’ Ryan nodded. ‘It was just annoying. Even a little embarrassing. I bet if one of Brody’s siblings said something like that, their parents would...throw a party.’ ‘Well, that’s why we have Mitch’s mom.’ Lara grinned. ‘She’ll throw us a party and we’ll have all kinds of fun.’ ‘Yeah, we will.’ Ryan forced a smile. ‘Speaking of moms, I’m headed over to see mine now. Do you want to come? Female bonding time and all that?’ ‘No, thanks. I’m not good company right now, I don’t think.’ ‘Okay. Call me if. Naomi hung up, broke down her phone, retrieved her bag from the cashier, slipped on her old clothes in the changing room, placed her phone and new clothes in the sack, and headed back to the farm.-----Jacob had almost ruined her plans that day, but Naomi kept her composure and sent him on his way. Naomi’s pace quickened almost to a jog.She reached the store and ran for the changing room. She changed into her outsider’s uniform, assembled and charged up the phone, and called Ruby.It seemed. Danielle smoothed her skirt under her and took a seat."How much do I owe you?" she asked rummaging in her handbag."Nothing. Please allow me the privilege of paying for you Madame."Hans tried to close her handbag.They struggled a little and Danielle snatched the handbag and ripped itfrom his grasp; Hans' hands fell into her lap, one of them resting onher thigh just below the hem of her skirt.They both looked down at it."Sorry but you snatched your handbag away," Hans whispered but didn'tmove. I could tell that she half-believed me. "Well, you'd better not let your father see that thing. It's going to behard enough trying to explain away your earrings."My earrings? I considered reminding her that the ear thing had been allher idea, but I simply replied, "Yes Mom. May I go now? I really need thebathroom!" I implored. "Go ahead. Put that 'thing' away and get washed up for dinner. We'll beeating as soon as your father gets back. By the way, he's not going to bein a good mood as he's out.