”Missus Gaines said, “I’m sure it’s us. I don’t think anyone else important is here.” She grinned broadly.Claudette frowned mockingly. “...ou don’t get it yet. The big draw is to spend the entire day with my guy.” She turned toward me and gave my lips a kiss.Her parents just smiled. They gathered their things for the trip and we left in their SUV with her father driving. Her mother said, “Eric, don’t you want to sit in front?”Claudette immediately responded. “He’s going to sit in back with me so. "I'm ready," she said. "Who'll be chasing me?"McTeague waved toward Davis and Tom. "Great. A fat man and a cripple," Greta said, in a deliberately loud voice. "This should be easy." They won't go easy on you when they catch you," said McTeague. "Alright, start running."Greta had already decided on her course. With long, effortless strides, she ran northeast, toward a low hill that led to the forested northern half of the Ranch. When she reached the crest, she found herself looking down into the. Meredith was solicitous to Brock's injuries when he got home.She checked to make sure his ribs felt OK – despite the fact the trainers had done that in the locker room – and she asked about shoulder stiffness and range of motion for his arm."I'm fine," Brock said. "I'll be sore tomorrow but they checked to make sure nothing was damaged before I ever went out for the next inning."Meredith looked chagrined but she nodded."Hey, it's good to know you're looking out for me," Brock said, kissing her. Pull thisdown, touch it into place. This dress? Maybe this. I've always thoughtthis color... It's too late in the year for that. Hands in thick hair,gather, lift, sweep round. A clip, brief tugging of a strand or twothat makes you flinch. A tube in my hand, hers around, a waxy touch onlips, like this, one daub, another. Tissue to kiss. The mirror. xxxxIf she was impatient, in the days that followed, showing me around whatshe'd have understood to be my house, she didn't show it. Nor did sheseem.