It was a typical convention hotel with conference rooms named after California missions and a large ballroom where we would meet for the first night�...s dinner and my keynote. The desk clerk didn’t even ask what kind of room we wanted when we said we were sharing a room. We got to it to find a decadent suite with one huge bed. I guess they call them California Kings. I certainly wasn’t going to complain. We had just enough time to shower, apply makeup, and head to the opening ceremonies.I’d been. I hope nothing is wrong with either of them…”Oh, I don’t think so. They both seemed healthy when I saw them this week.” I had to smile at the double meaning. I didn’t know what Esther was up to, but she had kept her promise. We chatted through dinner about my meetings and Sharon filled me in on her week. We had finished cleaning up the kitchen and as we walked out Sharon turned to me.“I’m going to shower, want to join me?” She giggled and trotted down the hallway. Another of our ‘rituals’ after. The Frenchman offered his arm to Janna but she seemed not to see it. The six of us walked along to a large vehicle where we were waved inside politely. We rode in a moderately quiet, smooth ride. The vehicles of this place were behind my universe in vehicles. After ten minutes, we arrived at a large building. We exited and entered the building. I noticed that it had air conditioning though it wasn’t doing much more than keeping up. We entered a large room with a large round table. The three of. "I fancy a sherry, anyone else?" Denise asked. Everyone answered, "Yes, please," so Stan poured five glasses of sherry and handed them out. Anne poured some nuts into a bowl, and all were soon sipping sherry and nibbling on the pre-lunch appetisers."Presents!" cried Denise. "Let's give Elizabeth and James their presents!" How did I manage to hook up with a pair of pre-teens?" asked Stan of no one in particular. Denise grinned at him, but Anne told him "You're a fine one to talk. The way you.