Thank goodness you did, because what this old man was selling would soon change your life. You looked over his stock, not remembering much beyond odd ...rinkets--rabbit's feet, tiger claws, etc."You look interested... If not, I know you will be. I have something perfect for you."He held to you a silver necklace with a ruby pendant. It was beautifully made."Why would I want that?" you asked."This is a powerful object. It allows the wearer to achieve things far beyond any mortal man. If you grasp. Apparently, he was still her choice.When he went back to Urbana First, he was glad he hadn’t brought her. People did recognize him, and he must have been asked why he’d been gone so long a dozen times.“Well, you know I’m a student. I still belong up north. First, I had exams, and was cramming night and day. Then I went home for the Christmas break. Sorry! I should have said something. Marilyn was off for the Christmas break, too. And, earlier, when I didn’t come, she had no way of getting here.. I'll ignore you just like I do Mom."Mr. Lawton chuckled. "You shouldn't be looking for the girl. You should be dating for fun. That's what college is for." It seems kind of pointless. Like just dating to get laid. One of the girls I dated told me how important a family was. I want to have that." Did you plan to marry her?" No sir." So maybe just dating can teach you things you need to know. Just don't lie or get a girl drunk to get in her pants." I won't Dad." They won't admit it, but women. It had been years since I had a date, even if it was just coffee.I told Toby about my phone call and he was a bit “thing” about it. I guess he was thinking that he was his boss. But he said I should go because I was stuck at home all day. I guess he had never realised that his friend was keeping me busy. His friend. “How was he going to take it” I wondered. Damn, how was I going to take it? My daily dalliance with Trevor had become so delightful. Still it was only a one-off and I still had time.