She was very troubled and carried many scars from hers. We ironically met in a famous bookstore known to all. I would go in after work and drink coffe... and read some of the best sellers. She would always be sitting there when I arrived and somehow managed to always sit near me. We struck up a few short conversations and then before you knew it, we were sitting at the same table. I work as a counselor for these types of marriages. She must have felt comfortable enough with me to be asking if the. " "I have ten loads coming tomorrow," she informed. "Do you need me to get some more help down here?" "No ma'am. I can handle it." "Well, I'll be here to help you." I knew she was and she was handier than half the kids my uncle would bring in. "I know things got a little tight this year aunt Mandy, with uncle john being gone and all. I don't want you to spend the extra money," I said as I washed my hands. "Business is good. I'll be ok." "I know, but your you'll have to hire a hand after the. You are going to have to get over yourtendency to fold your arms over your breasts. If the guys arepaying, they will most definitely want to see the goods."Jessica, you were the unfortunate soul in the wrong place at thewrong time. You have a bone to pick with these womanizing idiots.But before I feel too sorry for you, I will point out that youwere dating one and hung out here. You will be working a normaljob as a construction contractor. You will have the run of thishouse when you come home. Being well versed in the art of social conviviality, I shortstopped the impending business discussion with what, in the higher corporate circles, is called an ice breaker.“Ms. Sloane, I’m thinking of having my shirts monogramed. Spiffy, no?”“No.”“Huh?”What’s wrong with Bertram Owen Osgood Brewster?She handed me a pen, “Write the monogram out, Birdie.”Done. I gave it the double-o, and it took but a mo, “Oh.”“Birdie, Ms. Lane asked me to bring you up to speed on Gibraltar Soup.”Huh? I’d been.