“So, you don’t see him as family, even though he spends all his time looking after you – not just protecting you?”Valeria hesitated as she pon...ered his question. “You’re right. He does more than protect me ... but Grandfather does pay him.”“Like Jessica pays you...”“That’s different...”“Is it?”He let that sink in for a few moments. “How many years has Ramón been taking care of you and your grandfather?”Valeria considered his question. “I remember Ramón coming to our home when I was probably ten. I could not help but tease, “I guess we better not tell Emily about this?”Beth laughed, “Fuck Emily. I’m done with her bullshit. Besides, I think I just might like boys better. Now kiss me and let me up so I can go pee.”After taking turns using the facilities and getting dressed, Beth took out her cell phone as we headed downstairs. She surprised me at how unconcerned she sounded when she called her mother, “Hey Mom, I stayed over at Steve’s. Can you come get me? Okay, see ya.”“I can take you. She loved to see men’s faces follow roam over her still bouncy and full chest. She dipped her eyes to her magazine, but watched as the man licked his lips and let his eyes roam over her long tan legs. She enjoyed the power she had over men. That power, however, was elusive with Al. While he would look at her with similar hunger, she always trembled under his gaze. She always sighed and wished to be devoured. She thought about getting up and strolling for a distraction, but walking the shore. I looked into Joe's eyes; I'm sure he could see the panic and fear."Set that up for early next week."He got up out of his chair."I assume I'll see you both tomorrow morning in the gym," and he left the room.MaryAnn leaned over and read the note."That scares you, doesn't it?" More than you could possibly know. In high school I had to give a speech in front of my English class. I was so bad that I'm sure they were all laughing at me." Let me look at that again. It doesn't say public speaking.