”I nodded, “Yes. A bit of confrontation with the parents and firmness with the kids was all it took. They responded well to discipline, meted out ...n small measures.”“Very good. I saw your note that you’ll be in California starting tomorrow. You’ll be back on Friday evening?”“Yes. I’ll be in LA Tuesday and Wednesday, then fly to San Francisco on Wednesday evening. I’ll fly home on Friday evening. Why?”“Next Saturday I’ll award you a stripe. And Jolene as well.”I stood and bowed, “Thank you,. I had parked at an underground garage that locked up at 8 pm, so I could avoid the rush hour traffic and unwind at a popular bar across the street. I got a seat at the bar behind a group that was on their way out, so the seat next to me soon opened up.A woman in a business suit and short blonde hair took the stool next to me, and we struck up a pleasant conversation. We discovered to our amazement that we had some friends in common, and had both actually attended the same out-of-town wedding. Back when I was me, I loved Ice Cream, but now I really had no desire for it. On the other hand, all things carbohydrate were high up on my list of foods to hunt down. They were obviously easier to process or gave more bang for the buck. Either way I didn't mind at all.Since kids under 12 got to eat free with two paying adults, there were plenty of families. Some with really cute kids and some with kids just running wild. I was thinking Tazers and handcuffs, but only grinned at them.I finished. I love you." I love you too sissy. I love Dylan as well. I wish he would be nicer to us." Don't worry about him. I think he already feels bad." Sissy, can we set up cookies and milk for Santa tonight?"She smiled at him. "Of course we can. I'll set it up for you tonight. That way Santa can leave his presents for you."Bobby and Tiffany sat around the table eating and it was almost eight that night. Tiffany cleaned up the kitchen and saw that Dylan was in his room. She'd leave him alone and hoped.