‘So far, I’ve only seen a dress rehearsal,’ I responded. ‘When does the main show start?’ ‘Sometime soon, but it only ends when the fat la...y sings,’ Cindy cut in. ‘La la la,’ Venus chanted flatly. ‘Oops, that’s just another rehearsal.’ The flames rose higher. All three girls clustered around, holding their hands out to absorb heat. ‘You girls have cups? I’m boiling water for hot chocolate. By the way, my name’s Ron.’ ‘Oooh, cocoa, I love it,’ the blonde said. ‘I’m Cindy, that tall girl is. I picked a pair up off the pile."Why are you getting rid of my jeans?" I asked her."They don't look good on you. You should get more like the kind yourwearing. We can go out tomorrow or sometime next weekend and buy you somenew ones. And those shirts are tacky and old. I don't think you shouldkeep them. But, if you want them, then take them," she said, daring me totake things off her throw out pile."Whatever you think is best," I said, relenting to her will.Within a few hours we had my whole. I always thought Amy was naturally submissive, but I just couldn’t break through.” “Wow…didn’t think it would turn out this way. Maybe I should open up a practice!” Sam laughed and continued, “Anyway, I hope we can be good friends. Amy says I could learn a lot about our new life from you.” Mathew got an idea. “I’ve been thinking about a little get away for awhile now. What do you think of this idea?……” __________________ CHAPTER TWELVE The following Tuesday, Mathew was finishing going through. There, illuminated by the bleak window, sits a bright yellow cart on wheels. The characteristic wooden mop jutting out at an angle. All that’s missing is the blue and white. I smile to myself. He’s begun. He’ll make his way over to my office eventually. The morning drags on as usual. I look forward to every coffee break, every mundane conversation with Linda or Soo-Yung or Tina or whats-her-face, who seem to believe that musicians and buskers are the hottest men alive. Except for Soo-Young,.