She had tossed and turned all night before finally, fitfully dozing off hours after she had gone to bed. When her alarm had woke her up she almost fel... more tired than she had before she went to bed. She had a long day ahead of her, and lacked the energy that she really needed to get through it.Nevertheless, she had work to do. She got up, showered, and got ready to go to the office. Her mind was on edge, her body and spirit were exhausted, and she still lived under the constant cloud of. “Rosseena! ... How are things panning out where you are? ... I’m sure you’ll be more than ready to claim some of the male stock, freshly trained from the Atalanta...” Rosseena gave a warm and wry smile, peeking furtively across a her shoulder toward the entrance of her habitation, to ensure no prying visitors were present, before responding.“My contacts there have prepared me for the big day ... and I’ll reveal all to the women here when the time is right...” The smile of her eyes was then. Now I was releasing something more from my brushes than my carefully schooled art.The doorbell had rung half a dozen times before it finally soaked in and I left the studio to go to the front door. I was shocked to realize it was dark outside. Rita stood at the door."Rita! Come in! I didn't expect you tonight—not that that matters. You know you are always welcome." Thanks Doc. You're covered with paint," she said reaching up to kiss me."I was in the studio. I should clean up. I'll be right out. “Would you like to do something?” he asked anxiously when we met him after the event.“Don’t you have things to do and people to see?” I asked. “I thought we’d meet your parents.”“Um ... my parents live in California. They saw me graduate with my BA and couldn’t manage the trip out here for this.”“Bruce! That’s terrible!” Lily said, grabbing his arm. I shifted Emily to my other side and grabbed the other arm.“We have to celebrate,” I said. “But I have to take peewee home to nurse and go.