After returning home with his father, mother, and younger brother, the four sang Christmas carols, finished trimming the tree, and sat down to an enco...e performance of "Miracle on 34th Street." After the movie ended, Jeff said his goodnights and ran up to his bedroom where he would put on the ointment. To be honest, he was skeptical, but anything was worth an attempt, even if it would clear his face just a little. He had been disappointed so many times before by false promises made. It was. Then he heard the key in the door, and when he turned around the door opened and Rita came in."Charlie honey." Hello kitten."She slipped her coat off and smiled at him. She wore red lipstick, a necklace of black beads, a red dress with a pleated skirt and red shoes with high heels. She was a dark-haired girl with a big bust and long legs, just his type. Nancy had no bust at all, but Nancy was his wife and he didn't mind it. Rita was something else.She came over to him now and she leaned forward. She wished badly to sit, but even if she let her hands go all the way up to her shoulders the collar would strangle her. Maybe that would be a mercy. She let her knees buckle, and eased her weight onto her neck, feeling the breath come to a halt. She had to fight her instincts to let it happen. Her feet slid to the side as her body dangled. At least this way she could deny them the chance to judge her. Suddenly she scrambled, tenuously standing again on weakened legs. She wasn't brave enough to. I can't get it moved until tomorrow at the earliest." Would you play today if you had the connection?" I would." How about you and Piper joining us for dinner, and afterwards you can play using my connection? Gladys will play mother with Piper while you play hold 'em and I watch."Agnes would probably appreciate the evening off, I thought. Then I remembered that Sunday was her day off anyway. "Okay, what time?" Six o'clock." We'll be there. Gotta go, Orville. I've got I lot of calls to return..