"Evan's been back in town for three weeks and they're moving in together! How do you think Mom would react if I told her that you and I were getting a...place of our own? She'd go crazy - first with anger that I was doing it without talking to her about it and then with worry that things wouldn't work out between us. It's no different! She's rushing headlong into something, praying that it works out the way she wants. That's not Mom. And I can't say anything without everyone turning it around on. It always started the same way, with Stella telling her about this or that boy whom she had met recently. Then she'd go on about how nice he would look with Jackie, and how fantastic young men could make you feel. Recently -- especially since her father had left them -- Jackie's mother would even hint about sex, and intercourse! It made the poor teenager wince!Stella sensed her daughter's reluctance to discuss the handsome young dog breeder, but she was determined to have her say anyway. Now. With some trepidation, i rejoin the party a little lighter in the wardrobe area.Meanwhile, Jake and Steve are congratulating Julie on bringing Cheryl. It seems that Julie maintains inner circle status at the frat by bringing fresh meat to the party. Julie let them know that Cheryl has a strong buzz and that Julie thought she'd be good to go. Jake asked if there were any limits but Julie said she thought Cheryl might be up for some public exposure and use.I arrive back as if I'm interrupting. "Nicole looked at me. "Didn't you tell Grace about the clothing allowance that came with her job?"I grinned. "I guess it slipped my mind."Nicole shook her head with disgust. "Men!" She took Grace's hand in hers. "Grace, it wouldn't be fair for us to insist that you wear expensive clothes for some of the functions you'll attend with us or on our behalf unless we provided a means for you to buy the clothes." She grinned. "Besides, we'll have fun. I hear shopping on Rodeo Drive is a treat." There.