As I’m reading emails, I notice Joey standing at my door. I asked him if I could help him. He said he was just getting the lay of the land, location...of the different departments etc ... He said a group of people from the various departments were getting together for a mixer after work and wanted to invite me. I knew that Robbie wouldn’t be home til after midnight so I thought why not. I knew most everyone that would be there. It was at The Bistro, an upscale bar and grill. When I arrived, I saw. She didn't think she could bear that. But what choice did she have? Still mulling the situation over, she followed him to his restaurant. Apparently he ate every meal there except for breakfast.She found a pillow on her seat when they arrived at the restaurant. Once again, she was struck by the dichotomy. He alternated between cruel task master and caring boss.During dinner he quizzed her on her impressions of the meeting, never once referring to her mistake. He asked probing questions until. I wish I could be there, Tory. I’d love to see you again. I’ll be back on Wednesday afternoon. Can you stay?’ she asked. It almost sounded as if she was pleading. ‘No … sorry … I can’t. I’m getting ready to start my new business in the New Year and I’ve got lots to do. Sorry,’ I trailed off. ‘Yeah … me too. Maybe next time,’ she said in a hopeful tone. ‘Yeah … maybe next time.’ I held no expectation that it would ever happen. I did my duty and kept my promise to Molly by calling her. I didn’t. It was late April and the first Alpine flowers had begun poking the heads above the thinning snow layer when Alexis and I had made a trip back to the ranch and it was during the trip that Alexis proposed to me.We had been sitting quietly together on a high overlook above a valley whose scenery was inspirational. I spoke in a low voice describing the history of the area with the mountain men and the Indian tribes and how the tribes considered this valley scared because of its beauty, today still.