second - was that of a hungry man who felt that he didn’t deserve dinner. He hadn’t even noticed that what she was wearing belonged to him. Her.