. I very much wanted to add a tiny blue dot under the head.Heather looked down at her dress, once again a mess.“Ugh. The sand, my eternal penance.....” she grumbled.I laughed as I pulled her into a tight hug, wrapping my coat around her again.Somehow, everything is going to be all right.“I don’t know if I can go inside,” I said, as Heather started opening her front door.“Why not?”“If your folks are there. I mean ... I don’t want to act strange around them.” I swallowed. “Then again, I feel dumb. I know that. But, maybe, in Spring you come back? Ride bicycle for me? Maybe I no good boss, but I like you. You good girl and good worker. So you come back?"Kim responded by doing something she never imagined she would want to do. She promised Victor Dukov she would work a second summer with his courier service. Victor threw a small party the afternoon of her last day. He drank some wine with his workers and became quite cheerful. Kim thought to herself, maybe this guy isn't so bad after all,. "Mom, come in and meet a friend and fellow charter operator. Ernie, this is my mother, Sarah Seaton. Mom, meet Ernie Tillman."I'm not sure if Ardele noticed or not, but I did. Ernie's eyes locked onto my mother and she seemed to mesmerise him before he gathered his wits and took her hand gently in greeting."Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Seaton." Please, it's Sarah," she said, and I could almost swear she blushed.Now my mother had been around Tom Thompson for several months and both Del and I had. Her hair was up in an elaborate chignon, displaying a long and shapely neck. The outfit was topped off with high heels. She looked incredible, and Brian told her so repeatedly. He showed her to the car, and set off towards Manchester. Although she asked several times, he refused to say where they were going. She was already very excited at the thought of spending the night with him, and the suspense and anticipation combined to drive her to the edge. By nine, they were parked up and checked in.