Until some of the memories dimmed and she could see them in perspective again. And she wasn't prepared to face school yet, not even Mark.Her nostalgia...broke when she heard Jenny approaching the door, and she hurriedly gulped down the last traces of food remaining on the plate.During the long ride to Brookdale, Thea seemed subdued and pensive, offering little in the way of conversation, except that the rest at Brookdale was what she needed until she felt strong enough to go back to school again.. ”“No, maybe you’ll accompany me. And make me proud. And make them jealous. And come home and screw my brains out.”I whined, “Do I have too?” She always loved it when I did that.Jamie kissed me and I got out of my comfy chair and followed her to our bedroom to get dressed for the party.Jamie’s boss held the party at his house every year. I think he just liked to show it off. And maybe he like to show everyone that he was just so much above them. It was a huge place, with a formal dining room and. Alex cycled through to some smooth jazz. The song was S’Wonderful by Diana Krall. We still play that song from time to time whenever we do something like this.Alex sat down next to me and put his arm over my shoulder. It was the first time he’d done that in six months. His touch sent electrifying shivers down my spine, making my toes curl up within my socks. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time, Jessie. Let’s make it last,” he whispered in my ear. Naturally, I am happy to. Lenore picked out four science-fiction or fantasy books. "I don't think he's read these. These two are series he was reading before he left for the Army."Sandy smiled and nodded, then schooled her features into her calm mask. Lenore shook her head, muttering, "How do you do that?" but didn't make any overt comment.Lenore boggled at the menu choices for sandwiches at the sub shop they'd found. "Hummus and arugula, organic tomato pesto mayonnaise, organic salsa cruda, and free-range chicken.