”“No. Her and her boyfriend went into the city for the evening. She’s probably going to be there tonight too.”“That’s a shame. I really...wanted to see her. Do you mind if I hang around? My husband went out with friends tonight. Do you have plans? Do you mind if I hang around?”“I’m not doing anything. You can hang out here. Would you like some wine?”“That sounds amazing.”Ashley went to pour Mrs. Ponzo some wine. She was already a bit tipsy and wondered what she really wanted. Several. She wants to see your face the whole time. She wants you to see her face the whole time. No matter what happens. Is that clear? No looking back. No changing your position."I wait a moment for my words to sink in. They are now each looking up at their wives. The position is awkward, so they now look a little mournful. The studs behind them are grinning. I nod at them, and they advance on our husbands, bend over behind them, and then at a signal from the one on the left they place their hands on. “Yes, yes, I see it up there. Get these fucking vines away.” The men yanked and ripped, hitching chains to the trunks and pulling with the plough machine. With a thunderous crack, the grand tangle of limbs came crashing down. Ashen-grey granite, etched with the remnants of vine tendrils, towered mightily over the forest floor. “Well, I’ll be goddamned,” Fineus murmured. A smile squeezed his cheekbones into plump balls like he had acorns tucked under each eye. He took a deep breath. “You men. He looked down at it. She went on to add “I promise you that too. I won’t expect anything more either.” He felt warm. He got very, very curious about this now as he listened intently. He waited for her to say it. He looked down at the hand again and yes, it was still over his hand. She said it in a softer, sweeter, and even gentler tone of voice. “I need one minor thing from you Spencer.” Spencer really liked how she sounded. “Now, this is at your discretion of course but what I want is this.”.