Of the girls, Sally arrived first with Lon and was introduced around to everyone she didn't know. Rick and Teela arrived on the dot at four and Teela ...ot the same round of introductions -- all very formal and friendly. When everyone was settled around Jean's coffee table with coffee or a soda in their hands, Jean and Candace exchanged glances and Candace waved to Jean to start. "Okay," Jean began, "We're all here -- and that puts the two of you at a distinct advantage over us, I'm afraid...". "ThenI'll shag you silly later." Oh, ok," said Paula. "Had anything to eat yet?" Not yet. You offering?" asked Kelly."I got some money off mom for such a purpose. Unless you're buying foryourself?" Oh, ok. Where are planning on going?" asked Kelly."Just the chippy," said Paula."Ok. I'll come," said Kelly.They headed off to the chippy hand in hand. Upon arriving, Paulaordered mini fish and chips twice. They then sat on a bench outside andate their lunch."So, if you haven't bought them for me,. Mom seemed to enjoy the moment. She came over and sat back down. “Well, Charles—I guess I’m trying out after all.”“Great Mom, we can audition together,” I said excited about this. She’d never talked about herself from back when she was a young girl, even though she’s been taking me to these tryouts for a while.They called my name, “Charles Sladek?”I got up. “Break a leg, honey,” Mom said.“Aren’t you coming to read with me?” I said, turning to her.“Oh, yes—sorry,” she said grabbing her purse.We. I looked around and couldn't find her. Where had she gone? The Stick had sent me back the dice. I rolled four or five more times, I can't remember nor did I really care. At this point I just wanted to get out of there and see if I could find her, again. "Seven Out" was the call. The players all clapped, "good roll" I heard from a few. I gathered up all my chips and passed them to the dealer to color out. Three Pink and Four Black... were given back to me. Not a bad hour of playing. I.