I closed the book in surrender and held it out to her. "Why don't you just take it now? I've got a copy of 'Special Delivery' I've been looking forwar... to. I can wait to finish 'Conspiracy' until you are done."Melissa smiled brightly and laughed as she took the book from my hand. "Seriously? You read Danielle Steel? You've got to be kidding!"The previous awkwardness gone, I grinned and softly laughed. "Does that really surprise you? She really does write some very steamy prose, you. With my financial resources, I could well afford the funds; but I also wanted to do well with my educational opportunities and keep up my martial arts and other interests. I also had to think seriously about the kind of career I wanted in this new existence and bear in mind that it seemed to me that for most swimmers they peaked early but had shorter adult careers than many other sportsmen. There were exceptions and perhaps other careers would lesson in importance if funds and prizes for. From those three women, I received a hug, and a peck on the cheek for thanks, though I felt Gina's tongue on my cheek, before she pulled away with an impish grin.My gift to mom was always a tradition, a card with a note inside. "To mom, who has always been there for me, whenever I've needed her. 1 Date to any restaurant of your choice, tomorrow night, the 26th of December." This year, I added one more line, "May the night fill you with new memories, new hopes, and start a brighter future."Mom. “Fuck!” I tried to quickly hide what I’d been doing and turning towards the door ready to confront Mollie. “If he’s with her I don’t know what I’ll do” flashed through my mind as I realised I could hear 2 voices, 2 people coming inside.“Oh My God! He’s home already!” I thought I heard a gasp of shocked surprise accompany this outburst but then Mollie came rushing in to the room. “Oh Honey, sorry I wasn’t home when you got here!” and she threw herself at me. Her arms flew around my neck and her.