He’s freaked out, and a freaked-out parent makes abrupt decisions. Sometimes those abrupt decisions aren’t in line with what we want as his kids. ...emember the dog walking idea?”What he was referring to had originally been Barbie’s idea. She wanted to start a dog walking service to make some money. She’d gotten two clients before one of the dogs she was walking snapped at a man’s leg. Granted, the man had kicked at the dog without provocation, but his complaint and threat to sue Bob had resulted. “Oh, of course.”“Good. As soon as I can get out of here, your first job is to drive Maizie and me back to Seattle. I’m not leaving my Mustang in Las Vegas. It’s like a bad joke.” She laughed, but nodded her head.“I can do that.”“We’ll see,” I answered. “I will pay you a decent wage—I’ll ask Lars what that is these days—teach you what I know, sponsor you for your license, and help you defend your thesis before Lars. I won’t do your work for you, give you advances on your salary, or listen to. "Hey, you know what would be cool? If you came over with me and said 'hi'. She'd totally flip. You'd be the talk of the teacher lounge for the next week. She loves your book, you know." Does she now?" Will smiled. "Well, let's go and say hello, then."They walked over to where Erica's teacher was picking through the broccoli beef. The woman glanced sideways when they stepped next to her, and a smile spread across her face when she saw Erica."Well, hello there," she said. "I've never seen you in. "I did call him after work, and was surprised that he answered on the first ring ... he said he was happy I called."What are you doing now?" he asked, and before I could answer he asked if I wanted to meet for a drink or coffee if you like. I told him a drink would be fine, actually after the day I had a drink would be what I needed.Paul was already at the bar when I got there ... sitting at the end of the bar. Anthony, what would you like ... a scotch on the rocks. After putting away 3 drinks,.