I know you well Mariese and I know that you are always on the best terms with everybody. Never saying a single harsh word, kindly speaking to Todd. Bu... I know more. I know you are interested in him."All she said was, "Yes."He took a far more serious tone. "Well, violating a young girl's privacy is never quite right, is it. Especially for an early bloomer like yourself." She blushed. "I'll see what I have in the back."It was only a few seconds before he came out; carrying a strange red, blue. She’ll decide, one way or the other, and she’ll end up at UIC if she’s not interested in having sex with me for the next eight years or so.”“Wait!” Kara gasped. “You planned it this way from the start!”“Perhaps,” I grinned.“Which is why you’re keeping a bit of distance.”“Yes. She has to be comfortable with the concept before she can be comfortable with me. And that means totally comfortable with you and Jessica, AND she has to have a good understanding of how our family works. Once that’s done,. But Cat has her own gift to give.]"Happy birthday, Cat!"The petite girl jumped in surprise, hands muffling the squeal she let out. She bounced excitedly, wide eyes roaming over the streamer-strewn, brightly decorated room. "You guys!"She rushed forward, arms outstretched, hugging her group of friends tightly as they responded with just as much enthusiasm. All except Robbie, who was sort of stiff and uncomfortable, as he was in most situations. But Rex's tight, wooden embrace more than made up. Neatly written rows of numbers flowed over the unlined pages. Dates, times, and what appeared to be counts of the goods that surrounded her. A little further on were what appeared to be recipes. A stained red ribbon stuck out halfway through. Grasping it, she gently turned to the marked page. The numbers were gone and there were images of ropes. Illustrations of different types of ropes and knots. Each one more intricate than the last. Like a sailor had started to record all the different tying.