”“Are you going to come along?” I asked.“No, I don’t think so. I have a group presentation on Wednesday. If it was a relative, I could proba...ly get excused, but I didn’t know her that well. I’d go for Jorge’s sake, but without an excused absence, I don’t think I can.”“How are things with the two of you?” I asked.“We see each other every so often. I like him, but I just can’t tie myself down right now.”“You’re only twenty, and unlike me, in no rush to marry and have kids.”“That’s for DAMN sure!”. With a ‘pfft’ and flick of the hand the one that had been trying to persuade Lisa turned and walked away.She tugged on my arm and said, “Let’s go in.”Rachel was standing at the door talking to the other girl, who it turned out was the third housemate, Emma. Lisa led me to the door and we followed the other two inside.Rachel and Emma were like a pair of pre-teens, sitting on the edge of their chairs as they cross-examined me. This was a more intense questioning than when I had met Lisa’s family.. ”“It’s so good that you’re coming home. I think Katie is going to have her baby very soon. Mine is still a couple months away and then you have to wait for Sumi and then Danni. Let me run and tell everyone so that we all can be as excited as I am. See you soon, Brad.”Marsha told me there was an incoming call on the Sat phone. I did the cycle thing to bring up the next call and said. “This is Brad.”Forest’s voice said, “I’m still your friend, Brad, so I’m calling to warn you to read and check. ’ ‘Yes,’ said Judith with a smile. ‘It helps that one of my occasional lovers own the business.’ ‘Oh goodness, I didn’t mean to pry.’ ‘You’re not — I chose to share than information. Pru will not mind you knowing that. She’s a sweet and uncomplicated young woman, I’m the one in the family accused of not acting my age and being irresponsible.’ ‘Your roses are very pretty,’ hastened Chase, wishing to get back to neutral ground. ‘Yes,’ smiled Judith. ‘Look, you settle in and come and dine with me.