“You know, it sort of lacks something.”“I can tell ya what’s lacking if you want me to,” I replied.“Boobs,” Ben answered.“You pretty m...ch got it on the first try,” I said, still chuckling. “Shit. That was hilarious.”“You should thank your lucky stars I wasn’t bent over to give you a butt shot,” Ben told me.“I will be sure to say that to the appropriate deity tonight,” I answered.“On a serious note, do you need somebody to stick around to help you out?” he wondered.“Nope,” I said. “I’m. .. roommates for awhile... as a matter of fact, since college? Man, you've got to get your head together, Julie. That's what I'm concerned about. You're welcome to stay here as long as you want. Move in, if you wish. But it's that crazy head of yours that concerns me..." She playfully rapped her knuckles on Julie's head.Julie gave a faint chuckle, the first expression in two days and lifted her head to stare into her friend's eyes to see the honesty and concern harbored there. "You've been. "Sir?"I turned back around. "Yes, Nina?"There was a moment of silence, while she looked up at me from her bed, mulling over whatever she was going to say. Finally, her courage failed her. "Never mind, sir. It's nothing." Good night, then," and I turned and walked out of her room.... FUCK. I had misplayed my hand. I was so sure I held all the cards and could push wherever and whenever I wanted. I knew there was still a chance that she'd come back or be forced back with nowhere else to turn.. .”“I know damned well what I’m saying!” she exclaimed as she pulled away from his embrace. “You, Donald Whitfield, are my life. That’s the long and short of it. And there’s nothing either you or I can do about it, either. It’s just the way it is.”At that instant Susie materialized, wearing a beautiful green chiffon cocktail dress. Instantly she went to Marion, wrapped her arms around the girl’s neck, and said, “Darling, you understand! I didn’t think anyone alive did. I know Steve certainly.