The low conversation between Oscar and Hebe in the front seats lulled me into a doze even before we got off the bridge, while Persephone tapped away a... her phone and Rick stared out the window. I slept almost all the way to the farm. I was sweating a little when I woke up. The Jeep's air-conditioning wasn't up to the challenge of Valley heat.As we got close to the farm entrance I caught sight of Harry standing a little ways back from the road in the orchard, close to his property line. He gave. And I knew that to clear your head and think about it, you’d go for a run. Now that you’re back, let me make this clear: Last night was the single greatest night of my life! Nothing happened that I haven’t been dreaming of and dying for. I meant it when I said that I love you, and that I’m in love with you, and last night was only the first night of what I hope is a long and happy life for us together. Now come back to bed!(But first, take a shower… you’re probably all stinky!)I love. We approached one of the lesser crowded tables with vegetarian finger food when a shout made me spin around. “Brittany Weston!” I cringed. “What, in the name of all that’s holy, is this supposed to mean?” I stared at my stepmom, who was stalking across the lawn like a fury, dressed in one of her overly flaky gowns, and rolled my eyes. “I didn’t think you’d come.” “You’d have know if you had answered your telephone, miss!” “Perhaps I didn’t answer it for a reason.” “Stop your juvenile act and. I smiled. Once more, I was surrounded by those who were born into wealth and lacked any appreciation for it. I’ll say this for Lucas, he was a graceful host. He introduced me to his diverse buddies. Jason Statesman, of the Football team. A big and tall, good-looking young black man. He was flanked by his girlfriend Ashley Joseph, a tall and slender, beautiful young black woman. I instantly recognized her. She was on the Women’s Basketball team as well as a freshman class officer. I didn’t know.