2:30 p.m. I'd arrived at work a few minutes late, but no one seemed to notice. Throughout the morning I was bombarded with "Happy Birthday Sloane" fr...m my unusually vibrant co-workers. I think it had something to do with my outfit. They'd never seen me wear anything like this before and were probably somewhat taken aback. I said my thanks to each of them, and quietly went back to work. I was flattered, but since I got into work that morning all that was on my mind was leaving. I didn't have. The scars on her left cheek and the right side of her forehead seemed to accentuate her character. Their length and probable depth would have been an unpleasant distraction for a lesser woman. Like the rest of Bess, they fascinated. I touched them. I kissed them."Thank you noble knight," she said."You're American!" I said."Were you hoping for someone more exotic my liege?" Are you kidding? Your voice is a salve for my lonely ear." She began disrobing. "Um, couldn't we talk awhile?" That costs. She slowed, let him catch up, then stood aside and let Secord open the door for her! ‘Holy Crap!’ he said to himself as she passed, ‘this sure as hell wasn’t a Birkenstock wearing, hairy legged rug muncher!’ Now he just had to find out who this dame was! Cocktails were being served in a large lanai off the house’s grand reception hall, and Secord found himself a decent scotch and water and walked over to a buffet table where an array of cheese and fruit lay artfully arranged. He picked up a. ’ Tom chuckled, remembering Ed’s fishing skills. ‘It’s a short, wonderful, walk to the clearest expanse of blue water you have ever seen!’ In his mind’s eye, Tom pictured it. ‘But what about the trip up, Ed?’ ‘Well, we found it a bit rough…but honestly, Marion and I have never been happier. We’re both so glad that we made it.’ ‘When can we expect you?’ ‘I’ll talk to Gracie again, and get back with you.’ ‘Okie doke Tom, Marion and I will make all the arrangements. Talk to you tomorrow?’ ‘Until.