Alice, why don't you get our friend here his beer. And make sure his glass doesn't get empty until he leaves." "Right away, boss," she said smiling. S...e put her hand on his arm as she was leaving, "Thank you. Maria is a sweet girl and a dear friend. Thank you for stepping up," she smiled, and left to get his beer. The bartender shook Jimmy's hand, thanking him as well and then went back to his bar after making sure that Maria was all right one last time. "We can sit here if you like," Maria. "What about Grace? Does Grace know?" I asked.Mary sipped her tea. "No. Grace and Deanna haven't spoken to each other since the morning Deanna surprised all of us by showing up here for sunrise tai chi. Wasn't that morning sometime during the first week in October?" Yeah, I think so. I thought Grace and Deanna wanted to remain friends," I said.Mary gave me a look that let me know I was a certified imbecile. "That was just talk, Brent." I don't understand. If James isn't the father, who is? And. I'll have a word with Ray in the morning."Bridget waited until she and Eleanor were on their own. "Are you falling for Reg?" she asked gently."Oh, Mummy, I don't know. I've certainly come to like him very much. He talks to me a lot now, not just music but all sorts of things. He may be dyslexic but he's got a very good mind by my reckoning and, surprisingly for someone who's not well read, he's got a pretty extensive vocabulary. Face it though, Mummy, I've really only known him for ten days or. Two ears set of by the sparkle of diamond studs thattwinkled and hid when her honey blonde hair swayed across the sideof her face. Wherever Grace de Messembry had found her, she was atreasure well worth the capture. Janet led her to their table. Alice and Christine joined them therepulling their table across to make one big one. Drinks were got forthe newcomers, refreshed for those already in attendance. There wasan air of excitement. All eager to welcome Coralie. To expresstheir admiration of,.