She agreed with a smile. Next morning I went shopping and brought a few saris, some colored bangles, silver anklets, a gold chain, maroon sticker bind...s and kajal, and went and picked her up. Shanthi stayed back as she had to deliver milk to the regular customers, and her grandmother had come to keep her company. We traveled to Nashik, halting along the way for tea and food, and reached Nashik around 4 pm. I checked into a good hotel on Mumbai Nashik Highway and got a good A/C room. We asked. Now, of course, that I'vedone it, it is all I can think about!"We chatted for quite awhile. Gary wondered how long I would be servingat the party that night. When I told him I really had no idea, hesounded disappointed."Did you want to see me tonight, Gary?" I asked coyly masking the urgenthope he would say yes."Actually I was hoping we could meet after you finished your job. Iknow you'll be in uniform but I'll bet you're just as sexy in a maid'sdress as you were last night." I would love to. .it's just too complicated. It's over--that part of our lives,between your mother and I, it's over for both of us." How do you know what's over for her?"Marcia felt a catch in her chest, as if something long-suppressed hadbeen about to escape, as if it had stopped dead in its tracks just intime, and now crouched there trembling in horror that it had almostrevealed itself."I don't know. I guess you're right. I have no idea what she thinksanymore. What I do know is that I care about you. And I'm. Having no idea who would be calling at midnight, I answered with puzzlement. After my "Hello," I heard "Hello, Mr. Dobron - this is Amanda at the Front Desk. I'm just calling to see if everything is o.k. in your room." I stuttered a fragmented "Yes - everything is just fine."Amanda then asked if I'd started what I announced at the Front Desk, and I said "Just!" Amanda laughed a bit, then said "It's really boring down here - all my work is done! Can I talk while you do your thing?" I replied.